diff --git "a/Archery/archery-its_theory_and_practice_1859.md" "b/Archery/archery-its_theory_and_practice_1859.md" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/Archery/archery-its_theory_and_practice_1859.md" @@ -0,0 +1,2909 @@ +A black-and-white illustration of a man in a suit aiming a bow and arrow. He wears a hat with a feather, a waistcoat, and trousers. The background shows a landscape with fields, trees, and a distant building. +# Archery +Horace Alfred Ford + +156 +barcode 600082058U +rectangular box with rounded corners + +White background with no visible content. + +. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + +Small black dots scattered across a white background. + +A man in a dark coat and hat stands with his left arm extended forward, holding a long bow. He wears a belt with a buckle and has a quiver on his back. The background shows a landscape with trees, buildings, and clouds. +Your Img. +Marse O: Ford + +: +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. +. + +. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + +ARCHERY: +ITS +THEORY AND PRACTICE. + +BY +HORACE A. FORD. +(Holder of the Champion's Medal for 1849-50-51-52-53-54-55-56-57 and 1858.) + +SECOND EDITION. + +LONDON : +J. BUCHANAN, 915, PICCADILLY. +CHELTENHAM : H. DAVIES, MONTPELLIER LIBRARY. + +1859. + +268. b. 101. + +A circular stamp with text "DELETA" and "HORIUM" around the edge, and a central design resembling a shield with a cross. + +PREFACE +TO THE +FIRST EDITION. + +GENTLE READER, +The favour bestowed on my late Articles upon the +"Theory and Practice of Archery," published some months +back in the *Field* newspaper, has induced me to present +them to your notice embodied in their present more per- +manent form. Considerable additional matter, and the +necessary illustrations and diagrams, (which were un- +suited to the former mode of publication,) have now been +introduced, but with this exception and some few trifling +alterations, the present Work is very much a *resume* of +those Articles, a careful revision having suggested no +modification of the views and theories therein laid down. + +If you are already an Archer, it is hoped the perusal +of the following pages may assist your onward progress in +the noble Art—if one of those benighted beings who know +it not, then that it may at least induce you to commence +its study; having done so, there is little fear of your ever +abandoning the pursuit. + +Your sincere well-wisher and friend, +THE AUTHOR. + +. . . + +PREFACE +TO THE +SECOND EDITION. + +BROTHERS OF THE BOW, + +Three more National Archery Meetings have come, +and gone, since the First Edition of this Work issued +from the Press. The result of those Meetings has been to +confirm me in my position as Holder of the Champion's +Medal, and also to convince me more firmly than ever of +the correctness of the theories and principles of our Art, +as laid down in "The Theory and Practice of Archery." +I might, perhaps, without undue vanity, lay the "flat- +tering unction to my soul" that the great improvement +which has evidently taken place during the last two years, +was, in some degree, owing to the more general adoption +of those principles; be this as it may, I can, at any rate, +point to several of the leading Archers of the day as having +attained their position in consequence of having formed, or +re-formed, their practice in conformity with them. This +being so, you will require no apology at my hands for +introducing this Second Edition to your notice—nay, + +vi +PREFAcH. +more, you will doubtless evince your appreciation of my labours in your behalf, by rendering it imperative upon me to contemplate even the possibility of a Third issue. Anyway, if I can but assist, in however slight a degree, in the spread and improvement of our favorite amusement, my first object, in having published my lucubrations at all, will have been gained. + +Your friend, +THE AUTHOR. + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. +INTRODUCTORY +Page +1 + +CHAPTER II. +A GLANCE AT THE CAREER OF THE ENGLISH LONG BOW. +The Anglo-Norman Period—Robin Hood—Military Achievements of the Bow in the Middle Ages—Its Decline and Fall—Revival for Amusement—First Toxophilite Societies—Grand National Archery Society +6-9 + +CHAPTER III. +OF THE BOW. +Variety of its Form and Material—the Flouden Bow—the Bow in the Tower—the Self-Bow, and the various Woods of which it is made—Yew, its Quality and Superiority—How to secure Pine—the proper Shape of the Bow—it's correct Length—the Shorter Bow—Various Woods of which it is made—the Yew-backed Yew—the Reflected Shape condemned, and why—a Comparison between Self and Backed-Yew Bow—the Carriage Bow +11-22 + +viii CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER IV. +HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW, AND HOW TO USE AND PRESERVE IT WHEN CHOSEN. + +Popular Errors in the Choice of a Bow--Most accomplished Shooters Directions as to Strength of Bow to be Chosen--General Principles to Guide its Selection--Reasons why Bows are Broken--How to secure Chrysalis--General Directions for its Preservation and Repair--Of Broken Limbs--Concerning Unstraining--Weight and Length of Ladies' Bows--Care in the Choice and Use of a Bow recommended + +Page. +33-28 + +CHAPTER V. +OF THE ARROW. + +Essentials of an Arrow--How to Test its Straightness and Strength--Best kind of Arrow, and best Materials for its Manufacture--Apparent Antagonism between Theory and Practice of Archery--The Shape of the Flight of the Arrow, discussed and explained--The Cheated and Baited Arrows condemned, and why--Various Shapes of the Arrow--Its Feathering--Its File--Its Neck--Its Length--Its Weight--How to Preserve the Feathers from Damp, and to Restore them to their whiteness by means of Curious Effects in Different Featherings of Arrows--Chasing a Tackle whilst Shooting condemned--How to Keep and Preserve Arrows--Necessity of Good "Stopping" + +Page. +29-38 + +CHAPTER VI. +OF THE STRING, THE BRACER, AND SHOOTING-GLOVE. + +The Best Strings--Directions in their Choice--How to make the Loop--Its Length--Some Directions for its Preservation The Object of the Bracer--Ascham's Idea of it.--Directions for its Make, Material, and Mode of Future--Importance + +CONTENTS. +ix + +of a Well-fitting Shooting-Glove—Difficulty of laying down Defined Rules for its Size, Shape, &c.—Some Directions for its Manufacture—Some Specimens of Good Gloves—The Tab 39-46 + +CHAPTER VII. +OF THE GREASE-BOX, TASSELL, BELT, ETC. +The Grease-box—The Tassell—The Belt—Scoring Apparatus—The Ascham—The Register—The Targets—The Stands—The Meylar Stand—The Quiver 47-54 + +CHAPTER VIII. +OF BRACING AND NOCKING. +[ Different Modes of Bracing—How to Accomplish it—The Proper Bend of the Bow when Strung—How to Ascertain it] +I — The Ordinary Direction for Nocking condemned, and why The Better Mode—the Nocking Place—the Proper Degree of Tightness—A Word to the Young Archer as to Changing the Nocking part 55-61 + +CHAPTER IX. +OF POSITION. +The Standing and Attitudes of the Archer—Requirements of a Good Position—What to Observe, and What to Avoid— The Position of Feet, Heels, Knees, Shoulders, Body, and Head—I — The Proper Position of the Bow—is More con- +demned, and why—the Opposite also condemned—the Proper Grasp—the Position of the Bow 62-68 + +CHAPTER X. +OF DRAWING. +Drawing as Essential Feature of Archery—Examples of Bad Methods—Different Modes adopted by Good Archers—the Best Mode—Necessity of Drawing an Even Length, and inutility of Devices to attain it—Unmitting Practice the + +X CONTENTS. + +only way—A Common Failing of all Archers—General Directions for Drawing—Position of Left Arm a most important Feature—Mr. Waring's Arm-striking Theory condemned, and why—Necessity of an Unobstructed Passage of the String demonstrated—Proper Position of the Left Arm—The Length of the Draw—Drawing to the Breast condemned, and why—Concluding Remarks 69—80 + +CHAPTER XI. +OF AIMING. + +Prevailing Ignorance on this Point—Absence of Scientific In-struction upon it in all Existing Works—Curious Expedients resorted to to Obtain an Aimless "Dodge" condemned, and why—Directions for its Full and Proper Attainment, and its Theory clearly elucidated—the Direct and Indirect Vision—the Point of Aim Explained—an Example—How the Direct Vision should be applied—Aiming at Lengths beyond the Target Distances—Shutting One Eye 81—94 + +CHAPTER XII. +OF HOLDING AND LOOSING. + +Ascham's Directions the Correct Ones—Importance of Loca-ling—Misapprehension amongst Archers concerning it—is-Nec-essary of its Perfect Command—that what is and what is not a Good Length is known by the Hand—the Proper Arrows—Directions for its Proper Attainment—Position of the String upon the Fingers—Some Ugly Habits condemned 95—100 + +CHAPTER XIII. +OF DISTANCE SHOOTING. + +Its Divisions—Clout-shooting—the Modern System con- sidered as a Test of Skill or Strength—the Edinburgh Match—Justice to Modern Clout-shooting not forgotten —Roving—Flight-shooting—Length of Probable Range considered—Experiments of Mr. Mait-My Own 101—107 + +CONTENTS. +xi + +CHAPTER XIV. +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +Page. + +Best Shots of the Torporhiliotes—Best Scores of Mr. Brady, +Mr. Crunden, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Caselot, Mr. Shephard— +Result of Mr. Waring's Arm-striking Theory—Mr. Ander- +son the "Incomparable" Archer—More Modern Archers +—Shooting at the National Meetings considered—Some +Scores of Mr. Waring—The Best Bowmen—Maiden, +Maiden, Flood, Mary, Heath, Watson, and Muir—First and +Second Scores of all the National Meetings to July, 1858 +—Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108-124 + +CHAPTER XV. +Robin Hood—Distance, Accuracy and Force of the Shooting +of his time—Did he Shoot in a Modern Hat—Social Charac- +ter of Archery—Observations to a Young Archer—Also to +an Old One—a Short Address to the Fair Sex—a Farewell 125-133 + +CHAPTER XVI. +On the Formation, Rules, and Regulations of Societies . 134-149 + +ERRATA. + +Page 85, line 13, for senile road " senile." +Page 106, line 4, for seven-five road " seventy-five." +Page 106, line 16, for Bowman road " Bowman." + +ARCHERY; +THEORY AND PRACTICE. +Chapter 2. +INTRODUCTORY. + +But little apology is, I think, needed, for presenting to the lovers of the long bow the present Work upon the Theory and Practice of Archery. The rapidly increasing taste for this elegant and mainly amusement (requiring, as it does, both physical powers and mental study for its successful practice), and the eager desire of many to excel in this their favourite pursuit, seem to call for some more practical and scientific Treatise upon the Art, than at present exists. No disparagement is here intended to the clever and amusing Works upon the same subject already before the public; but it is my opinion, that every one who has read any of those Works, without exception, fail to touch upon or develop any fixed theoretic principle of shooting, and totally ignore those more abstruse and delicate points connected with its practice, upon which accurate and scientific Archery mainly depends. This may appear a somewhat bold and presumptuous assertion to make, but that it is a fact, few, who have endeavoured to find written instruction to guide them in the pursuit, will be tempted to deny ; and the principal reason for its being so would appear to be, that, at the time these Works were published, the long-bow was in such a state of powers of the bow had either been partially lost, or had not reached such a state of development as is the case at the present day—consequently, much less being known about it, much less could be + +A page from a book titled "Archery; Theory and Practice." The chapter heading is "Chapter 2." The text begins with "But little apology is, I think, needed..." followed by a paragraph discussing the increasing interest in archery and the need for a more practical and scientific treatise on the subject. + +2. ARCHERY: ITS THEORY AND PRACTICE. + +taught. Just one example shall be mentioned in corroboration of this view of the matter. Mr. Roberts, in his very talented Treatise on Archery, published in 1801 (perhaps the best at present extant), records the following performance, as being one of what was considered in his time the great feats of the day, namely, that in one hundred arrows, shot at the distance of one hundred yards, fifty-two actually struck the target! Wonderful, indeed! Is there any third-rate Archer of the present day who has not done much, and a great deal more, over and over again? The name of many a brother Archer occurs to me that have, who would be envyingingly proud to imitate, as anything, in any morning's practice, only achieved such a performance as this! But Tempora mutantur, non est manentis illis. + +Archery of 1856 is not the Archery of half a century, or even of twenty years ago. Scores that would then have been deemed impossible and visionary, are now of every-day occurrence; and the Robin Hoods and Little Johns of those days, could they but be pitted against the present living magnates of the bow, would occupy but a sorry position indeed. + +Another reason to account for the undoubted omission in these Works of practical and scientific instruction, may be here further adduced; namely, that their authors were, with but few exceptions, themselves Archers of no note even in their own days, and therefore, not the best qualified for its exposition, even up to the standard of knowledge at that time attained. + +Having thus far demonstrated that the want exists of a practical Work on Archery by a practical Archer, and being well convinced of it by my own experience, and supported in this conviction by the almost unanimous opinion of my brother Zoophilians, I am emboldened to lay before the public the following Treatise, containing the results of considerable experience and much hard study; as + +ARCHERY : ITS THEORY AND PRACTICE. +5 + +likely, it is hoped, in some measure to supply the deficiency com- +plained of, and to prove of practical utility not to the youthful +amateur only, but to Archers of more advanced experience also. + +In the course of these pages, whilst giving utterance to my own +settled convictions, some things must of necessity be said, some +positions advanced and rules advocated, that will, it is feared, jar +considerably with the preconceived opinions and time-honored pre- +judices of many of the lovers of the bow. Even some of the revered +dogmas of good old Roger Asahel, and of a period antecedent to +him, hitherto received as absolute, and the mere doubting of which +will appear to many the very height of presumption and the most short +of rank heresy, cannot be wholly subscribed to. The doctrine of the +consensus of antiquity is a very strong one, though sup- +ported by no reasoning, no argument whatever, and resting on the +bare assumption only that, as our forefathers did so, therefore ex +necessitate rei we their descendants should do so likewise, will still +find advocates, even in these our times of progress and knowledge. +To such, then, I would merely remark that, inasmuch as very great +success has in my own case, and in that of other leading Archers of +the day, followed the adoption of the theories and system hereafter +held down, so those may fairly be presumed to possess peculiar claims +to careful attention, and to deserve something better than a hasty +rejection on account of an apparent antagonism to preconceived notions. + +It has generally been the custom to commence a Treatise on +Archery with an elaborate defence of its practice ; and into such con- +tempt, until of late years, had it, indeed, fallen amongst the non- +shooting members of society, as being in their opinions a mere +childish amusement, that this was both called for and unavoidable on +the part of any author, desirous of disabusing the public mind of a +groundless and ridiculous prejudice. + +It + +4 +ARCHERY : ITS THEORY AND PRACTICE. + +At the present day, however, such a defence can hardly be con- +sidered necessary ; for since the establishment of the Grand National +Archery Society, some fourteen years back, the knowledge of the real +powers of the bow, and the qualities required for their cultivation, +having become more universally known and better appreciated, this +prejudice may be said to have died away ; and, in addition to this, +were such a defence, indeed, required, it has been already ably and +successfully supplied by several of my predecessors. A few points +may, however, be additionally touched upon, and to these, previous +to the conclusion of these pages, I shall more particularly address +myself. + +Before closing this introductory chapter, let me address a few +words of advice and encouragement to the beginner. First of all, +make up your mind to succeed, for that is one of the best elements +of success in everything ; and, secondly, expect plenty of difficulties +and discouragements, for you will be sure to meet with them. It is +not easy to become great in any thing, and Archery forms no ex- +ception to the rule. Do not go hunting about for a royal road to the +bull's eye—none such exists—you must work hard and practise +regularly until you have acquired sufficient skill to make it possible. +Use your brains as well as your muscles—study as well as practice. +Brute force alone will never make an Archer. Above all, do not +fancy yourself a first-rate shot, when you are only a mugg—nothing +will so much tend to keep you one all your days as this. A mistaken +vanity is the very bane of all improvement. Having once passed the +post semoraum of Archery, you will begin at once to taste its pleasures. +There is no exercise more healthy or more rational, or which returns +more true and genuine gratification to the man who practises it. +A well aimed arrow is a sight which pleases both the player and +the spectator, but is a source of unmingled gratification to the shooter also. +May the study of these pages assist you in attaining, as often +as possible, this most desirable end. + +**Chapter IV.** + +A GLANCE AT THE CAREER OF THE ENGLISH LONG-BOW. + +The Anglo-Norman Period—Robin Hood—Military Achievements of the Bow in the Middle Ages—Its Decline and Fall—Revival for Amuse- +ment—First Turnphilite Societies—Establishment of National Archery Society. + +Although, as stated in the last chapter, this work is essentially intended to treat on the practical and scientific points connected with the pursuit of Archery, and mainly thereby to supply an acknowledged want, still it may not be altogether uninstructive to present to the reader a short and copious sketch of the history, powers, and doings of the bow, from the time of its first introduction into this country until the close of the sixteenth century. Archers will have a general knowledge of the career of this his favourite weapon, and be able to render a reason for the high estimation in which he doubtless holds it. Those that are desirous of more detailed in- +formation are specially referred to Mr. Roberts's work already alluded to—a work abounding in extracts from every author of authority who has written on the subject, and containing a mass of information that will amply repay a careful perusal. + +The date of the first introduction of the long-bow into England is a matter of considerable uncertainty, and a chasme de bataille with all historians and authors who have attempted to determine it; but it is certain that it was not till after the battle of Hastings, and the subsequent conquest of Britain by the Normans, that it became + +A historical illustration showing Robin Hood and his Merry Men. + +6 +A GLANCE AT THE CAREER + +the favourite and specially encouraged military weapon in the hands of its inhabitant. The preponderance of historical evidence goes to prove that, to the deadly effects produced by it in that battle, the invaders principally owed their victory—Hardud himself and the best of his men failing victims to the cloyed shaft. Thus the long-bow proved the prime agent in subjugating this country, sub- stituting itself for the Roman lance rule. It was the bow that beat the two people, ultimately it is considered that far-famed Anglo-Saxon race, the popularly supposed powers of which to accomplish every- thing everywhere it behoves not one of themselves further to dilate upon. From this time, then, we may conclude, commenced in England that general, and all but universal, cultivation of the bow, which was ultimately to lead to such marvellous and astounding results, and to render the very name of the English Bowman an object of terror and dread in the minds of his enemies. Archers we find employed on both sides in the civil contests between Stephen and Matilda; but it was not until the reign of Henry II., beginning with the larger portion of the infantry of the English armies, and to evince that decided superiority over those of every other nation which they ever afterwards retained. + +In this reign, too, first appeared upon the scene that prince of good fellows (as times went) and genialist of robbers and outlaws, bold Robin Hood—that hero of impossible shots, the twang of whose bow, with that of "of his jolly companions every one," could, according to some accounts, have killed one "Crusad" Jodocus". However this may be, if they be true stories in any part of England, he and his merry men were incomparable Archers, for strength and skill never surpassed, if ever equalled; and we may well suppose Archery to have been brought to the highest pitch of perfection in the times that produced such eminent exemplifiers of the Art. Robin flourished much longer than is usual with such bold spirits, even in the olden time; for we find him still in his glory through the reign + +OF THE ENGLISH LONG-BOW. +7 + +of Richard I., John, and a considerable portion of that of his successor, Henry III. + +It would be impossible, without entering into a mass of details whose length would be unequalled to the nature of these pages, to mention a single of the extraordinary feats performed and victories gained by the English during the long period which they occupied entirely to their superiority in the use of the long-bow. The fiction of romance pale before many of the authenticated tales handed down to us by historians of the wonders it achieved. No armour that could be made proved strong enough to insure its wearer against its power, no superiority of numbers seemed sufficient to wrest a victory from its grasp. Speed deduced that the armour worn by Earl Douglas and his men-at-arms at the battle of Homildon had been three years in use, and was of remarkable temper, yet the "English arrow" rent through the "thick and close" Ghirlandaio tells us about on one occasion during the Crusades, "Richard with his knights and these hundred archers, sustained the charge of the whole Turkish and Saracen army," and the pages of Froissart seem to contain the details of battles and skirmishes without number, in which the irresistible power placed by it in the hands of the English enabled them to set all odds at defiance, and constantly to emerge victorious out of situations where utter destruction seemed certain and inevitable. + +Look at Crewe's and Poldiary's Navarre and Aiguesmort! Since the extinction of the bow as a weapon of war, has England ever shown parallel to this victory? These two authors, Robarts, "who reads the history of modern times, look narrowly to find, if but once (since Richard Bourchier), with our twelve or fifteen thousand we have defeated an army of fifty or sixty thousand," and he might have added, as was the case in the last-named battle, if with twenty-five thousand we had completely routed and nearly annihilated an army of a hundred and sixty thousand! And be it also borne in mind that these marvellous and wondrous results were not obtained + +8 +A GLANCE AT THE CAREER + +against barbarian hordes or undisciplined soldiery, but against some of the first chivalry and most renowned men-at-arms that the world at that time contained. In spite of Minifis and breech-loading rifles, will it ever again become a proverb in vogue regarding the British soldier, that he carries as many enemies' lives in his hands as bullets in his pouch; yet it was a common saying in Scotland in times gone by, that every English Archer bore with him the lives of four-and-twenty Scots--such being the number of arrows each carried in his quiver. All honour, then, to the longbow! May the grateful re-membrance of it never pass away from the land, whose glory it has raised to so high a pitch; and though it may never be seen a weapon of war again, its memory will continue to form one of our most manly and health-inspiring amusements. + +The time that Archery commenced its decline in this country, till it finally ceased to be used in warfare at all, is almost as much a matter of dispute with writers as is the date of its first introduction. If we are to believe Moseley, "the battle of Agincourt (which happened under Henry V., 1415) is the last important action in which Archery is mentioned," but according to Roberts, (whose accuracy in matters of historical detail can be general be well depended on,) "Archery was used until it was superseded between the White and Red Roses; and he further adds, "it continued to support its military character and invincible career of glory with undiminished effect during the reigns of Henry VI., Henry VII., Henry VIII., and Edward VI., and even in the reign of Elizabeth was still in high repute amongst foreigners of great military skill, who had witnessed its powerful effects." Never-theless, we find Hollingshead, who wrote in the sixteenth century, bewailing the degeneracy of the Archery of his day, as being deficient in force and precision; and it is probable that those who hold conflicting opinions will probably lead us to the nearest approximation to the truth. It may, therefore, be concluded that towards the close + +A page from a book with text about archery history. + +OF THE ENGLISH LONG-BOW. + +of the fifteenth century the use of fire-arms had caused Archery to be held in somewhat less repute than formerly, and that, consequently, the cultivation of it had ceased to be that all but universal character that it once had been. The natural effects followed—with less practice came less strength and skill; and by the time the sixteenth century came to an end, but little remained to the bow, beyond the remembrance of its former glory and achievements. The last mention of Archery as used in warfare occurs in a pamphlet published in 1664, which is stated to have been employed in the contests between Maurice of Nassau and the Scots; but evidently for many years prior to this date, its ancient pith, power, and reputation, had departed. + +We now arrive at the time when the bow, abandoned as a weapon of war, became a mere instrument of amusement and recreation; but hardly any record exists to enlighten us as to the extent to which it was practised, or the degree of skill retained by its admirers. During the eighteenth century it would almost appear to have fallen entirely out of use throughout most parts of the kingdom, and those in very languid and feeble condition. In the year 1780, however, a society, under the title of The Royal Toxophilites, was established in London; and, the impetus once communicated, a great revival of Archery immediately took place, and a vast number of societies speedily sprang up in every part of the country, the greater part of which, with many new and more modern ones, exist in full force and vigour at the present day. Undoubtedly, however, we owe to the establishment of the Grand National Archery Society, fourteen years ago, much of the high commendation in which the present state of Archery is by both sexes held, as well as the more general and increasing skill which continues year by year plainly to manifest itself—thus showing that the love of the bow has only abated, not died, in the breasts of Englishmen, and needs but moderate encouragement to become once more, if not a weapon of + + + + + + +
OF THE ENGLISH LONG-BOW.9
+ +10 A GLANCE AT THE CAREER OF THE ENGLISH LONG-BOW. +war, at any rate one of the most esteemed and highly-priced amusements in the kingdom. To conclude, let every Briton remember, in the words of Camden, that when Englishmen used Hercules' weapons—the bow and the black bill—they fought victoriously, "with Hercules' success"—and reverence their memory accordingly. + +A page from a historical text discussing the longbow. + +Chapter III. + +Of the Bow. + +Varieties of Form and Material—The Flouden Bow—The Bow in the Tower—The Self-Bow, its Form, Texture, and Weight—Quality of the Yew—The Backed Bow—Wooden mouth-guards—The Long Bow—Countenance of the Long Bow—Lengths—Texture of the Self and Backed Yew Bow—The Carriage Bow. + +Of the various implements of Archery the bow demands the first consideration, and to it it shall therefore devote the present chapter. +A general, though necessarily brief, outline of its reign and use in this country, and of its power and character in the hands of the English, having already been given, it may only be necessary further to add that, in almost every nation, it has, at one period or other, formed one of the chief weapons of war and the chase, and is, indeed, at the present day, in use for both these purposes in various parts of the world. It has differed as much in form as in material, having been made curved, angular, and straight; of wood, metal, horn, cane, whalebone, or any combination of these materials; with entrails and sinews of animals and fish combined; sometimes of the rudest workmanship, sometimes finished with the highest perfection of art. But, as it is certain that in no country has the practice of Archery been carried to such a degree of perfection as in our own, so is it equally undeniable that no bow of any other nation has ever + +18 +**OF THE BOW.** + +surpassed or, indeed, equalled the English long-bow in respect of strength, cast, or any other requirement of a perfect weapon. This being an indubitable fact, it would be a waste of space and a departure from my immediate object were I to enter into a description of the bows used at various times in different countries, or into a discussion as to their respective merits. I shall not, therefore, do so, but confine myself to the practical point of treating upon the English long-bow, that being still, as it always has been, the only one in use and favour in this country. + +The crown of Scotland possesses two long-bows of different instrument. It is a matter for surprise and regret that so few, if any, genuine specimens of the old English long-bow should remain in existence at the present day. The only one with which I am acquainted was, and, I believe, still is, in the possession of Mr. Muir, of Edinburgh, said to have been used at the battle of Flodden, in 1513, is of self-yew, apparently of English growth, and very roughly made. Its strength is supposed to be broken by a blow; but, as it cannot be pinned without great risk of breaking (a risk its owner is very properly unwilling to run), this is matter of supposition only. This bow was presented to Mr. Muir by Colonel J. Ferguson, who obtained it from a border house, contiguous to Flodden Field, where it had remained for generations with the reputation of having been used at that battle. The specimen is probably unique, and has every appearance of being genuine. + +There are likewise in the Tower at the present time two bows taken out of the "Mary Rose," a vessel sunk in the reign of Henry the Eighth. They are rough, unfinished weapons, quite round from + +The Flodden Bow. + +**OF THE BOW.** + +13 + +end to end, tapered from the middle to each end, and without horns. +It is difficult to estimate their strength, but they do not appear to exceed 65 or 70 lbs. + +Before proceeding to the discussion of the practical points connected with the bow, I must beg my brother Archers to bear in mind, once for all, that these pages profess to give the result of actual experience; and to assure them that nothing to be advanced in them is mere theory, or opinion unsupported by proof, but is the result of long, patient, and practical investigation, and of constant and unceasing practice. The assertion that one kind of bow is read, or one shape of bow, or one mode or principle of shooting, &c., &c., is spoken of as being better than another, or the best of all, it is asserted so to be, simply because, after a full and fair trial of every other, the result of such investigation bears out that assertion. No doubt but some points contended for will be in opposition to preconceived opinions and practice, and will be set down as innovations—and so perhaps they are. The value of theory, however, is just in proportion as it can be borne out by practical results; and, in appealing to this fact, I shall proceed to state briefly the principles of the archer and principles upon which it is based. I am moved by no feeling of conceit or vanity, but wholly and solely from the desire of giving as much force as possible to the recommendations put forth, and to exert, even from my opponents themselves, at least a fair and impartial trial of them, previous to their being condemned. With these preliminary observations, (which will apply generally to the whole course of this work,) I will proceed with my subject. + +The English bows in use at the present day may be divided into two classes—the self-bow and the backed-bow; and to save space and confusion, I shall confine my remarks at present to the former, reserving for hereafter anything to be said respecting the latter; + +A historical illustration showing a medieval archer with a longbow. + +14 +# OF THE BOW. + +premising, however, that much to be said of the one applies equally to the other: the discrimination of my readers will at once distinguish where this occurs. + +The self-bow is the real old English weapon; the one with which the many mighty deeds that rendered this country renowned in times gone by were performed; for, until the decline and extinction of Archery in war by improved fire-arms, and the consequent cessation of the importations of yew staves, backed-bows were un-known. Archers who wrote in the sixteenth century, when Archery had degenerated into a mere amusement on the part of men other than selfs, and it may be, therefore, concluded that such only existed in his day. Of the woods for self-bows, Yew beyond all question carries off the palm; other woods have been, and still are, in use, such as Lance, Cocus, Washaba, Rose, Snake, and some others; but they may be summarily dismissed with the remark, that self-bows made of these woods are all, without exception, radically bad, being heavy in hand, apt to jar, comparatively dull in cast, and very liable to chrysal and break, and that no Archer should use them so long as a self-bow or a good backed-bow is within his reach. + +The only wood, then, for self-bows, I may say, is Yew, and the best Yew is of foreign growth, though occasionally staves of English wood are met with which almost rival it. This, however, is the exception; as a rule the foreign is best; it is cleaner and finer in the grain, stiffer and denser in quality, and requires less bulk in proportion to the strength of the bow. + +The great bane of Yew is its liability to knots and pins; and rare, indeed, it is to find a six foot stave without one or more of these undesirable companions. Where, however, a pin does occur, it may generally be rendered harmless by the simple plan of + +PLATE II. + +A diagram showing four different types of bows. +1. An excellent shape. +2. Dime size when around 8 inches. +3. Two inches longer than the other two. +4. A reduced bow, and one that bends in the hand (bad). + +From photographs of actual bows. + +. + +PLATE III. + +5. A good shape for a new bow. After use this will come to follow the string. +6. and 7. The two most common mistakes which the timbers of a released bow and +it's bow that follows the string have to go to their rest. +8. A very bad bow. It has been used too much and has taken on some +more shape but the very worst as it will jar and kink in the hand and +have a bad rest. + +. + +**OF THE BOW.** + +"raising" it, i.e., leaving a little more wood than elsewhere round the pin in the belly of the bow. This strengthens it, and diminishes the danger of a chrysal (which is a small crack attacking the weak places, almost imperceptible at the commencement, but which, by degrees, enlarges itself, and ultimately eats into the bow, as it were, until it breaks). The grain of the wood should be as even and fine as possible; not cross, nor running out towards the middle, nor winding. It should be thoroughly well seasoned, and of a good, sound, hard quality. The finest grain is, undoubtedly, the most beautiful and uncommon; but the open or less close, if straight and free from knots and pits, is nearly, if not quite, as good for use. + +The self-bow may be made of one single piece, or of two pieces dovetailed together in the handle. If of one piece, the quality of the wood will not be quite the same at both ends, the lower part being slightly denser than the upper; whilst the grained bow may be made of the same piece, cut or split apart, and so of exactly the same nature. The difference, however, is so slight as to be immaterial. Care must be taken, in choosing a grained bow, to see that it be put firmly together in the middle. + +In shape, the bow should be full in the centre, and taper gradually to each horn; not bend in the hand, or the cast will be deficient, and it will most likely jar in addition. (See plates No. 2 and 3.) A perfectly graduated bend from a stiff centre to each horn is best. Some self-yew bows are naturally reflexed, others quite straight, and others, again, follow the string. The reflexed are more pleasing to the eye, but liable to the above objection of jarring. Those which follow the string a little are the most pleasant to use. + +The handle, which should be regulated to the grasp of each Archer, ought to be in such a position that the upper part of it may + +16 +# OF THE BOW. + +be from an inch to an inch and a quarter above the true centre of the bow: if placed in the exact middle, the bow will be apt to kick. +If it be grasped properly (inattention to which will often cause the lower limb of the bow to be pulled out of shape), the fulcrum in drawing will be about the centre. The upper limb, being thus a little longer than the lower, must of necessity bend a trifle more, and this it should do. For covering the handle, nothing is better than green plash. + +It is customary to let into the bow, just above the upper part of the handle where the arrow lies, a small piece of mother-of-pearl, ivory, or other hard substance. This serves to prevent the wearing away of the wood by the friction of the arrow, which is greater or less according to the slope of the bow, and the attention or otherwise of the Archer in wiping his arrows when needed. + +The length of the bow is here calculated from neck tonock, and should be regulated by its strength, and the length of the arrow to be used with it. As a rule for safety, I should say the stronger the bow the greater should be its length; and so also the longer the arrow, the longer the bow. For those who draw the usually 28-inch arrow in bows of from 48lbs. to 55lbs., a useful and safe length would be about 5ft. 10½ in. If this length of arrow or weight of bow be increased or decreased, then let the length of the bow be proportionably increased or decreased also, taking as two extremes, 5ft. 10in. for the shortest and 6 feet for the longest. It would have no bow outside of either of these measurements. It may be added that a heavier bow, per pound extra cost further than a longer one of the same weight ; but this extra cost is only gained at a greater risk of breakage. As bows are generally weighted and marked for a 28-inch arrow, a greater or less pull than this will take more or less out off them; and the Archer's calculations must be made accordingly. + +OF THE BOW. +17 + +To increase or diminish the power of a bow, the usual plan is to shorten in one case, and reduce (in bulk) in the other. In all cases the horns should be well and truly set on, and the nocks be full and round. If the edges be sharp, the string will, in all probability, be cut, and, in consequence, break sooner or later, and endanger the safety of the bow. + +I now come to the second part of my subject, namely, the backed bow. From all that can be learnt respecting it, it would appear that its use was not adopted in this country until Archery was in its last state of decline as a weapon of war, when, the bow degenerating into a mere instrument of amusement, the laws relating to the importation of yew staves from foreign countries were evaded, and the supply consequently ceased. It was then that the bowyers hit upon the plan of uniting a tough to an elastic wood, and so managed to make a very efficient weapon out of very inferior materials. This cannot fairly be called an invention of the English bowyers, but an adaptation of the plan which had long been in use amongst the Turks, Persians, and other nations. The bowyers of Russia especially, the Laplanders, whose bows were made of two pieces of wood united with sinews. As far as regards the English backed-bow (this child of necessity), the end of the sixteenth century is given as the date of its introduction, and the Kennals, of Manchester, are named as the first makers—bows of whose make are still in existence and use, and are generally made of Yew, backed with Hickory or Wych Elm. + +The backed-bows of the present day are made of two or more strips of the same or different woods glued and compressed together, as firmly as possible, in a frame with powerful screws, which frame is capable of being set to any shape. Various woods are used, all of which make serviceable bows, though differing much in quality. For the back we have Lanoe, Hickory, American and Wych Elm, Hornbeam, and the sap or white part of the Yew; for the belly, Yew, + +C + +18 +**OF THE BOW.** + +Washaba, Lance, Snake, Fustic, and some others inferior to these, are used. But of all combinations it may be said, "Mucal inter- +ceses Taw-backed Yew, *velut inter ignes ligna minores.*" This is +the real rival of the self-bow, the one that stands pre-eminently +forward in the ranks of the backed, the disputer of its supremacy ; +but more of this by-and-by, when comparing the respective merits +of the two bows. Then next in quality comes Yew back-bow, +Hickory, or any other wood that is not too hard internally. +Fustic, Washaba, and Lance, backed in like manner. For bows of +three pieces, Yew, Fustic, and Hickory, will hardly be improved by +any other combination ; but, as a general rule, bows of two pieces +are preferable, as the more glue there is about a bow the more the +danger exists of a breakage from damp, and in no one point does a +bow of three or more pieces excel one of two. + +The next point to be treated of is a most important one, namely, +the shape ; and here I shall differ most materially from the com- +monly received opinion. The backed-bow is generally made re- +flexed, and bends in the hand, more or less, according to the amount +of the reflex. (See Nos. 4 and 8—Plates 2 and 3.) Now the exact reverse of this is contended for, and it is boldly maintained +that every particle of reflex is bad, and that the proper shape is +either straight or a trifle following the string—similar, in fact, to +that before recommended for the self-bow, namely, full and stiff in +the centre and tapering gradually to each limb. At first glance +of a bow so made it appears that it has no reflex at all; but if the +reflex is allowed to remain in any degree it is accompanied by +a like degree of jar or kick, the effect of which causes the very +reverse of this quality ; and this holds good equally in respect of +self-bows, which are sometimes, though rarely, naturally reflexed, +and sometimes purposely so set when grated, though the naturally +reflexed self yew-bows do not generally retain that shape for any +length of time, but, with a little use, come to the string so far as to +do away with the unpleasant jar. + +OF THE BOW. 19 + +The jar or kick in reflexed bows has always appeared to me to arise from the following cause: when the bow is set free by the loose, its natural elasticity causes it to return as far as it can to its original shape, so that the further each limb has to go to its rest the greater becomes the struggle when checked by the string. (See Nos. 6 and 7. Plate 3.) This is shown by the fact that reflexed bows are almost invariably broken by the fracture of the string, whilst the contrary is the case with those which follow it. The less then there is of that violent struggle (so to speak) on the recoil, the less force will be required to keep the bow in position to commence the shot. This may be easily tested by shooting a few dozen arrows with a bow that follows the string, and immediately afterwards with a reflexed one. A man must be prejudiced indeed who will not allow that there is a vast difference between the two upon the point in question. Now what can be urged in favour of the reflex? Has it any peculiar merit of its own to compensate for the absence of this first element of a good bow—steadiness? Even its strongest advocates cannot only assert in its favour that it adds to the spring; but granting that it does so, how can it be said that the results of cast worth gaining at the expense of the finest quality a bow can possess, and without which accurate shooting is impossible? The reflex, too, adds materially to the chance of breaking both by chrysalis, damp, and the fracture of the string, as the wood, particularly of the belly, is forced out of its natural shape, recoils farther, and meets with a more violent check when stopped by the string; so that, even supposing it gains a trifle on the point of cast, it loses absolutely more on the two equally important ones of steadiness and safety; and this is not all. I have never yet known that the best form of bow is that which is steadfast in cast, freest from jar or kick, and pleasantest and safest in use; and that, it is con- +fidently affirmed, is not the reflexed. + +Now comes a question which may well admit of dispute, and c 2 + +20 +OF THE BOW. + +which must, after all, be left to each Archer to decide for himself. +Which is best : a well-made self-yew, or an equally well-made yew- +backed yew-bow? (Other backed-bows, though good and service- +able, especially yew-backed with hickory, I cannot think come up to +those.) The advocates of the self-yew affirm their pet weapon to be +the swiftest in use, the steadfast in hand, the most certain in cast, +and the most beautiful to the eye ; and in all these points, with the +exception of that of certainty of cast (in which respect the yew- +backed yew is fully equal) they are borne out by the facts. This +being the case, what is there that can be said to determine which is +which is most profitable for an Archer to make use of? Here +are three out of four points (two of which are most important) upon +which it is admitted the self-yew is superior; and yet, after much +practical and experimental testing of the two bows, I hesitate to +which to give the preference, and knowing not which to recommend, +must, after all, as before said, leave it to the taste and judgment of +every man to decide for himself. The fact undoubtedly is, that the +self-yew is the most perfect weapon; but it is equally an undoubted +fact, that no bow can be made so perfect as to be absolutely certain, +the cast lying very much in the last three or four inches of the pull, any +variation in this respect, or difference in quickness or otherwise of +the loose, varies the elevation of the arrow to a much greater extent +than the same variation of pull or loose in the backed-yew, whose +cast is more uniform throughout. Now, were a man perfect in his +physical powers, or always in first-rate shooting condition, there +would be no doubt as to which bow he should use, as he would in +this case be able to accomplish the peculiarly necessary required in +the management of the self-yew; but as this is rarely possible it will +be, the superior merits of this bow are partially counteracted by the +extreme difficulty of doing justice to them ; and, the degree of +hardness of pull and unsteadiness in hand of the yew-backed yew +being but trifling, the greater certainty with which it accomplishes +the elevation counterbalances, upon average results, its inferiority in + +OF THE BOW. +21 + +other respects. Another advantage the self possesses is, that it is not liable to injury from damp, when the backed is ; but then the latter costs little more than a third of the money, and with common care need fear no harm from that cause; an inch or two of lapping at either end, close to the horn, will go a long way to preserve it from this danger. As regards chrysalis and breakage from other causes than damp, neither possesses any advantage over the other. The main result of the different qualities of the two bows resolve themselves into this, that the yew-bow, being made of the soft yew bow, from its steadiness, swiftness, and absence of vibration, ensures the straightness of the shot better than the backed-yew; whilst the latter, owing to its regularity of cast not being confined to a hair's-breath of pull, as it were, carries off the palm for certainty of elevation, and this favourable attribute belongs to backed-bows generally. + +As regards backed-bows other than yew, it has already been observed that they are inferior to the two sorts just treated of. But it must not be supposed from this that it is intended to affirm that they are bad or unfit for the Archer's use—on the contrary, if properly made, they are good and serviceable weapons, only least to be recommended than the two kinds of yew-bows; nither must the idea be adopted from what has been said respecting the superiority of yew as a wood for bows, that therefore all yew-bows are necessarily good or better than those of other woods; such is far from being the case, for a backed-bow, made of a good piece of Fustic, which is very light, is decidedly better than either a self or backed one made of inflexible wood. It is only to this general principle of yew-bows of either kind that the foregoing remarks are intended to apply. + +There is a bow called the "carriage-bow," which here requires some notice. It is made to divide in the centre by means of an + +22 +**OF THE BOW.** + +Iron or brass socket fixed to the lower limb of the bow—something similar to the joint of a fishing-rod, in fact. The only object at- +tained, however, is that it enables the Archer when travelling to carry his bow in a smaller compass; but to obtain this, much additional weight is added to the bow, rendering it heavy in hand, and unpleasant in use. The remedy here, therefore, is worse than the disease. + +A sketch of a carriage bow with a socket attached to its lower limb. +The Carriage Bow.—A. The Socket. + +Chapter IV. +HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW, AND HOW TO USE AND PRESERVE IT WHEN CHOSEN. + +Popular Errors in the Choice—Most Accomplished Shooters—Causes of Success and Failure—Principles Guiding the Selection of a Bow—Its Preservation and Repair—Unstrigging. + +The next point to be considered with reference to the bow is the strength to be chosen; and, respecting this, the first thing to be observed is that it must be completely under the shooter's command —within it, but not much below it. One of the greatest mistakes young Archers commit (and many old ones too) is that they will use bows too strong for them. (How many of us, by-the-bye, are there to whom this remark applies?) Is there any Archery existence this remark has not applied? The natural destination of the bow and muscular appears to be one of the moving agents to this curious hallucination, as if a man did not expose his weakness more by straining at a bow evidently beyond his strength (and thereby calling attention to his weakness) than by using a lighter one with grace and ease, which always gives the idea of force, vigour, and power. Another incentive to strong bows is the passion for "sending down the arrows sharply and low," and the consequent using of powerful bows to accomplish it; the weight being a greater burden than the other for it is not so much the strain of the bow as the perfect command of it that enables the Archer to obtain this desideratum. The question is not so much as to what a man can pull as to what he can loose; and he will without doubt obtain a lower flight of arrow by a lighter power of bow, under his command, than he will by a stronger one beyond his proper management. + +24 + +**HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW.** + +How many a promising Archer has this mania for strong bows destroyed (in an Archery sense of the term). I call to mind one at this moment—one of the best and most beautiful shots of his day; a winner, too, of the second and first prizes at the Grand National Meeting in two successive years—whose accuracy was at one time completely lost on account of a broken bow. The bow that broke was, I firmly believe, to his infatuation upon this point. Another I had a slight acquaintance with brought himself to death's door, by a violent illness of nearly a year's duration, by injury to his physical powers, brought on by the same thing, only carried to a much greater excess. And, after all, the thing desired is not always obtained. + +Let me transport my reader, in mind, to any field where the Annual Grand National Archery Meeting is held. Observe, there are from 500 to 600 archers present. They are all the competitors at the target, contending with all their might for the prize of honour and skill. Whose arrows, think you, fly down the sharpest, the steadiest, the keenest? Are they those of the sixty and seventy pounders? Not a bit of it! observe that Archer from an eastern county just stepping so unpretendingly forward to deliver his shafts. See with what grace and ease the whole thing is done—no straining and no contortionism here. Mark the flight of his arrow! how keen and low, and how sharp! Now mark another. How sharper, finer, more deadly than that! What, this arrow is the strength of the man who holds it? What holds in his hand? Why, 50lbs. only! yet and yet the pace of his shaft is unsurpassed by any, and it is nigh upon five shillings in weight too. Here is another; mark his strength and muscular power—60, 70, or even 80lbs. are probably within his pull; yet he knows better than to use such bows where the prizes are awarded for skill, not brute force. The one he shoots with is but 48lbs., yet how steady and true flies the arrow! how charming in its flight! And so on, till through the field, you will find it is not the strong bows, but those that are under the perfect command of their owners, that do their work the best. + +A page from a book titled "How to Choose a Bow," discussing archery techniques and equipment. + +AND HOW TO USE AND PRESERVE IT WHEN CHOSEN. + +Inasmuch, then, as the proper flight of the arrow from any bow depends almost entirely upon the way in which it is loosed, the strength of the bow must not be regulated by the mere muscular powers of the individual Archer; for he may be able to draw a 29-inch arrow to the head in a bow of 70 or 80 lbs., without being able, after all, to loose it properly during a match more than 56 or 60 lbs., if no means be given. Not the least of the difficulties that attend this power, must, therefore, be the guide here. Let the bow be within this power, but well up to it; for it is almost as bad to be under as over bowed. The evils attendant on being over-bowed are various; the left arm, the fingers of the right hand, and the wrist are strained and rendered unsteady; the pull becomes uncertain and wavering, and never twine alike; and the whole system is over-worked and wearied, and the mind depressed by ill success—the entire result being disappointment and failure. On the other hand, care must be taken not to fall into the opposite extreme of being under-bowed; for it is equally dangerous, and generally difficult, and generally untasteful and unequal. The weight of bows now in use varies generally from 48 to 56 lbs., the weaker or stronger ones forming the exception, and this weight is ample for the distances usually shot, which very rarely exceed 100 yards. Let each, therefore, find out what he can draw with ease and loose with steadiness during a day's shooting, and choose accordingly. If a beginner, probably 56 lbs., is the outside weight he should commence with; a pound or two less in most cases would, in all likelihood, be even better. This is, however, a matter that alone the individual Archer can determine for himself. + +It is best always to use the same weight of bow and length of arrow; and, therefore, every Archer, if he shoot much, should possess two or three bows as much alike as possible, and use them alternately. This will prove economy in the end, as each will have time to recover its elasticity, and will last a much longer time. + +26 +HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW. + +To choose a bow, let each go to the maker he likes best, name the price he can afford, and the sort and weight he prefers. He will then see what choice he has. If there appears to be one likely to suit him, let him (after examining the wood, and seeing that it is free from flaws, string it) and, placing the lower end on the ground in such a position that the string shall be under his eye and uppermost, notice whether it be perfectly straight; if not, the string, when brought up to the middle of the handle, should bend from one to another equal distance. Should these appear to be more on one side than the other in either limb, the bow is not straight, and should be rejected. As a general rule, the lightest wood is the quickest, the heavy the most lasting—but not always. +The next step is to have the bow pulled up, so as to see if it bends evenly, and gives no sign of weakness in any particular portion. The upper limb, as before stated, being the longest, should bend a trifle the most. If there be no ready-made bow to suit, the purchaser may select a bow, and have it made to his own patterns ; but, on the whole, the first plan is the best, as no one can tell how a stave will make up. + +Bows are broken from several causes—by neglected chrysalis, or damages to the wood, by a jerking and uneven style of drawing, by dwelling too long at the point of the arrow after it is pulled up, by the breaking of the string, by damp, and oftentimes by thoughtlessness or carelessness. Whenever a chrysalis appears, it should be watched, and, if found in time, should be firmly lapped with hemp or some other glue; when this chrysalis is painted with oil colour to the taste of the owner, and varnished. This will keep the glue dry, and look less unsightly. Care should be taken not to make holes in the wood with the point of the arrow, nor scratch it with the buckles of breeches, or buttons of gloves, or any of the ornaments with which the Archer may adorn his person. The loss of these hard substances about the shooter the better. + +AND HOW TO USE AND PRESERVE IT WHEN CHOSEN. 27 + +Breakages from a bad style of drawing, and dwelling too long on the aim, can only be avoided by adopting a better and more rational method; those caused by the fracture of the string only by being careful never to use one that is unsafe, or too much worn. A good deal depends, in this latter case, upon the moment when the string breaks. If it goes when the arrow is fully drawn, there is little hope for the bow, as there is nothing to check or break the recoil ; but if it breaks before the motion takes place, which is generally the case with a self or backing bow that follows the arrow without escape without damage. Breakage from damp applied to broken bows only, and great indeed is the mortality amongst them from this cause. Commonly it is the lower limb that goes, as that is most exposed to damp, arising from the ground when shooting, or the floor when put away. If the weather be moist when the bow is used, let the shooter continually rub it, and when put away especially do so, with a piece of waxed cloth or flannel. A waterproof case, and an Asham, or the bottom raised a little into the air (as in a dry room are sometimes done) I find useful. It is a good thing also, to lap the bow for about an inch close to each horn, as when this is done, though the glaze come undone, the wood will often escape damage, and can be made all right again by being re-glued. + +Lastly, carelessness and thoughtlessness break many bows, and particularly that most silly of silly habits of bending the bow the wrong way, when unstrung, in order to "get it back to its proper shape!" If it be broken from the latter cause, any jury of sensible Archers would infallibly return the celebrated verdict of "serve him right." + +A yew bow that is so much damaged by chrysalis, or by accident to the wood, as to be beyond being made safe by lapping, may often be mended by adding a belly or back, as the case may require. A weak bow may be strengthened in the same way, or, if either limb be broken or irretrievably damaged, and the remaining one be sound + +28 +HOW TO CHOOSE A BOW, ETC. + +and worth the expense, another limb may be grafted on to the old one. If possible, let this be an old limb also, as the combination of new and old wood is not always satisfactory; the former, being more yielding, is apt, after a little use, to lose its relative strength, and so to spoil the proper bend of the bow. A bow that is weak in the centre, and not sufficiently strong to allow of the ends being reduced, may be brought to the required shape and strengthened by the addition of a short belly. + +With regard to unstringing the bow during shooting—say a National round of 144 arrows at the three distances—a good bow will not need it if the shooting be moderately quick, excepting at the end of each of the three distances. If there be many shooters, or very slow ones, then it may be unstringing after every three or double ends; but I am decidedly adverse to unstringing after every three shots, as many do, as the constant jerk back of the wood upon its own grain gives them an increased strain upon it, besides unnecessarily taxing the muscles of the shooter. + +All that has been said respecting men's bows, with the exception of the strength and length, applies equally to those used by ladies. The ordinary strength of the latter is from 54lbs. up to 30lbs., a medium between the two being about the average weight. The length of the bow is usually about 5ft. 1in. between the nocks. + +It is too common a practice amongst Archers of all sorts to throw the consequences of their own faults upon the bow-makers, accusing the weapon instead of their own carelessness or want of skill; but, before this can justly done, let each be quite certain that he has chosen his bow with care, used it with care, and kept it with care; if otherwise, any accidents occurring are ten to one more likely to be the result of his own fault than that of the bow-maker. + +**Chapter V.** + +**Of the Arrow.** + +*How to Test its Strength and Straightness—Best Materials for its Manufacture—Apparent Antagonism between the Theory and Practice of Archery, as regards its Flight, explained—Its Different Shapes—the Feathering—The Point—Varieties of Length and Weight.* + +The arrow is, perhaps, the most important of all the implements of the Archer, and requires the greatest nicety of make, and excellence of materials ; for though he may get on without absolute failure with an inferior bow and other tackle, unless the arrow be of the best, Robin Hood himself would have aimed in vain. Two things are essential to a good arrow, namely, perfect straightness, and a stiffness or rigidity sufficient to stand in the bow, i.e., to receive the whole force of the bow, without flaring or girdling, for a weak or flimsy arrow will always be found wanting. It is hardly well said how little conducive to shooting straight is the latter. The straightness of the arrow may be easily tested by the following simple process —place the nails of the thumb and middle finger of the left hand so as just to touch, and with the same fingers of the right hand spin the arrow upon them ; if it revolve true and steady, and close to the nail, it is straight, but if it jumps in the very least, the contrary is the case. To test its strength or stiffness, place the pile on any solid substance, holding it by the neck, and with the other hand pull gently at one end until it breaks. A little experience will suffice to tell whether it is sufficiently stiff or not. An arrow that is weaker on one side than the other should also be rejected. + +Arrows are either **selfs** or **fooled** ; the former are made of a single + +A diagram showing an arrow being spun on a nail. +A diagram showing an arrow being pulled apart. + +30 +**OF THE ARROW.** + +piece of wood ; the latter, and the more preferable, have a different and harder wood dovetailed on to them at the pile end. "A shaft," says old Roger Ascham, " hath three principal parts, the stelo, the feather, and the head, of which each must be severally spoken of." +The stelo, that is, the wooden body of the arrow, used to be, and sometimes now is, made of different woods ; but for target, or indeed any other modern shooting, all may be discarded save one --red deer's white, when of clean, straight grain, and well adapted whether for the use of a bow or a crossbow -- which will answer to all others. For footing, any hard wood will do; and if this be solid for one inch below the pile, it will be amply sufficient. Lance and Washaba are perhaps the best woods for this purpose; the latter is the toughest, but the former, I think, the preferable, the darkness of the Washaba having a tendency to attract the eye. This footing has three recommendations :--the first, that it causes the arrow to fly steadier, and get through a wind better; the second, that being of a harder nature than deal, it is not so easily worn away by the friction is unavoidable in shooting; and thirdly, that it is less liable to break off; should it happen to strike against any hard substance, such as a stone in the ground for instance. Before shooting is commenced, and after it is finished, let the arrows be rubbed with a piece of oiled flannel; this will prevent the paint of the target adhering to them (which otherwise it will assuredly more or less do), and save the application of sand-paper to clean them, which is objectionable on account of its wearing away the wood. + +Before entering upon the question as to the best shape of the "stelo" for practical use, it is necessary to say a few words con- +cerning a point where the theory and practice of Archery, apparently clash; as follows: + +If a straight arrow be placed on the bowstring, the bow draws, +A diagram showing an arrow being drawn back on a bowstring. + +. . . + +PLATE IV. +Scale 1 inch to inch. + + +A thin straight arrow. +B The boleal arrow. +C The observed arrow. + + +A section of the boleal arrow. +B The boleal arrow with the observed arrow. +C The observed arrow with the boleal arrow. +The boleal arrow represents the line of intersection of the two arrows and the ground. + +OF THE ARROW. +81 + +and aim taken at an object, and if the bow be then slowly relaxed, +the arrow being held until it returns to the position of rest—that +is, if the passage of the arrow over the bow be slow and gradual— +it will be found that the arrow does not finally point to the object +aimed at, but in a direction deviating to the left of it; in fact, that +its direction has been altered at each point of its return to the +position of rest, owing to the effect of the tension of the bow, +and thenock of the arrow being carried on the string, in a +plane containing the string and the axis of the bow's length—and +this deviation will be greater if the arrow be chested, less if it be +bobtailed. (Wide plate 4). + +If the same arrow, when drawn to its head, be hoosed at the +object aimed at—that is, if the passage of the arrow over the bow +be impulsive and instantaneous—it will go straight to the object aimed +at (the shooting being in all respects perfect). + +How then is the difference of final direction in the two cases to +be explained? + +It must be observed that the nock of the arrow being con- +strained to move as it does move, causes, in the last case, a blow of +the arrow upon the bow (owing to its slanting position on the bow, +and its simultaneous rapidity of passage) and, therefore, a blow of +the bow upon the arrow. This blow produces a very different +effect upon the deviation from what it had in the first case, when +the arrow was merely moved slowly and gradually along it, +the obstacle presented by the half breadth of the bow then causing a +deviation solely to the left. The blow, however, now considered, +has a tendency to cause deviation to the left only during the first +half of the arrow's passage along the bow, whilst, during the second +half, it causes a deviation to the right; or, more correctly speaking, +the blow of the bow upon the arrow has a tendency to cause a + +32 +**OF THE ARROW.** + +deviation to the left, so long as the centre of gravity of the arrow is within the bow, and vice versa. So that, if this were the only force upon the arrow, the centre of gravity should lie midway in that part of the arrow which is in contact with the bow during the recoil. + +The blow of the bow during the latter part of the arrow's passage causing deviation of the point towards the right, is, however, counteracted to some extent, if not altogether, by the action of the string which holds the arrow. + +The struggle between these two forces is clearly indicated by the appearance of the arrow near the place where it is in contact with the bow when it leaves the string. It is here that the arrow is always most worn. + +The nature then of the dynamical action may be thus briefly explained. The first impulse given to the arrow, being instantaneous and very great in proportion to any other forces which act upon it, impresses a high initial velocity in the direction of aim, and this direction the arrow recovers notwithstanding the slight deviations caused by the mutual action of the bow and arrow before explained—these in fact, as has been already shown, to a great extent counteracting each other. Just as, for example, a hoop when in rapid motion may be slightly struck at the side, and a deviation from its path caused, which it nevertheless immediately recovers from, and continues in its original course. + +The recoil of the bow, besides the motion in direction of aim, impresses a rotary motion upon the arrow about its centre of gravity. This tendency, however, to rotate about an axis through its centre of gravity is counteracted by the feathers. For, suppose the arrow to be shot off with a slight rotary motion about a vertical axis, in a short time its point will deviate to the left of the plane of projection, + +OF THE ARROW. +33 + +and the centre of gravity will be the only point which continues in that plane. The features of the arrow will now be turned to the right of the same plane, and the velocity of the arrow will cause a considerable resistance of the air against them. This resistance will twist the arrow until the point comes to the right of the plane of projection, and it will begin to turn the arrow in another way. Thus, through the agency of the features, the deviation of the point from the plane of projection is confined within very narrow limits indeed. + +A rotation about a horizontal axis would be prevented in the same way by this action of the feathers. Both these tendencies may be distinctly observed in the actual motion of the arrow. + +If the foregoing reasoning be carefully considered, it will be at once seen how prejudicial to the flight of the arrow in the direction of sim any variation in the shape of that part of its contact with the bow must necessarily be: for by this means a new force is introduced into the elements of its flight. Take for example the **cheated** arrow, which is smallest at the point and largest at the feathers. Here there is, during its whole passage over the bow, a constant and increasing deviation to the left of the direction of aim, caused by the arrow's shape, independent of, and in addition to, a deviation in the line direction, caused by the retention of its mock upon the string. That is to say, when it first begins recovering its first initial direction, the forces opposed to its doing so being so much increased. Accordingly, in practice, the **cheated** arrow has always a tendency to fly to the left. + +And so as regards the **bobbed** arrow, which is largest at the point and smallest at the feathers, the converse of this is true. For here the tendency during its whole passage over the bow is to the right of the direction of aim, only retained by the retention of its + +D + +34 +**OF THE ARROW.** + +nock on the string. But, as I have previously shown, the blow of the bow, during the last half of the arrow's passage, causing deviation also to the right, and in a degree, at least, to counteract the action of the string, there is a preponderance of deviation to the right for the arrow to oversweep, in order to recover its initial direction; accordingly in practice, the **bodtailed** arrow has invariably a tendency to fly to the right. + +Only enough, however, the bodtailed arrow has been hooked upon as the nearest to shoot straight with, its shape having been considered partially to counteract the deviation to the left, believed to be caused by the action of the string. But as has been already shown, this left-hand deviation has no practical existence; the right-hand tenency, therefore, of the bodtail is an unmitigated evil. Excepting, indeed, to those who erroneously draw the arrow to the right of its mark; as, when this is the case, the arrow is pointing to the left of the mark, is apparently to the shooter directed straight towards it; thus the fault of the arrow operating in the opposite direction partially, counteracts the fault of the shooter. It is a bad system, however, to mend one fault by another. Better far to get rid of both. + +There is another arrow very much in use, called the **barrelled** arrow. This arrow is largest in the centre, and tapers thence to + +Bodtail. Obstet. Barrel'd. Straight. + +. . . + +PLATE V. +Diagram 1. + +A.B Arrow with sharp pile. +C.D. Section of straight pile. +E. Section of bow. + +L. Best for all purposes. +M. Head for straight head. +N. Old straight pile. (Not worth). +O. Round-headed pile. +P. Head for company bit. +Q. Round-headed pile. +R. Head of whistling arrow. + +1. Best for all purposes. +2. Straight head. +3. Old straight pile. (Not worth). +4. Round-headed pile. +5. Bullet-headed pile. +6. Old Right-angled pile. +7. Head for company bit. +8. Bullet-headed pile. +9. Head of whistling arrow. + +OF THE ARROW. +35 + +both ends ; it has a rapid flight, but does not follow the point well ; and is additionally objectionable as a departure from the straight line. In short, it may be set down as an incontrovertible position in target shooting, that any shape of arrow that causes the centre of its thickness to vary in its relation to the edge of the bow, is radically bad. Therefore none other than the perfectly straight arrow is here recommended. + +The feathering of the arrow is the most delicate part of the Fletcher's art, and requires great care and experience to effect it as it should be effected. Rather full-sized feathers are to be preferred, as giving a steadiness and solidity, as it were, to the flight ; they should have a fair amount of ribs, for if pared too fine their lasting qualities are diminished ; and all three should be of the same wing, right or left. The turkey supplies most of the feathers now in use ; those of the eagle and peacock, though most excellent, being too scarce to be generally attainable. The feathers of the "grey goose wing" on many spears are taken from the legs of our fowlers, as guiding them under shafts to the head of a night game ; despite of "Mills steel" and "Jenkins bull," are now quite out of fashion ; but as, of course, it would be absurd to suppose that they were not wiser in their generation than we are in ours, we must conclude that either turkeys did not exist in those days, or that geese have degenerated ! + +The pole or point is a very important part of the arrow. Of the different shapes in use, the blunt or square-shouldered pile is the only good one. In every respect, even for distant shooting, it is superior to all others ; but the greatest advantage it possesses is, that if the arrow be overthrown, so as to bring the pile on to the bow, it will not alter the direction of its flight, as is the case with all the sharp piles. (See plate 5.) + +No. 1 (in the same plate) is the only one recommended for D 2 + +36 +OF THE ARROW. + +target shooting. No. 5 has great penetrating power, for if it passes through the object struck, the whole "stele" will follow it. No. 6 is the old English barb. No. 8 is probably the shape of the pile used by the Emperor Commodus, who is said to have cut off the heads of ostriches at full speed! No. 9 is the whistling head, supposed to have been used to give alarm at night. + +To prevent the pile coming off, either by damp or by a blow, it may be slightly inclined on opposite sides by a gentle rap with a pointed instrument; a broken broadsword tied to a point is as good as anything. + +The socket should be full and strong, and the notch as deep as will hold the string safely. To provide against the risk of splitting, I have found it a good plan to drill a hole through the solid part of the neck, as near the surface on which the string rests as may be, and to insert a piece of copper wire, which, when clasped or flattened at both ends, forms a safe ring. A more comprehensive screw drill is for this purpose, but some care is required in using it, or it will cause the very evil it is intended to guard against. + +As regards the length of the arrow, no arbitrary rule can be laid down: every archer must suit himself according to the length of his pull: herein I hope to lay down some principles which will guide him in this: for the present it will merely be observed, that no man's arm can draw an arrow longer than six inches less than six inches in length, as experiment has proved that short arrow flies less steadily than a longer one. It is not absolutely necessary, though it is better, that he should pull the whole length of the arrow, provided his draw be always to the same mark. + +The weight of an arrow must, to a certain extent, be regulated + +**OF THE ARROW.** + +by its length, and the strength of the bow with which it is to be used; for if an arrow be a long one, it must have bulk sufficient to insure stiffness, and stiffness in proportion to the strength of the bow; 4s. 5d. for the lowest, and 5s. 6d. for the highest weight, are two extremes, within which every length of arrow and strength of bow may be properly fitted, so far as gentleness can be concerned. For ladies, 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. should perhaps be the limits. It must be borne in mind that a light arrow is a decided mistake for target shooting. Even flight arrows need not be less than 4s. in weight. + +To preserve the feathers from damp, let a coat of oil paint be laid on between and for 4th inch above and below them, and let this be afterwards varnished with a mixture of mastic and gold size, taking care that the riz of the feather be well covered, otherwise the desired purpose will not be attained. If the feathers be laid or ruffled by wet, they may be restored to their proper shape and firmness by being held for a short time before a fire, and kept turning, to prevent scouring. + +Mr. Roberts mentions, and I have proved, a curious effect which is produced by feathering a light arrow at both ends, the wood being lightened at the pile-end; and the feather trimmed low at the nock and high at the pile-end; this, if shot against a wind, will return back again, like a Bonsenar. If the same shaped arrow be feathered in the middle only, it will, in its flight, make a right angle, and no power of how can send it any distance. + +As the elevation should be regulated by the rise or fall of the left arm, and not by the weight of the arrow, the use of the same shafts at all distances is strongly recommended. Indeed, it is a great mistake to change any part of the tackle, how or arrow, during the shooting, excepting in extraordinary cases ; seldom, indeed, is the scoring bettered by such means. + +38 +**OF THE ARROW.** + +Three arrows are usually shot at one time, and a fourth kept in reserve, in case of accidents. Now let it be remembered, that if the slightest variation either in shape or weight occurs amongst them, the line or the elevation is sure to be effected, to the serious detriment of accurate hitting; therefore too much care cannot be taken in their choice. Whatever kind or weight is used, let all the four be precisely similar in every respect. + +Whether for store or daily use, the arrows should be kept in a quiver or case, made on such a plan that each shall have its separate cell, and so be insured from warping, or from having the feathers crushed. It is too much the custom to squeeze a quantity of arrows into a small quiver; let not the archer who prunes his tackle be guilty of this folly. They will wear out quite speedily enough, without the addition of ill-usage to hasten it. In drawing them from the ground, or the target, let the hand take hold as near the pile end as possible. Every archer should have an appropriate mark painted on each of his arrows, so that they may be easily distinguished from those of his neighbour. + +It is a great point to have the arrow well stopped—that is, the wood should completely fill the pile, which otherwise, in striking against any hard substance, is apt to be driven down the stile, to the great detriment of the arrow, and often the destruction, by splitting, of the pile itself. + +Chapter VI. +OF THE STRING, THE BRACE, AND SHOOTING GLOVE. + +THE STRING. + +Of the bowstring very little need be said. The only good ones are of foreign make, and the very best are, I have understood, the produce of one particular maker a Belgian, in whose family the secret of their manufacture is preserved with such jealousy as to cause a fear of its being lost, inasmuch as it even its present possessor is the last of his race. + +A thick string is generally supposed to cast the stendient, a thin one the sharpest; but, though preferring the latter myself, I have not been able to discover much practical difference between them; the strength of the bow must, however, somewhat regulate its substance. In any case the string must be round and with a tolerably thick eye at one end for the bow horn, and plenty of substance in the twist at the other to form the loop for the lower end of the bow. This loop is formed by giving the appropriate end of the string one turn round itself, and interlacing or twisting it three or four times afterwards; taking care to do this evenly and distinctly, so as to prevent slipping and wasting the end before doing so. The length of the string between the loop and the eye must of course be regulated by the + +The Loop. + +40 +THE BRACER. + +length of the bow; and ought to be such that, when the latter is strung, a space of at least six inches for a man's, and five inches for a lady's bow, should exist between the string and the centre of the bow. + +The string for one inch above and five inches below the nocking point must be lapped with thread or thin twine, well waxed, so much a substance as nearly to fill the nock of the arrow, and this again, as far as is covered by the fingers when drawing, with a lapping of floss silk. The object of the latter is to render the loose smooth and even, and to supply the place of greene wholly or in part. Any substance that is of the right thickness, and at the same time smooth and even, may supply the place of the thread and floss, and will equally well attain the desired object. A piece of smooth vellum, or thin strip of buffalo hide, have been found to answer admirably, being pleasant to loose on and very durable. When nock is used, the nocking point must be made of a thickness which will not split the edge of the arrow without splitting it; this is one of those minutiae of archery essential to good shooting. If the string become frayed, it may be rubbed with beeswax, or thin glue; but if it be worn in any part, especially at the nocking point or the lower horn, let it be instantly rejected and replaced with a new one; for it is poor economy to risk the loss of perhaps a favourite bow, worth many pounds, for the sake of eighteenpence, the price of a new string. + +A few spare strings should be kept in stock, free from damp; if in a tin case, so much the better. + +THE BRACER. + +The object of the brace or armguard, it is almost needless to say, is to protect the left arm from the blow of the string, in the event of this striking upon it when loosed. By the expression "in the event of," it is especially meant to imply that no need exists for + +THE BRACE. 41 + +the string's striking the arm at all; and hereafter, and in its proper place, I hope to demonstrate that when this does occur, it is a fault to be amended, not a habit to be indulged in; and that if it **habitually** takes place, an insuperable barrier is thereby presented to certain and accurate shooting. Aesahem indeed will have it that the brace serves also a second purpose, viz., that the string, gliding sharply and quickly off it, may make a sharper shoot; ---which would appear to be about probable, provided that the ascending motion of the speed when in full career, by striking against a brick will or any other obstruction. It is only, however, just to say, that he recommends the bow being so much strung up that the string shall avoid touching the arm at all; by which it may be concluded, that he merely meant to assert that the arrow's sharpness of flight was less injured by the string's striking against a hard smooth substance, such as that of which brasse is usually composed, than against a soft yielding one, as the sleeve of the coat, for instance, would seem and not that there was any peculiar quality in the arrow itself of increasing its speed by the resistance of the bow. The brace then is simply a protection to the arm in case of need---unless indeed, as regards the fairer portion of humanity, it may be said to be of service in confining and rendering harmless those pendent armlets of lace, crochet, and frrippery that nowadays adorn their dresses, and the which, however servicable in rendering more fatal the ethereal shafts of Cupid, are anything but conducive to the correct flight of those greaser and more material missiles that obtain in an archery field. + +Too much care cannot be taken to see that, when fastened, no edge or corner protrudes that can by possibility obstruct the free passage of the string. I remember, upon one occasion some few years back and in my earlier days of practice, missing fifty-eight shots in succession, and only discovering at the end of that time that this mischief was entirely owing to one of the buckles having + +48 +THE BRACER. + +become loose, and so allowing the upper edge of the bracer at the time the arm was straightened to project some quarter of an inch beyond it; the string, in its passage back to the starting point, grazing against this projection, was for an instant arrested or else thrown out of the proper line; and thus the arrows either left the bow before the proper moment, and so fell short, or, receiving the same eccentricity from the string, were cast about the field in every direction but the right one. Upon remedying this defect my shooting resumed its ordinary course. + +In spite of good Aescham's " sharper shoot," a bracer made of moderately soft leather is preferable to a very hard one, as in this latter case the string on striking receives a greater rebound and vibration, which more or less injuriously affects the flight of the arrow. + +The bracer must not be buckled too tightly on the arm, as besides the discomfort and inconvenience this will occasion, it will serve to impede the free play of the muscles, and thus tend to destroy the accuracy of the shooting. It is a very good plan to have the upper edge of the bracer shaved thin, and then sewn on to the shooting coat (being still buckled as before), as this effectively prevents such an accident as that already related, and insures its fitting closely and tightly to the arm. The straps should be of such a length that the buckle shall be quite at the back of the arm, and not at the lower side, as in the latter case the sharp end will be in the way of the strings when coming over them by-the-bye. Instead of straps an elastic band with hook and eye has been lately introduced, and with every success. + +Peach's advice to persons " about to marry" will doubtless be in the remembrance of many of my readers ; it was comprised in the single word " Don't." I shall conclude the subject of the bracer + +THE SHOOTING GLOVE. +43 + +with the same piece of advice addressed to those who are constantly in the habit of striking it, and about to do it again—"Don't." + +THE SHOOTING GLOVE. + +By this is understood the protection that every archer more or less requires to the drawing fingers of the right hand. It is the one accoutrement of the archer that requires perhaps more care and attention than any other; for, as it is certain that skilled and scientific archers have their gloves made with great exactness and unvarying loose, so I have found such a loose is only to be attained by the help of the most perfectly fitting and accurately adjusted shooting glove. As will be shown hereafter in treating of that part of archery (the loose), the great thing is to have the perfect command of the string, of the exact "how" and the "when" it shall be allowed to quit the fingers. This becomes almost an impossibility should the shooting glove be either too tight or too loose; in either case this necessary command is lost, in the one by the hold of the string (from the slipping of the glove) being insecure; in the other, by the fingers becoming cramped, and thus preventing them from being able to execute their proper "how" and "when." Again, it is thick a jerk prevents the proper "fall" of the string; too thin a one hurts the fingers, and causes them to flinch from the proper degree of sharpness required for the loose. And, once more, with too hard a glove the string cannot be with certainty retained till the proper instant of loosing; with too soft a one it is apt to get so imbedded as to require an unnatural jerk to be got rid of at all. + +From all this it will be seen to be impossible to lay down any defined and specific rules for its size, shape, make, &c., &c., each individual requiring to be suited according to the peculiar nature of his own fingers, be they hard or tender, flabby or otherwise; and it is therefore strongly recommended to every archer to be the manu- +facturer of his own shooting glove, as no other can fit him with the + +44 +THE SHOOTING GLOVE. + +neatly and accuracy positively required. It may, however, be said generally that the thinner the leather composing it be, the better (provided always it be thick enough to protect the fingers from pain), as also that it be not so constructed as in the slightest degree to confine the hand or cramp the knuckles. A small piece of quill placed inside will also be found of material assistance in giving a clean and certain loose. + +I must candidly confess, however, that the endeavours of ten years have hardly succeeded in producing finger stalls perfectly to my satisfaction. The following is one of several good plans for making them ---Let the finger-guards be made of a smooth, pliable piece of leather, perfectly independent of each other, and fastened behind with Vulcanised India-rubber, and further kept in their places by rings of the like material passed over the middle joint of each finger ; such ring having a thin tongue (also of India-rubber), about an inch or an inch and a half in length, fastened to the leather stall inside the hand. The band is thus perfectly free and unstrained, and the elasticity of the India-rubber prevents any tightness of the stalls + +A diagram showing three views of a finger guard. The top view shows the back of the guard with a small loop at the end. The middle view shows the front of the guard with two fingers inserted into the loops. The bottom view shows both sides of the guard. + +Back. +Front. +Front. + +THE SHOOTING GLOVE. +45 + +or confinement of the fingers; a guard or stop is placed upon each stall about half an inch from the top, by which the line of the fingers and position of the string is so regulated as to render the loose always uniform. (See accompanying sketch.) The merit of the vulcanised India-rubber is, as far as I know, due to Mr. Mason. Some have objected to the India-rubber, as stopping the circulation, and so numbing the fingers. This, I think, proceeds from having it too strong and tight. Latterly, instead of elastic rings, I have used silk or cotton thread, to which a little glue or resin be rubbed inside the stalls, it will keep them tight to the fingers, and the India-rubber back may be dispensed with. + +Several excellent gloves have lately been brought out by Mr. Buchanan, of Piccadilly, very similar to those just described. For those who cannot bear the exposure of the tips of the fingers to the friction of the string in escaping, the glove here sketched may be highly recommended. + + +Back. +Front. +Mr. Buchanan's Glove. + + +There is a peculiar kind of finger-guard, known by the euphonious name of "tab," that requires some notice. It is simply a piece of flat leather lying inside the hand, and held in its place by the + +46 +THE SHOOTING GLOVE. + +fingers being let into it at one end. It cannot, however, be com- +pared with either of the gloves just described, either for evenness +and certainty of loose, or for perfect command of the string. Still +it must in fairness be stated that several excellent shots are in the +habit of using it. This does not, however, alter my opinion as to +its being decidedly an inferior method, as who shall say how much +more these might have excelled had they adopted a different and +more rational one? + +Chapter PH. + +OF THE GREASE BOX, TASSELL, BELT, ETC. + +THE GREASE BOX. + +The grease box is an invention, so its name implies, for the purpose of holding grease, which may be lard, deer's fat, or any other "anti-sticking" mixture that the varying faculties of different individuals may delight in. There is nothing to be said against the use of such matters; but to those who, like myself, object to messing with grease, a lepping of flower silk, or any other smooth substance will be preferable, and will answer every required purpose: but this is one of those points that can be safely left to each individual Archer to decide, by his own experience. The plain man or less ambitious being unwilling to vary the strength of the grip of his fingers. Thus much, however, should be said that it is quite possible to have the string so slippery as to prevent that perfect command of the time of loosing which is a main ingredient in successful shooting. The grease box is generally made of wood, horn, or ivory. + +THE TASSELL. + +He must be a good Archer indeed who can do without this necessary appendage to his equipment. It is simply a tassel, made of green worted, for the purpose of removing any dirt that may adhere to the arrow after it has been drawn from the ground. It need not be a yard in circumference, so as to judge from the stupendous size of their tassels, would seem to be the opinion of some Archers, but of as small a size as is compatible with its answering the required purpose. + +48 +THE BELT--THE SCORING APPARATUS. +THE BELT. +This is a strap with a small pouch attached, which fastens round the waist, and serves the purpose of holding the arrows, tassel, grease pot, spare string, and any other little paraphernalia of Archery, as also to assist in rendering one as hot and wretched as possible whilst shooting in warm weather. It is better made with a small deep pocket made under the left hand side of the shooting coat ; this will serve to hold the arrows, and the other matters can be hung on to a button of the coat, or, if it be liked better, kept in the ordinary pocket. These remarks, however, do not apply to the fair sex; the shooting belt is an evil they must perforce put up with. + +Beit. &n + +THE SCORING APPARATUS. +The scoring apparatus is of various kinds and shapes, suitable to all tastes, and consists of a scoring card, a frame (generally of wood, silver, or ivory) to hold it, and a needle, enclosed with the exception of the point, so that it may make its way into the hole as soon as it occurs upon the card. It would be out of time and space to attempt a description of the different apparatus in use; suffice it to say that each Archer can suit his own taste, and, by having a plate struck for himself, can have the card arranged in that manner as will best accommodate the distances and number of arrows he is in the habit of shooting. For those who practise the national round, an excellent card and frame to suit, originated by Mr. Bramhall, of Norfolk, are in use. The former is so arranged as to embrace two + +THE ASCHAM—THE REGISTER. + +49 + +rounds, and to keep a separate and distinct account of each distance and each individual arrow shot, and this all within a very small compass. The frame contains a pricker to mark with, and a pencil to do the additions afterwards. It can be strongly recommended to all those who take an interest in ascertaining the exact particulars of each day's shooting. + +THE ASCHAM. + +This term is applied to a small narrow cupboard, constructed for the purpose of holding the Archer's implements. It should be so arranged that the bows can stand upright, and each individual arrow in the same position, and sufficiently apart from its neighbour to prevent the feathers ruffling each other. The principal point to be mentioned, however, is not so respects the Ascham itself, but concerning the locality in which it should be kept. This should be in a room free from damp, and the temperature of which is as even as may be; if on the ground floor, to insure safety, the Ascham should be raised five or six inches from the ground. This is especially called for in country houses, as they often build over wells that are full and ill drained. The very best place for the Ascham is a room over the kitchens, as this gives that medium temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, which is especially suited to the preservation of bows, arrows and strings. + +THE REGISTER. + +This is simply a book, ruled and arranged in such a manner as to enable the Archer to keep an accurate account of his shooting. Those who have not been in the habit of having one can have no idea of the importance of such a book, either in respect to its literary practice, and how conducive it is to its steady and persevering continuance. It begats a great desire to improve, for no man likes to have evidence before his eyes of his pains and exertions being of no avail, and himself at a stand-still in any pursuit he takes an interest + +A page from "The Register" by Thomas Ascham. + +50 + +THE TARGETS. + +in; it ensures a due carefulness in the shooting of every arrow, since without it, the score will be bad, and therefore disagreeable to chronicle; it excites emulation, by enabling one man's average shooting to be compared with another's, and restrains, by its sternly demonstrating figures, those flights of imagination occa- +sionally indulged in by bad memories, as to feats performed and scores achieved. By noting too in this register the causes of fail- +ure at different times, a less chance will exist of their occurring again, as it keeps the same always in the mind's eye, and their necessary consequences in view. In this way, when the Archers see that the Archer will find the little trouble the keeping of it occasions him so abundantly repaid in a variety of ways, that having once commenced it, he will never afterwards be induced to abandon its use. + +THE TARGETS. + +The target is made of thrashed or unthrashed straw (rye is best), firmly bound together with tarred string, somewhat similar in its formation to a bee hive, and is covered with stout canvas, upon which are painted five different coloured rings, white, black, blue, or indigo blue, red and gold (commencing from the outside). It should be exactly round, and have a diameter equal to the breadth of all the rings being the same. This gives 9-3-5ths inches for the gold or centre, and 4-6-5ths inches for each of the rings to the right and left of it. The circles are valued as follows ---Nine, +for the gold, seven for the red, five for the blue, three for the black, +and one for the white. These figures, however, do not represent the correct value of the rings according to their respective areas; for reckoning the gold to score nine as above, strictly speaking the red should count but three, the inner white or blue two, the black one and a half, and the indigo blue one. This is a mistake which Waring (vide Waring's treatise, page 39). This incorrectness in the num- +ber scored for each ring, however, is altogether unimportant, for as one man's score is only good or bad as compared with another's + +THE TARGETS. +51 + +and all use the same target and mode of counting, each Archer gets the same proportionate benefit from the excess of counting, and so the comparative result is the same. + +Formerly, if an arrow lodged on the border of two rings, the least valuable of the two was counted; but of late years the higher has been allowed—and this is right, as where a man hits two rings, he should have the option of choosing which he likes; of course, he will take the highest. I believe the Woodmen of Arden, however, still retain the old mode of reckoning the hits, allowing the Archer only to score the lowest of this two circles struck by the arrow. + +The facing of the target should be covered with nothing but paint; there is too prevalent a custom amongst the target-makers of laying on, previously to the paint, a coating of whitening or some other villainous compound, in order to cheapen the process of colouring, and to smarren the appearance of the facing, and the consequence is, that after a day or two's use, and even without it, this original covering is entirely effaced. The Archer must therefore think (of course carrying the paint with it), that in a very short time, and long before either straw or canvas are one quarter destroyed, hardly a remnant of colour remains to distinguish the circles; and in addition to this, the Archer is bored with the necessity of removing this sticky compound from the end of his arrow, every time it is removed from the target. I know of nothing more annoying to the Archer than this. He has paid a high price for his targets, and perhaps for his carriage-bendles, and does not get a quarter of the wear out of them that they ought to do. The proprietors of Archery warehouses, who did but consult their own interests, would soon put a stop to this obnoxious practice, the result of it being, that every Archer who has it in his power gets the facings of his targets made in his own neighbourhood under his own eye, instead of purchasing them. " Verbum sap." &c. +2 + +52 +THE STANDS. + +The present colours of the target are not well adapted for the most accurate shooting, being too bright and glaring, confusing the eye, and attracting it from the centre. Thus it is most difficult to aim at the gold, and not at the target generally. A black centre, with the rest of the target white, or nice verd, would be much more conducive to central hitting. The rings might still be equally well marked. + +THE STANDS. + +These consist of three pieces of wood or iron, about six feet in length, fastened together by hinges at the top, and form a triangle, upon which the target is suspended. There is little or nothing to be said about them, excepting that, if made of iron, they should invariably be covered with a thick coat of leather or gutta percha ; otherwise the arrows will be constantly broken against them, especially in windy weather ; but even with this precaution, the wooden ones are liable to break, and the latter are faced from end to end with about two square inches of good solid stuffing of tow or shavings, enclosed in canvas, they will last a great many years, and never do injury to a single arrow. + +A new kind of stand was introduced by the late Rev. J. Myler, and is now, and has been for some years past, in use on the Tuxedo Grounds in Regent's Park. It is of iron, and constructed in such a manner that no part of the stand is visible to the shooter. Though considered perfection by its author, it is open to several objections ; the chief of which are, that it is very expensive, can + +The Fletched Stand. + +THE QUIVER. +53 + +only be used as a fixture, and is occasionally the cause of a broken arrow; since, in spite of its careful construction, in dry weather the shaft will often rebound from the ground against it. I do not see, indeed, how the triangular wooden stand, well guarded, is to be surpassed. + +The accompanying plate will give an idea of the Meyer stand. + +A diagram showing a quiver with a triangular wooden stand. The stand has two legs (A) and a top (B). The quiver is attached to the top of the stand. +The Meyer Stand. +A-B Level of the Ground.--C The Socket.--D The Stand.--E The Target + +THE QUIVER. + +The quiver is commonly a case made of tin, to hold about a dozen arrows, sometimes having a small receptacle in the top to contain a spare string, a piece of wax, some twine and silk, and a file. These old-fashioned quivers are, however, very objectionable, as there is no provision made for keeping the arrows separate, so that too often they are squeezed in anyhow, and the feathers are crushed, and the arrows warped. The best sort of quiver (which now generally fits the travelling bow-case) is made of wood or tin, flat-sided, and fitted + +54 +THE QUIVER. + +inside (at nine inches from the top and six inches from the bottom) with two shelves (one inch thick), bored with as many holes (half-inch in diameter) as there is room for arrows. These two shelves have the holes exactly perpendicular to each other, so that the arrows, passing through the two, are kept steady in their places, without danger of warping or crushing the feathers. If made of tin, the bottom should be lined with a piece of leather, gutta percha, or cork. + +Chapter VII. + +OF BRACING AND Nocking. + +Different Modes of Bracing—Bend of the Bow—Ordinary Mode of Ascertaining its Correctness—Usual Direction as to Nocking—Its Objection—How to be Remedied—Position of Nocking Place—A Word of Warning. + +In the previous chapters such plain directions, it is hoped, have been given concerning the various implements of Archery, as will enable each Archer to provide himself with the best of that kind his inclination and means may lead him to adopt; and to avoid such as are in themselves defective, or which he may find so difficult as he is sure to meet with before arriving at any great or satisfactory proficiency in the art. Having thus enabled him to form a choice as to his weapons, the next step is to endeavour to guide him in their use ; and in the first place I shall notice a few minor matters, which, although of lesser importance in themselves, when compared with the more abstruse and difficult points connected with scientific Archery, yet must not on that account be altogether passed over in silence : and the first of these has regard to bracing the bow, which may be considered as one of the principal requisites of the act of shooting. This is perhaps better known under the more modern appellation of stringing, and has reference to the act of bending the bow when unstrung, sufficiently to enable the shooter to slip the upper noose of the string into the nock. To effect this, three different modes have been practised. The first and most usual method is to set the lower horn of the bow on the ground (its back being towards the Archer) + +56 + +OF BRACING AND NOKING. + +against the inside of the right foot, this being turned a little inward to prevent its slipping; then firmly grasping the handle with the right hand, and resting the lower part of the inside of the left hand upon the limb, just below the eye of the string, with a strong pull at the handle to bend the bow (the left hand and right foot forming the pounds d'opus of its two ends), the thumb and second joint of the forefinger being placed upon the string, at the same time carrying the eye of the string into the nock. Novices, in first endeavouring to perform the operation of slipping the string into the nock almost invariably fail in doing so, but as invariably succeed in getting their fingers between the bow and string ; thus discovering that the string can do something more than displease them, they immediately nearly cut their fingers off. To pre- vent this untoward result, I have here appended a sketch (from a photograph) of the proper position of the hand and fingers whilst stringing—expressly for their benefit. + +Bringing the Bow. + +The second mode is by identically the same action, excepting that the left hand takes the place of the right, and vice versa. The third mode is performed by resting the lower horn of the bow upon the ground (the belly instead of the back being turned towards the Archer), and, whilst one hand presses the belly from the person, the inside of the other supports the upper end of the bow, and at the same time slips the string into the nock. Of this last mode of bracing, it may be briefly said that it is somewhat unusual, and seldom practised. + +OF BRACING AND NOCKING. +57 + +As regards the first two methods, opinions are divided; some, and I think the majority, advocating the grasp of the bow with the right hand, whilst the few maintain the left hand to be the best. It is, however, a matter so totally immaterial as hardly to be worth the slightest controversy; still, as Archers have made it a ressort quiesce, I may as well state the principal argument advanced by both sides in support of either proposition, and leave each to decide for himself afterwards as to which he likes best to adopt. The advocates of the left-hand grip contend that it is more easy to draw; whilst those hold that hand, it should therefore be strong in like manner, as it saves the necessity of changing hands, and the action is more direct; whilst those who maintain the right-hand grasp, though they allow this, assert it is more than counterbalanced by the necessity the archer is under of turning his back upon the mark, or whatever or whoever else he is at the time framing, if the bow be placed against the left foot instead of the right, which it must be if the grasp be with the left hand. But it may be said to every shooter, male or female. + +Utrum hortum nescio seseo. + +To unbrace the bow the action is same, with the exception that the string is slipped out of the nock, instead of into it. Either to brace or unbrace gracefully, and without effort, is an affair rather of knack, than of strength or force, and is therefore only to be learnt with a certain amount of practice. + +The bow being braced, two things are to be carefully noted; firstly, that the bend be neither too high nor too low; and, secondly, that the string starts from both horns exactly in their centre, neither to the right hand nor to the left, but dividing the bow precisely in half from end to end; if this latter caution be not observed, the grain of the bow runs considerable risk of being unnaturally strained, and the bow itself of being pulled away, and out of its proper shape, and sooner or later of breaking in consequence; it is + +58 + +OF BRACING AND NOKING. + +even doubtful if the correct cast itself be not also more or less in- +juriously affected by any carelessness on this point. It is another of +those minutiae of Archery which is of more importance than might at +first sight appear, and one that should always be attended to before +the bow is allowed to discharge a single arrow. During a morning's +shooting, too, attention should be occasionally directed to the string, +to ascertain that the nose is not slipping into a little curve, whilst it will +sometimes unfortunately happen. Consideration must be had to the +already stated, when speaking of the string, that, as regards a man's +bow, the distance from the inside of the handle to the string should +not be less than six inches. The advantages of a lower or smaller +bend than this are that the bow casts quicker and further (owing to +the greater length the arrow is acted upon by the string), and that +the wood is less strained, and in less consequent danger of breaking; +but to be put against this are facts that the cast is less steady, +and the probability of striking the broom before the extreme point +of the string is much increased, owing to the greater distance over +which it has to travel. Secondly, the resistance offered by the string +is much greater. Individually, I prefer the high bend, as giving much +greater steadiness, tending more to secure the correct flight of the +arrow, and making the drawing of the bow easier (the distance to be +pulled being less), and have never found the loss of cast or the danger +of breaking sufficiently great to induce an alteration of that opinion. +I should therefore recommend the bow's being strong up, at least, +six inches. + +It has long been the custom, in order to ascertain the amount of +bend of the bow, to place the first perpendicularly upon the interior +of the handle (at the centre of the bow), at the same time raising up +the thumb as high as it will reach : should the string then just touch +the extremity of the thumb, the bracing is probably there or there- +abouts correct : if higher or lower than the thumb's extremity, it is +probably too great or too little, as the case may be. This is not, +however, an infallible test, as the size and length of the hands of + +**OF BRACING AND NOCKING.** + +59 + +different individuals vary materially; but each Archer can once for all ascertain how near his own hand, placed in the above way, marks the distance he prefers, and, bearing this always in mind, brace his bow thereby equally as well as if his hand marked it exactly. + +I shall now proceed to the point of nocking, though, strictly speaking, the next in order is that of drawing; but, as this latter is so intimately connected with, as to be almost inseparable from, the subjects of position, method of drawing, sinning, &c., which are decidedly after-matters, it will be included in these, instead of being separately treated of. Nocking is the most simple operation of Archery; the usual directions given for performing it are as follows:—Holding the bow by the handle with the left hand, and turning it diagonally with the string upwards, with the right hand draw an arrow from the pouch, and grasping it about the middle, pass the point under the string and over the bow ; then placing the thumb of the left hand under it, with the third and first finger of the right hand fix firmly on the string, leaving the cock-feather being uppermost. There is one objection, however, to that part of them which directs the shooter to "pass the arrow under the string"—an objection, curiously enough, entirely overlooked by all the authors upon Archery—and it is this, that by doing so, and owing to the somewhat intricate passage the arrow is made to traverse, the bow is very apt to become pitted by the point of the arrow, and in most Archers' hands whonock in this way specifically assumes the appearance had an attack of some mild disease of muscles or joints; and such great injury to a bowstring as re- gards beauty and utility, especially when made of wood, this most valuable wood of all being of a soft and tender character. It is true it may be argued that it is the Archer's own fault for not using proper care and attention whilst performing the operation; but during the excitement of matches, or in rapid shooting, this is no + +60 + +OF BRACING AND NOCKING. + +easy matter; and thus it will be generally found that the bows of Archers who nock in this way are more or less indented in the manner mentioned. Are the important points of Archery, too, not sufficiently numerous and difficult to bear constantly in mind without adding numerous to the list, unnecessary and altogether needless? If it had been recommended of any other kind of archery, which is more quickly performed, it would be something in its favour; but neither of these arguments can be advanced by its advocates, neither does it possess one single advantage to counterbalance its serious objection. + +I cannot imagine a plan of nocking more simple and easy than the following---The bow being held by the handle with the left hand, let the arrow be placed with the right (over the string, not under) upon that part of the bow upon which it is to lie; the thumb of the left hand is then placed on the string, and the forefinger serves it perfectly under command, and the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand can then take hold of the nock end of the arrow, and manipulate it with the most perfect ease in any manner that may be required. Five minutes' practice will be sufficient to render this mode of nocking familiar and easy to any Archer. + +The nocking place should be exactly upon that part of the string which is opposite the spot of the bow over which the arrow passes---that is, at an angle of 45 degrees with the string---perpendicular to the bow. If either above or below this point, the arrow will not have a good flight; and should it happen to be above a trifle so either way, the safety of the bow is also compromised, and its cast injured. Care must be taken that the nocking part of the string easily fills the nock of the arrow---it must be neither too tight nor too loose; if at first, it may, and probably will, split the nock; if the second, the shaft is apt to slip when in the act of drawing, and the correct elevation and its proper flight be lost thereby. The degree of tightness should be such, that the arrow, if nocked + +OF BRACING AND NOCKING. +61 + +and allowed to hang, should just be retained by the string—that is to say, sufficient to support the weight of the arrow. + +I must add a word of warning to the young Archer against that objectionable but too common plan of attempting to alter the range of this arrow by changing the nocking-point, making it higher or lower as they may increase or diminish it. For the reasons above given, a worse system cannot be adopted. + +Chapter IX. +OF POSITION. + +The Standing—Requirements of a Good Position—What to observe and what to avoid—How to Group the Bow—Worley's Method—the Correct One—Whether the Bow should be held Perpendicularly or Otherwise. + +Ascham has made standing the first of his well-known five points of archery; but, as the term appears a most insufficient one for including all that has to be said respecting the attitude and general bearing of the Archer whilst in the act of shooting, I have preferred the expression "position" as being more applicable and comprehensive. Under this head will be included, not only what may be considered as particular rules relative to the footing (or standing according to Rogers) and attitudes of the Archer (irrespective of what may more properly belong to the point of drawing), but also the manner in which the hand should grasp the bow, as well as the exact position of the bow itself. + +And, first, as to the footing or standing, and attitudes of the Archer. Concerning these, it may safely be asserted that so many varieties exist as there are Archers to give them existence. At any rate, certainly it is true that no two are alike precisely in the same form, and very few without some individual peculiarities or some unique modes. Such being the case, it would be venturing too far to assert that but one position is good, or any particular one the best (indeed, it is doubtful if any Archer could be instanced as having attained perfection in this respect); but, nevertheless, some general rules are necessary to be borne in mind, and can with confidence be laid down, + +A page from a book, likely a historical work on archery. + +OF POBITON. +63 + +in order to control such mannerism, and restrain them within harm- +less limits. For numberless examples might be given, where the un- +fortunate body and limbs are twisted and contorted to such a degree, +and made to go through such wonderful acrobatic evolutions, as not +only to violate all the requirements of grace and elegance, but also +most effectually to prevent the possibility of even moderate hitting. +Such faults would appear to have been common in Archers time, as +well as now, for the following instance is taken from Nature. +However, will be passed upon the present occasion; but it will be +rather endeavoured to lay down such plain directions as may prevent +the assumption of attitudes injurious to good shooting, the reader +being left to his own common sense to avoid such as do violence to +gracefulness, and are repulsive to the looker-on. + +An Archer's general position is to be a good one, must be +possessed of three qualities—namely, firmness, elasticity, and grace : +firmness to resist the force, pressure, and recoil of the bow for if +there be no firmness in the body, the shot will fall short or prove a +failure; elasticity, to give free play to the muscles, and the needful +command over them, which will not be the case should the position be +too stiff;—and grace, to render the shooter and his performance an +agreeable object to the eye of the spectator. It so far fortunately +happens that the third requirement, namely that of grace, is almost +the necessary consequent of the possession of the other two; for +the best position for practical results is almost sure to be the most +graceful one. At any rate, experience proves that an awkward and +ungainly style of shooting is seldom or never successful. Bearing in mind all the above these requisites, it will be advisable to +discuss what is and what is not the best position for combining them. + +The first point that calls for remark is the footing or standing, +and to this part of "position" there is little or nothing to be added + +64 +OF POSITION. + +to what has already been recommended in other treatises on Archery. +The heels should be about six or eight inches apart, not further ; for it is neither necessary nor elegant for the shooter to straddle his legs altogether. The feet must be well prepared to indicate the blow of a battering-ram, whatever his feelings upon the subject may be. +The feet must be flat and firm on the ground, both internally curving outwards from the heels, so that the toes be some six or seven inches wider apart than they ; the position of the feet as regards the target being such, that a straight line drawn from it would intersect both heels—that is to say, the standing must be at right angles with the mark.—(Vide Frontispiece.)—The knees must be perfectly straight, not bent in the slightest degree. Some Archers violate this rule ; but could they once see themselves, or understand the ludicrous-looking object they present to the spectator by doing so, they would hardly be able to continue the practice. The body of the body should be thrown equally on one leg; for as Mr. Roberts very justly observes, a partial bearing on one leg more than on the other, tends to render the shooter unsteady, and enervates his whole action. +In short, the footing must be firm, yet at the same time easy and springy, and the more natural it is the more likely it is to possess these qualities. + +If the foregoing rules respecting the footing be accurately ob- +served, it will be found that the side only of the Archer's person is turned towards the target; and this is what has been invariably recommended by all authorities upon Archery, and is regarded as the proper attitude. The left shoulder must not, however, be additionally forced forward, set in a vice as it were, but allowed to maintain its natural position—otherwise the required element of elasticity will be lost. The body should be upright, but not stiff; the whole per- +son well balanced; and the face turned round, so as to be nearly fronting the target, with the expression calm, yet determined and confident—for nothing is more unsightly than to see the " human + +**OF POSITION.** + +face divine" distorted by frowning, winking, sticking out the tongue, and the like—the whole attitude, in short, should be generally suggestive of power, command over the muscles, and the soil to use them so as to produce the desired result. + +During the brief period of time between the assumption of the footing and the loosing of the arrow, some slight alteration of the body's attitude first assumed will of necessity take place. During the act of drawing and aiming with right hand, which usually comes a little forward on the left, shoulder retires a little backwards. Indeed, were it not so, the shooter would be the very personification of awkwardness. The slightest possible inclination forward should also be given to the head and chest. The object of this is to bring the muscles of the chest into play to assist those of the arms, and is what good Bishop Latimer called "laying the body in the bow." + +Not stooping, nor yet standing straight upright. + +As Nicholl's "London Artillery" hath it. + +A great many archers bend the body very considerably from the waist; but this is most highly objectionable on every account. There is nothing to be said for it, and everything against it. Indeed, the shooter who adopts this position requires so much of his wits and muscles to keep himself from tumbling on his nose, as to have but little of either left to enable him to hit the mark. Not that he is to run into the opposite extreme, and look as if he had a ramrod down his backbone, or was without vertebrae at all; but the same rules apply to this point as to every other connected with the modes or means of shooting, namely, that any strained or unnatural attitudes are not only unbecoming in a man's appearance, but are likely to be detrimental to the success of the shooter. A warning must likewise be given against bending the head too much forwards. This, however, brings with it, fortunately, its own speedy punishment; for when it takes place, the string, in recoiling, will every now and then give the + +F + +68 +OF POSITION. + +unfortunate Archer such a merciless rap upon the nose as effectually to cure him of the fault,—for the time being at all events ; for Archers who have once experienced the penalty of this mistake, will not be at all inclined to undergo a repetition of it, if it can by any possibility be avoided. + +I shall now proceed to the second part of my subject—which is indeed a most important one,—namely, the manner in which the hand should grasp the bow whilst in the act of shooting, and the exact position of the bow itself; that is, whether this should be perpendicular, or more or less oblique. + +As regards the first matter,namely, the manner in which the hand should grasp the bow, it may be once more asserted that the most natural and easy position of the hand is that in which this remark is applicable to almost every point connected with Archery, and cannot be too much and too often insisted on. Should the wrist and hand, then, be any way unnaturally employed, bad results immediately ensue. For example, should the grasp be such as to throw the fulcrum much below the centre of the bow, the lower limb runs into danger; for if it be pulled away and out of shape, which sooner or later will cause it to chrysal and break. And, again, if, as Waring and others incultate, and too many follow, the wrist be "turned in as much as possible," the left arm must perforo, be held in such a manner, and in so straightened a position, that not only will it present a constantly recurring obstacle and diverting influence + +A diagram showing a bow and arrow with a focus on the hand's position. + +OF POSITION. +67 + +to the free passage of the string, but also be the cause of an increased strain and additional effort to the shooter himself, besides taking all spring and elasticity out of him. If the reverse of this method be adopted, and the wrist be turned intentionally outwards, as some do (by the by, this is rather a peculiarity of the fairer sex), the whole force of the bow is then thrown entirely upon it, and it becomes unequal to the task of sus-taining its weight and recoil; thus, as in every other instance, extremes are bad, and to be avoided. + +Wrong. + +When the arrow is nocked and the footing taken, let the bow lie easily and lightly in the left hand, the wrist being turned neither inwards nor outwards, but allowed to remain in that position that nature intended for it; as the drawing of the bow commences, the grasp will intuitively tighten, and by the time the arrow is drawn to the head, the position of hand and wrist will be such as to be easiest for the shooter, and best for the success of his shot. + +Some Archers have a habit of letting the thumb of the left hand lie extended along the belly of the bow, whilst others extend the forefinger, apparently to keep the arrow in its place. Both these habits are bad, as tending to weaken and unsteady the grasp, and as causing the jar of the bow to be more sensibly felt. + +# 2 + +68 +OF POSITION. + +Regarding the position of the bow, whether it should be held, +when drawn up for the aim, perpendicularly or more or less obliquely, +opinions are pretty equally divided—the preponderance being, +perhaps, in favour to the perpendicular. It is difficult to find that +sufficient reason can be adduced as to leave no doubt that the +oblique is the better method. For, firstly, the bow comes a little to +that position naturally, the wrist requiring a slight twist to hold it +quite perpendicularly ; secondly, in a side wind blowing towards the +face of the Archer, the arrow is more easily retained on the bow ; +and, thirdly, it gives the elbow of the left arm a slight inclination +outwards, which is so far advantageous as assisting to keep that arm +out of the way of the string. I know of no advantage possessed by +the perpendicular holding of the bow to counterbalance the above +advantages appertaining to the oblique. It is therefore recommended +that the bow be held somewhat in the latter direction. + +Chapter X. +Of Drawing. + +Drawing as Essential Feature—Example of Bad Methods—Modes Adopted by Different Archers—the Best System—Inability of Devices to give Certainty of Draw—Position of Left Arm a most Important Feature—The Importance of the Throat—The Need of the Unobstructed Passage of the String Demonstrated—Proper Position for the Left Arm—the Length of the Draw. + +Whether Anschu's assertion that "drawing is the better part of shooting" is strictly correct or not, one thing is certain, that at any rate it forms one of its most important features; and upon the manner in which it is accomplished very much depends, not only the ease and grace of the entire performance, but the accuracy and certainty of the hitting. Now, though it is not asserted that but one method of drawing exists, whereby a man may attain to great scoring, it is nevertheless maintained that there are many modes in common practice at the present day, by the use of which such scoring is effectively prevented. A small volume might be written in describing the different bad methods of archery adopted by various Archers according to this general statement. One I have often found a difficulty in aim at his own toe, then an equally careful aim at the sky above his head, and finally at his mark; it is perhaps needless to add that he seldom or never hit it. Another was wont to go through the most extraordinary gyrations with both arms, moving them about somewhat like the sails of a windmill during the whole process of drawing until the very moment of the arrow's departure—where to, until it dropped, neither he himself nor any of + +| | | +|---|---| +| Whether Anschu's assertion that "drawing is the better part of shooting" is strictly correct or not, one thing is certain, that at any rate it forms one of its most important features; and upon the manner in which it is accomplished very much depends, not only the ease and grace of the entire performance, but the accuracy and certainty of the hitting. Now, though it is not asserted that but one method of drawing exists, whereby a man may attain to great scoring, it is nevertheless maintained that there are many modes in common practice at the present day, by the use of which such scoring is effectively prevented. A small volume might be written in describing the different bad methods of archery adopted by various Archers according to this general statement. One I have often found a difficulty in aim at his own toe, then an equally careful aim at the sky above his head, and finally at his mark; it is perhaps needless to add that he seldom or never hit it. Another was wont to go through the most extraordinary gyrations with both arms, moving them about somewhat like the sails of a windmill during the whole process of drawing until the very moment of the arrow's departure—where to, until it dropped, neither he himself nor any of | + +70 +**OF DRAWING.** + +the lockers-on had the remotest chance of dividing. Several make a sort of see-saw of the bow and arrow, drawing the latter backwards and forwards for the last few inches, till the ill-tended weapons are at least equal to the best tricks as these are made by others like them too numerous for description, are methods of drawing that do prevent good shooting, and none are or can be correct that in so gliding a manner do violence to neatness, or the first principles of common sense. But, putting aside such eccentric performances as these, there still remain several different methods of drawing, that may fairly admit of discussion as to their respective merits, and these I shall proceed to notice. + +Some Archers, and good ones too, extend the bow-arm fully and take their aim before they commence drawing at all. I cannot, however, think that this method is to be commended, as it has an awkward appearance from the necessity that exists of stretching the right arm so far across the body in order to reach the string, and materially increases the exertion necessary to pull the bow. The same objections apply, though in a less degree, to drawing the bow a few inches only, and then extending the arm and taking the aim. A third method is natural, the very opposite of that described in what I have just noticed, the very opposite of that described in what I have just noticed, when the arm is extended beyond its natural length before attempting to draw the aim is attempted to be taken at all. This, at the first view, has apparently a great point in its favour, namely, that it insures the arrow's always being drawn to the same point; but is objectionable, nevertheless, as being most trying both to arm and bow, as being generally ineffective, not particularly graceful, and causing the proper loose to be constantly missed, from the great overstrain that is laid upon the drawing fingers of the right hand. Another method is, to make the purpose of drawing consist in the movement of the left arm a simulaneous movement, and to such an extent, that it may be at the least three-fourths drawn at the time it is brought upon the aim—the right arm being at this time so much raised, that its + +OF DRAWING. +71 + +elbow shall be on the same level as the drawing fingers. This is the system adopted by the generality of good Archers, and is decidedly the best, as being the most graceful in action, and by far the easiest as regards the pulling of the bow. There is some difference of opinion amongst those who adopt this plan, as to whether the arms and bow should be brought to the point of aim from beneath that point, or brought round and above it, and then lowered to it (in either case, whether they should be drawn horizontally or circularly), whether this should be done by a horizontal motion. The first method appears to me to be the simplest and most direct, since the drawing most naturally commences from beneath the point of aim, and it seems rather going out of the way to make an upward circular motion in order to get above it, for the sole purpose of again descending to it. As regards the horizontal movement, it is objectionable, as having a tendency to carry the arm across the target, and so out of the true line. + +At this point (the arrow being at the least three-fourths drawn and the aim found), a further matter for discussion amongst Archers is, whether the continuation of the pull to its finish should be immediate and without pause, or otherwise; that is to say, whether the entire drawing should be one continuous act, from the first moment of pulling and raising the bow to the loosing; or whether the arrow should be held quiescent for a short time after the aim is found, so as to allow of a more perfect execution of the shot. Aescham maintains that the first is the only correct method, and calls the second a shift; but a very great deal of experiment has proved that very little, if any, advantage is possessed by either system over the other, and that the Archer may adopt whichever he pleases without detriment to his shooting, provided only that the pause, if he make it, be a very slight one. My own predilection, from habit perhaps, is rather in favour of the continuous draw, and it is certainly somewhat less laborious, as if once a stop takes place, a + +72 + +OF DRAWING. + +renewed effort is required to complete the pull ; but, upon the whole, +the difference between the two methods is so trifling, that it may +safely be left to the option of each shooter, as before stated, to choose +for himself. + +I shall therefore venture to recommend, as being, all things +considered, the best system of drawing, that the pulling of the bow +and the extension of the left arm be a simultaneous movement ; that +this be to the extent of drawing the arrow at the least three-fourths +of its length before the aim be taken (if to such a distance that +the wrist of the right hand come to about the level of the chin, so much +the better) ; that the aim be found by a direct movement on to it +from the point of rest of the bow ; that the right arm be well raised ; +and that the arrow be then pulled loose, either with or +without a pause, preference being rather given to the latter. + +One of the main features of good drawing is, that the distance +pulled be precisely the same every time, that is to say, the arrow +always be drawn identically the same spot. Unless this be +accomplished, the elevation must be more or less uncertain, since +the power taken out of the bow will, of course, be greater or less according as it is drawn further or shorter than usual. This has been tried and practised to make exact similarity in the distance +drawn a matter of certainty, by notching the extremity of the arrow +for instance, so that the left hand may feel when it has reached a certain +point, and by other contrivances of like nature, and producing the +same effect. But such devices never have a beneficial result, for when +the eye and mind are fixed on the aim, concentrated upon it as it +were (as they should be), if anything occurs to distract either, the +shooting is sure to become uncertain and unequal. Some Archers endeavour to avoid this difficulty by drawing their bow by means +of the right hand, making this be felt in some particular part of the cheek. One who shot at one of the earlier Grand National Meetings + +OF DRAWING. +73 + +actually held on by his own nose, the thumb being the instrument of fixture; another will put his tongue in his cheek, and hold on by that. The same objections apply to these as to the first-mentioned device; and they are additionally objectionable as being extremely unskillful and ungraceful, besides preventing the elasticity of finger required for a good bow. There appear, indeed, to be no artificial means by which similarity of draw can be beneficially obtained. Nothing but constant and unremitting practice will serve the Archer here. + +The pile of the arrow should not be drawn on to the bow—at least it is better that it be not—as, unless it is exactly the same shape as the arrow itself, it will throw the latter out of the line. (See Plate 5.) Moreover, more or less danger will exist of the arrow's breaking off at the point where it touches the pile, which probably take place, as will anything but soothing to the nerves of the shooter, or safe to his bow or eyes. This rule can be the more safely pressed on his attention, as there is no object gained by violating it. It is, therefore, recommended that the arrow be pulled just to that point where the commencement of the pile touches the bow and no further. Thus the arrow should be longer, by the length of the pile, than the Archer's actual draw. + +All Archers, good, bad, and indifferent, are peculiarly subject (more or less) to one failing, namely, that of completing the draw, after the aim is taken, in a somewhat different line to that occupied by the arrow; instead of making it, as they should do, an exact continuation of that line; dropping the right hand, or letting it incline to the right, or both—the effect being to cast the arrow out of the direction it had indicated, and by means of which the aim had been calculated. Here, again, nothing but the most constant and unfailing practice will serve the Archer; but his attention is most particularly directed to this most common failing, as it is one + +74 + +**OF DRAWING.** + +of which he will very often be entirely unconscious, though the cause of his continually missing his mark. The very best of Archers need to bear constantly in mind the necessary avoidance of this fault, for however skilful he may be, however experienced and practised a shot, he may be quite sure that it is one into which he will be constantly in danger of falling. + +Now let it be remembered that the right hand must always be drawn to the same spot for all kinds of target shooting, be the distance what it may, and the arrow be pulled the same length. Some Archers have a very bad habit of varying the length of their draw at different distances, whilst others endeavour to accomplish the desired elevation by raising or depressing the right hand. This is all decidedly wrong. It is the left arm, and the left arm alone, that should do this part of the work, this being elevated or depressed according as the elevation required is upwards or downwards, exactly in the same position at the moment of the arrow's departure. This is an incontrovertible rule in Archery to obtain a true elevation, and one that admits of no variation, however many Archers of the present day may be disposed to dispute its correctness. + +A further and most important point, and one that applies to every Archer, let his method of drawing be what it may, now calls for particular attention; namely, the action of the left arm. The left arm should be subject to the real construction of the draw, that is at the moment of the loose. Concerning this, it is without hesitation affirmed, that if the left arm be stretched out quite straight—held as straight as possible," as is generally taught by all writers upon Archery, and more especially as already mentioned by Mr. Waring—accurate shooting at once becomes unattainable, owing to the difficulty, amounting almost to an impossibility, of keeping the string, when on the recoil, from habitually striking the bower; or, in other words, that the constant striking of the string + +OF DRAWING. +75 + +upon the brace is inimical to certain hit- +ting. This, at the first view, will strike +many Archers as a most startling pro- +position; but I am persuaded that many +have been taught how to shoot from Mr. +Waring's " Treatise on Archery, or the +Art of Shooting;" as he not only recom- +mends the direct reverse, namely, that +the left arm shall be held quite straight, +but clenches the matter by inclosing; +in addition, that "it (the left arm) be so +turned in, that the string strikes it when +loosed." But this is a very dangerous move, +particularly directed to this, so it is be- +lieved, most anti-hitting instruction of +Mr. Waring, as, from the large circumla- +tion his Work has had, and the reputa- +tion, somehow or other, enjoyed by him- +self as one of the good shots of his day +(though, on reference to his score, I find him to have been barely, +if at all, more than third-rate, even at the low standard of shooting then prevailing), many Archers have carefully guarded their practice by the rule either to draw down with the brace +on stand on his head whilst drawing, or to shoot his eye whilst aiming; +it had hardly been more injurious doctrine; indeed, much less so, as +the self-evident absurdity of either would have prevented its ever +being attempted. As it is however, his arm-striking theory has kept +many a promising Archer a slave in the dark regions of Mufldom, +who otherwise might speedily have emerged from its precincts, and +shown forth to the admiring gaze of the Archerly world a full-blown +Robin Hood. + +Before leaving Mr. Waring's Treatise, it should be observed, that + +A Perpendicular Shot. +A. The String Course. + +76 +**OF DRAWING.** + +he appears to have arrived at the conclusion that the left arm should be held in such a position that the string may always strike it, not because he actually thought the arm-striking beneficial as against the receiver's being struck by the bow, but because he imagined that, as much as possible, he erroneously imagining that the bow could not be held with firmness in any other way. Certainly one system secured the other. I will now, however, endeavour to demonstrate the correctness of the proposition I have laid down, namely, that the constant striking of the string upon the bracer is fatal to good shooting. + +Now, let it be borne in mind, that the flight and direction of the arrow are entirely caused and governed by the string's action upon it, the power of the latter being, of course, obtained by the recoil action of the bow, and that this government of the string over the arrow lasts to the extent of its force, in comparison with the other forces put into play by the act of shooting, during the entire passage of the former (after being loosed) from the extreme point of drawing to the like point at which it should do so; and that the arrow must necessarily accompany with this drawing until this passage is completed. This being the case, it follows that if, during the string's progress, any obstruction occurs to alter its natural and original direction, or to give it any vibratory or irregular motion, an immediate prejudicial effect of the like nature must be communicated to the arrow's flight; or the obstruction, if it be sufficiently direct to arrest or stay the string in its course even for an instant, must cause the arrow to leave the string before the latter has reached the extreme point of recoil; and thus, the proper flight of the bow not being communicated to it, the arrow must drop short. + +Now, if the string strikes the bracer previous to its extreme point of recoil, it, of necessity, becomes subject to one or other of the two evil influences mentioned ; for, as the bracer follows the line of the left arm, and the line of the left arm is altogether different from + +OF DRAWING. +77 + +that traversed by the string from point to point, it becomes obvious that an alteration and irregularity of the string's line must take place over such portion of its passage as may exist between the spot where it strikes the bracer and the extreme point of its course, which is subject to any vibration or impetus whatever communicated to it by the blow itself. Therefore, if the string do not traverse to the second mentioned evil, namely, that of leaving the string too soon, must perforce become subject in a greater or less degree to the irregularities and misdirection mentioned as communiated to the string, and its accuracy of flight be entirely prevented thereby. It may, even if the amount of obstruction be insufficient to free the arrow, though enough to deaden the string's progress for the remainder of its passage, be so short as to all the evil influence described by the bracer be heard on the arrow, most probably little of its proper impetus (hence Archimedes' "no more shoot"), but simply be cast irregularly and out of its proper direction. If a soft one, it will probably be thrown short, though likely enough in its correct line. In short, it is abundantly clear, and the fact must commend itself to the reflection of every Archer, that, unless the string has a clear passage from end to end, the arrow can neither get the proper impetus from the bow, nor avoid receiving an eccentric momentum. + +It is possible, however, that the string may strike the bracer, but do so only at the extreme point of his recoil, and not previous to it; or, in other words, there is just one spot where the string may strike the arm, without its becoming subject to any misdirecting or arresting influence. Now, could the Archer attain to such perfection of relative position in every respect, such precise similarity of drawing, &c., &c., as to ensure that the string, each time it was loosed should touch this spot, and this one only, he might indulge his penchant for arm-striking (if he have it) without, in all probability, any injury to the flight of his arrow or the accuracy of his shooting, though neither would be improved thereby, nor any conceivable + +78 +**OF DRAWING.** + +advantage be gained by his doing so. Still he might, in such a case, revel in the indulgence of his crotchet, and be happy. Such required perfection of position, &c., &c., however is practically unattainable; and this being so, it results, that if the left arm be so straightened that the string habitually strikes upon it when loosed; or if any other peculiarity of position or method of drawing bring about the same effect, some mischance, from the causes and of the nature already described, is constantly happening to the arrow, and marring the success of the shot; and this mischance will be of more or less importance according as the distance between the part of the bow drawn struck, and the extreme point of the string's recoil be greater or less. Credo experto. + +The Archer is, nevertheless, not to run into the opposite extreme, and deliberately bend his left arm, as in this case he will certainly, to a great extent, lose his power in resisting the force and momentum of the bow; but if the left arm be held out naturally and easily (the elbow being turned a little outwards and upwards), without a conscious effort either to straighten or to bend it, it will have just that position which will most easily enable him to withstand the force of the bow with firmness and, at the same time, will give him free and unobstructed space for the passage of the string; especially if the left hand grasp the bow in the manner already advised in the chapter on "position." + +A Perpendicular Shot. +A.R.—The Course of the String. + +OF DRAWING. +79 + +The length of each Archer's draw must, of course, be regulated by the length of his arm, and should be such that, when the arrow is drawn to the loosing point, its neck should be in a perpendicular line with the right eye, the level of the arrow being a shade lower than that of the chin. (Vide Frontispiece.) A direction of pull higher than this is not recommended, as in this case, at the longer distances (at 100 yards, for instance), unless the bow shot with a be very strong one, or the arrows very light (which they should not be for target shooting), the proper sight of the eye will be lost by the excessive but requisite elements of the hand and arm. For the reasons hereafter to be given, when treating of the "aim," the pull to the ear is decidedly rejected. The Archer need be under no apprehension that, in the way recommended, he will be unable to pull a sufficient length of arrow ; if a man of six feet, he will with ease be able to manage twenty-eight inches—one inch more than the famous cloth-yard shafts of our forefathers. (The arrow in the frontispiece is a twenty-nine inch one, pulled twenty-eight inches.) +As this point is from a photograph, all the particulars referred to in it may be easily understood. It would indeed have been difficult to reconcile the two generally received dogmas of their pull to the ear and their cloth-yard shafts; inasmuch, as the cloth-yard at that time being but twenty-seven inches, it would appear impossible to get a draw of that length only, so far back as the ear, unless, indeed, we suppose them to have been very short-armed men, or to have kept their bow-arm very much bent whilst shooting. It is more probable that "as to the ear" meant in a direction towards the ear. However this may be, for modern target shooting neither one nor the other is recommended. + +To draw to the breast, as many do, is a bad method—indeed, about the very worst, as it circumscribes the pull, most materially diminishes the Archer's power over the bow, and causes the line of sight to be so much above the arrow, that the difficulty of getting + +80 +OF DRAWING. + +an aim (as regards elevation) at the short distances is very great indeed. Moreover, when shot in this way, the arrow flies as if sent from a broomstick rather than from a bow; for the shooter's position is so cramped, so huddled together as it were, that he not only loses a great part of his natural power over the bow, but also that thorough command over the string required for a good loose. + +Finally, upon this point of drawing, it should be remarked, that the pull from end to end should be invariably even, quiet, and steady, without jerk or sudden movement of any kind. Some Archers find it extremely difficult to use a bow for any length of time without chrysaling it, and this arises wholly and solely from want of proper attention to this rule. In addition to this, a sudden jerk, especially towards the end, is very likely to pull the arrow and string out of their proper line, and thus spoil the success of the shot. + +Chapter XI. +On Aiming. + +Premising Ignorance on this Point—Absence of Scientific Instruction upon it in all Existing Works—Curious Reproductions Reported to—Their objections—Directions for its Full and Proper Attainment, and its Theory clearly Elucidated—The Point of Aim—A Curious Example—Aiming at Length Beyond the Target Distance—Shooting One Eye. + +The following observations, be it understood, are intended to apply to those distances only which are fairly within the cast of the bows in use at the present day, and at which accuracy in hitting can reasonably be expected. At 120 or 130 yards, the considerable but excessive arch of the arrow, the unmanageable length of the string, by the required elevation of the left hand and arm, and the vastly increased effect of wind and weather, all complicate to render hitting the mark a matter much more of chance and guess-work than of skill and scientific practice. Not but that in any case the good Archer will always be superior as against the bad one, even in chance shooting; as he still possesses the advantages that superior judgment and knowledge of his weapon will be sure to give him, and which, to a certain extent, will enable him to control the adverse influences that militate against him. But it is not so much his skill as his judgement that enters into the elements of success, and the more the efforts of skill are baffled by matters out of the power of science to control, the less satisfactory will the pursuit become; and that this is the generally received opinion, as regards distance shooting, amongst Archers of the present day, may be inferred from the fact, + +o + +82 +ON AIMING. + +that all the numerous Archery societies now existing in the kingdom, +with the exception of two or three, limit their distances to 100 yards, +as does the Grand National Archery Society itself. I shall now +proceed to the discussion of my immediate subject, namely, the +method of aiming at what may be called the target distances. + +The "aim" is undoubtedly the most abstruse and scientific point +connected with the practice of Archery ; the most difficult to teach, yet +the most necessary to be taught ; upon which all successful practice +depends, yet respecting which the most subtle ignorance generally +prevails ; the want of a due understanding of which is all but +universal, yet without which understanding an impassable barrier is +presented to the progressing a single step beyond the commonest +mediocrity. +Ignorance of this fundamental principle it is that causes so many Archers endowed with every quality requisite to make +good aimers to fall short of their best powers. The eye, by its own +inability to stand still, as it were, at a certain point, immovable, and, if +I may coin a word, unimprovable—year after year hammering +away in the despairing pursuit of bulls' eyes—without any per- +ceptible improvement or increase of skill, until at last, as I have +known in some instances, the whole matter has been given up in +sheer hopelessness and disgust at continued ill-success. +As to add to the difficulty of obtaining the command of this most necessary +principle of aiming, many of the authors that have treated on Archery +have (to judge by their silence) apparently failed to think of a means to +uncover it ; whilst others who have treated on Archery have committed +the unfortunate aspirant in the wrong direction. In vain will he +search the standard works on the subject through, to find a common- +sense or scientific principle laid down to assist him on this point. +Ascham will tell him that, "to look at the shaft-head at the loose is +the greatest help in keeping a length that can be, but that it hinders +excellent shooting;" and afterwards, that, "to have the eye always on +the mark is the only way to shoot straight." +Now, as keeping a + +ON AIMING. +83 + +length and shooting straight at the same time, are just the two things necessary to hit the mark, and the best mode operates for the one is, according to Aeschylus, the worst for the other. I do not think much practical benefit is here to be derived from him. He does not even hint at any principle that might by possibility combine the two requisites, neither does he give his readers any further practical assistance, so as to getting the straight line and elevation, than is con- +tained in the two above quotations. If he then turn to Roberts, +(who, by-the-by,) on practical points mostly confines himself to +quoting Aeschylus he will find what can be gathered from his +(Roberts’s) writings, that the eye is the organ of vision, and that it is an +organ of such wonderful power as to be able to accomplish all the +Archer may require in the way of elevation, &c. And he is indeed right so far, but whilst he asserts that as the eye is taught, so it will continue to exercise its functions, he totally omits to say how or in what manner it is to be trained so as to arrive at the required powers and capabilities. The author of “The Modern Book of +Archery” asserts “that the best, and indeed the only, expedient for +attaining perfection in shooting straight, is to shoot in the evening +at lights;” and herein, indeed, as many others have done, he has followed in the footsteps of Roberts; but he has gone upon it in +favour of the “town reader,” by substituting the street gas-lamp opposite his sitting-room, for the paper lantern—policeman A 1, it is presumed, officiating as marker. Warning confines his instruction simply to observing that, “when taking aim, the arrow is to be brought up towards the ear, not to the eye, as many suppose,” and that “the Archer must not look along the arrow, but direct at the mark;” and that “the mark is to be visible a little to the left of the knuckles.” There are other and smaller works, but they are either puerile or absurd; they are not named, or give no instruction upon this part of shooting altogether. + +Now, just let my readers imagine such desultory instruction o 2 + +84 +ON AIMING. + +upon aiming as the specimens quoted, given as regards rifle-shooting, for instance, and it will be instantly perceived how wanting it would be, and how utterly insufficient to enable a man to arrive at anything like excellence in this pursuit. Imagine a man, desirous of hitting a mark at 100 or 200 yards with this weapon, being told to keep his knuckles to the right of the bull's eye, or to keep his eye on it, and trust to his hand following it so accurately as to make his shot fall right in the mark, without further assistance than that of his eyes. How difficult must be the skill employed to obtain accuracy here! what a nicety is the sight regulated! How beautifully calculated to a hair's breadth. A small telescope is even sometimes fixed upon the barrel to insure greater certainty of aim; and even with all these concomitants, the rest is needed by many to make assurance doubly sure. No hand and eye, or lanterns and gas-light theories are considered sufficient here. Yet for the bow—an infinitely more difficult weapon to shoot with—such things are gravely set forth as all that are necessary; or, at any rate, all that there are to work upon. Hand and eye alone are not enough; they must also enable a man to throw a stone or bowl a cricket-ball a short distance with tolerable accuracy, or to bring down a partridge or pheasant with a projectile that spreads and covers a space of perhaps two feet in diameter. These and other things of the like nature it may do; but it is comparatively useless when depended on as the only means to enable the Archer to strike with anything like certainty, and with a projectile analogous to a small bullet, a mark much beyond his own nose. The powers of hand and eye are, as with the rifle shot, too limited for such purposes; and this is due partly to the fact re- rated by the fact that so many curious devices have been originated by different Archers to obtain some surer means of acquiring certainty. Some will endeavour to find some object to the right or left, above or below the target, which they can apparently cover with the arrow, and which shall yet be about the spot to aim at, so as to cause the shaft to drop into the mark. One I knew of, for sixty + +ON AIMING. +85 + +yards shooting, used actually to fix a bit of stick into the ground for that purpose. A nice sort of system this to depend upon, on strange grounds and in matches, where no well-placed tree or happily-located stick may happen to be at hand just in the right place. Some have covered the glove of the bow hand with a series of lines of different colours, carrying the eye along one or the other, according as their notion of the line or elevation required, whilst others have improved upon this plan, by making a pinionion of their left hand, by inserting a number of pins in a piece of leather fastened thereto; for the purpose, each individual pin serving as a guide to the passage of the arrow, according as the time requires. Others, again, have contented themselves with making their left hand their guide, varying its position in conjunction with the mark according to circumstances, high or low, to the right or left hand, as the case might be. + +Now these things, and all others like them, are "dodges"—or, as Anachem would call them, shifts—and will never lead to a successful result, so to obtain skill and accuracy of practice; they may, perhaps, occasionally give of themselves some advantage; but without the scientific knowledge of shooting in quiet private practice, where the mind is unexerted and undisturbed, and no distracting influences are likely to arise; but woe to the Archer (in a target-hitting sense) who depends upon them on strange grounds or in matches, or upon any occasion where he may be more than usually desirous of shooting well, for fail him at his need they infallibly will. Strange it is that any such shifts and inventions should ever have been found necessary. Let a gun for the first time be put into a man's hands, and tell him to aim at it; no matter how much he may wish it; he will not do it until he looks at his mark and takes his sight along the barrel. Now the arrow represents precisely an analogous object to this latter; there it is, ready at hand, straight and true, and like as the rifle bullet flies accurately in the direction in which the barrel is held at the + +86 +ON AIMING. + +moment of discharge, so the arrow will equally, and with the same correctness, fly in the line in which its length lies, and in the direction indicated by itself, when drawn up for the loose—taking for granted, of course, that the shot in all other respects be correctly delivered, that the arrow be a good one, and that no counteracting influence of side wind interfere. The object then to be attained is such a mode of aiming as shall enable the Archer not only to keep his eye upon the point of aim (for this is absolutely necessary for all successful shooting, whether with the gun or with the bow), but at the same time to have a sufficient vision of his mark, and of the length as well as the point of the arrow. + +The cause of the great difficulty experienced by the generality of Archers in attaining a satisfactory system of aiming, and the consequent singular devices in vogue for that purpose already mentioned, have appeared to me to arise from a too rigid and mistaken adherence to the supposed old English style of shooting—" pulling to the ear." This may have been the method adopted by our forefathers, in the days when great strength and force of shooting was the one thing requisite; but since that time has passed away, the Archer undoubtly to pull a longer arrow ; and thus, the string having a longer distance to act upon the shaft, a quicker and stronger flight is obtained thereby; but I question very much if by this means greater actual power is obtained, but only that the same amount of power is applied in a different manner. This prolonged action of the string, then, upon the arrow, is the whole and sole advantage gained by pulling to the ear; but, in carrying out this method, all scientific principles of aiming must at once be cast aside, because it is impossible while an arrow is once drawn past, and consequently on one side of the eye, that it can be truly pointed at any mark accurately seen; since, pulled in this way, when to the eye it appears to be pointing to the mark, it is in reality held in a direction far away to the left of it. Hence the reason why some who have + +ON AIMING. +87 + +written upon the subject of the aim in Archery (assuming at once that pulling to the ear can be the only correct method) direct the learner to keep his bow-hand to the right of the target ; and so many Archers aim with one or other of their knuckles, or a particular pin out of their pincushion ! I fear I shall be at once anathematized as a heretic for daring to impugn the dear old dogmatic legend of the "pull to the ear" ; but I must nevertheless maintain that, with the exception of a few exceptions, this is the only proper recommendation ; and if Robin Hood himself adopted this method, and trusted to his hand and eye only, or dodged about with knuckles or pins to obtain an aim, I for one cannot bring myself to believe in his skill, whatever his shot may have been--it may be safely depended on that very few willow wands are to be split in this way. Imagine a man being expected to hit accurately with a rifle with a trigger at his ear, and his eye looking sideways at the barrel : its absolutity at once becomes evident. Yet this is exactly a similar case to what now becomes evident. Yet this is exactly a similar case to what now becomes evident. What appears to me to be the truest and most scientific mode of aiming, and for this purpose it will be necessary, in the first place, to say a few words on those laws of optics which apply to the point in question. + +When both eyes are directed to any single object, say the gold of the target, their axes meet at it, and all other parts of the eyes, having perfect correspondence as regards that object, give the sensa- +tion of direct vision : but when they are directed towards any part of other objects, either to the right or left, as the case may be, which may be called the indirect vision ; and any object embraced by this indirect vision will be seen more or less distinctly, according to its remoteness or otherwise from either of the axes in any part of their length ; and it will be, or at any rate naturally should be, clearest to the indirect vision of that eye to the axis of which it most approximates. + +88 +ON AIMING. + +Now, in aiming with the bow, to arrive at anything like cer- +tainty, it is necessary to obtain a view of three things, namely, +the mark to be hit (which is the gold of the target), the arrow in its whole line and length, (otherwise its real course cannot be appreci- +cated,) and the point of aim. + +It may, perhaps, be as well to explain here, that by the point of aim is meant the spot apparently covered by the point of the +arrow. This, with the bow, is never identical with the gold, except- +ing at one particular distance to each individual Archer, because the +arrow has no adjusting sights to make it always so, as is the case +with the rifle. As an example, let us suppose an Archer shooting in a side wind, and that he aims at a point on the ground which is +that particular one where, in calm weather, the point of his arrow +and the gold are identical. It is clear if he now makes them so, the +effect of the wind will carry his arrow to the right or the left, accord- +ing to the side from which it blows. He is, therefore, obliged to +aim to one side of his mark, and the point of his arrow, conse- +quently, covers a spot other than that of the gold. And this spot, +in this instance, would be to him his point of aim. Under the +parallel circumstances of a long range and a side wind, the rifle +even would be subject to the same rule. + +Now I shall be understood when I repeat, that it is necessary for +the Archer to embrace within his vision the gold, the point of +the aim, and the true line in which the arrow is directed. + +Direct vision, however, can only be applied to one object at a +time, and as that object must never in any case be the arrow, I will +first proceed to show in what way this must be held, in order to +enable the Archer, by means of his indirect vision, clearly to +appreciate the true line in which it points at the time of aiming, +having for after discussion the question as to whether the gold or +the point of aim should be directly looked at. + +PLATE VI. + +A diagram showing the positions of two eyes looking at an object. The left eye (A) is shown looking straight ahead, while the right eye (B) is shown looking to the side. The lines connecting the eyes to the object indicate the direction of gaze. + +A.B. The two eyes. B. The aiming eye. +C. The view from A. +D. The object directly looked at. +E.D. and E.B. The axes of the eyes. + +A similar diagram to the one on the left, but with different labels. The left eye (A) is shown looking straight ahead, while the right eye (B) is shown looking to the side. The lines connecting the eyes to the object indicate the direction of gaze. + +A.B. The two eyes. A. The aiming eye. +B. The view from A. +D. The object directly looked at. +E.A. and E.B. The axes of the eyes. + +A black and white image of a person's hand holding a piece of paper with text on it. + +ON AIMING. +89 + +Now it is at once asserted, as an incontrovertible axiom in Archery, that this true line can never be correctly appreciated by the shooter, excepting when the arrow lies in its whole length directly beneath the axis of the aiming eye. (The indirect vision of both eyes can never be used here, as, if it were, according to the law of optics, two arrows would be seen; but this is never the case with the habitual shooter, though both eyes be open, habit and the wonderful adapting power of the eye preventing such an untoward effect equally as well as if the second eye were closed—which, indeed, with many Archers is the case.) + +I have said, then, that the arrow, in its whole length, must be directly beneath the axis of the aiming eye (see diagram 1, plate 6.) (which I shall here assume to be the right one, as in ninety-nine instances out of one hundred is the case,) and it must do so because otherwise it will not strike the target. For instance, for a long as the point intersects the axis of the aiming eye, the arrow will appear to that eye to be pointing in a straight line with the object looked at, though in reality directed far away to the right or the left of it. (See diagram 2, plate 6., where the arrow C, though held in the directions C. E., appear to the shooter to be aimed at the object D.) + +For instance, suppose the Archer to be shooting at this distance where his point of aim is identical with the gold. He of course brings the point of his arrow to bear upon it, the same as the rifleman would his sights ; that is, the point intersects the axis of the aiming eye, but if the arrow itself be inclined, say to the right of the axis (as in pulling to the ear it would be), it will fly away far to the left of the object looked at—and the converse of this is true also, for if it be inclined left of the axis, it will then fly off to the right. (See diagram 2, plate 6.) + +I will produce an example within my own personal knowledge— + +90 +ON AIMING. + +a curious, though perfect illustration of all that has been said—and I do so, as it is possible that cases of the like nature may exist, and therefore the description of this one and of its solution may be useful. + +An Archer had shot for many years, but always found that if ever his arrow pointed (to him) in a straight line with the gold, it invariably flew off far to the left of it—few or six yards even at the short distance shown in diagram 4, plate 6, when the arrow was thrown though pointing directly in the direction of the arrow supposed to be aimed at the object D.) he was therefore obliged to make this allowance and point his arrow (as it appeared to him) that number of yards to the right (vide diagram 5, plate 6, where the arrow C., though pointing straight to the object D., appeared to the shooter C. to be pointing in the direction A. E.). During several years he had in vain sought a solution of this anomaly; all could tell him there was something faulty somewhere, but, as everything in his style and mode of action appeared correct, what that something was remained a mystery. Becoming acquainted with some short time back, he applied himself to the study of the subject; and finding that it was held perfectly as it should be—directly beneath the axis of the right eye—and that the other important points of the Archer were correct also, I was for a time so much puzzled as any one else could have been. To cut a long story short, suffice it to say, that I ultimately discovered, that though the arrow was held close to, and directly beneath, the axis of the right eye, (this being open too,) this Archer actually used his left eye to aim with. If the previous observation be considered, it will now at once be seen why the discrepancy between his aim and the flight of his arrow existed; the fact being, that he did not aim at the mark until he was throw- ing straight till the point intersected the axis of his left eye, and consequently until its course was in reality a direction far away to the left of the mark. (See diagram 4, plate 6.) On closing the + +ON AIMING. +91 + +left eye, the line of flight and the aim became at once identical, because the eye, under whose axis the arrow was held, became the one with which the aim was taken. + +The diagrams illustrating the foregoing observations do not profess to be drawn to scale, but are simply intended to illustrate their principle. + +Now, as to whether the direct vision should be applied to the mark or the point of aim, the argument is all in favour of the latter. For the point of aim must, necessarily, be in relation to the mark, either in a perpendicular line with it or outside that line : if outside, then the direct vision must certainly be upon the point of aim, otherwise the arrow cannot be directly beneath the line of axis of the eye, which has already been shown to be necessary; therefore, the only remaining question to be decided is, when the point of aim falls in a perpendicular line with the mark, of which the two should be directly looked at? Here again an argument can be adored to determine this question. For if it be supposed that the point of aim is above the mark, the latter will be concealed from the right, or aiming eye, by the necessary raising of the bow-hand (as may be proved by the experiment of shutting the left eye); therefore, the direct vision cannot be here applied to the mark, though it may be to the point of aim. There remains then but one other case, namely, when the point of aim falls in the perpendicular line below the mark; and here (though either of them may in this case be viewed with the direct vision), no reasoning or argument can be put forward for violating this rule; since it should be obvious to any other case, and as it is impossible for the point of aim to fall below the mark indistinctly, than the contrary, and as uniformity of practice is highly desirable, I strongly recommend that in all cases the direct vision be upon the point of aim. This is contrary to the usual received opinion, which is that the eye should always be intently fixed upon + +9 +ON AIMING. + +the mark to be hit; but I am very much inclined to think that even those Archers that imagine they do so, will find, as I have done, upon careful experiment, that the point of aim is directly looked at, and not aimed at. This is a very important maxim, as has been stated, when the aim is point-blank; and this is exactly analogous to that part of ride-shooting where allowance must be made for a strong side wind, at a long range. + +My readers must bear in mind that all these remarks, as before stated, are intended to apply only to the target distances, or any lengths within them. + +As regards aiming at lengths much beyond these distances, since the mark and the point of aim are too far apart to be sufficiently seen in conjunction, I do not see that any scientific principle can here be laid down for the guidance of the Archer. Practice alone will give him a knowledge of the power of his bow, and the angle of elevation required to throw the arrow up to the mark. If the distance to be shot be a known and fixed one, for instance, two hundred yards, the calculation is more or less attainable; but the great distance renders the aim so uncertain as to prevent anything approaching accuracy. The varying force of different winds may also be a varying and uncertain one, as in roving, the Archer is entirely dependent upon his judgment of distance. This sort of shooting, though very interesting, must be attended with a great amount of uncertainty; but, as in every other case, the more the practice, the greater will be the success. + +No rules can be laid down for fixing where the point of aim ought to be at any distance, as this is dependent upon so great a variety of circumstances—the strength of the bow, a sharp or dull loose, heavy or light arrows, and the varying force of different winds. This is a matter entirely for the judgment of each individual Archer. + +ON AIMING. +93 + +and can only be decided by his own practical experience. Indeed, +as different winds have such different effects upon the flight of the +shaft, it is not until the Archer has arrived upon the field, and +actually shot one or two arrows, that even he can be in a position to +judge his point of aim for himself. Here the words of Ascham +may, with propriety, be quoted—"The best property of a good +shooter is to know the nature of the winds, with him and against +him, that thereby he may shoot near to his mark." + +Some few Archers are in the habit of shooting one eye when +aiming. Now, as it would be anything but interesting or instructive +to enter into the discussion of the one and two-eyed theories—a +sectioal quæstio for centuries, and about which volumes might, and I +believe have been written, and no one a whit the wiser in con- +sequence—I shall confine myself to the remarks, that in Archery it is +objectionable, whenever the point of aim is above the mark; as in +this case, without the use of both eyes, the latter is concealed from +the sight of the former. But this objection will not be found in experi- +ment will prove the truth of this. Another reason against it is, that +though apparently seeming to concentrate the aim, it nevertheless +contracts the vision, and, moreover, distorts the face, and interferes +with that grandfulness which ought to be one of the attributes of +Archery. The fair sex especially will, therefore, be cautious before +they adopt so indolent a system of aiming. There may perhaps +be cases, however, where it is almost unavoidable—witness that one +of which a detail was given some page or two back. In such +instances there is apparently no help for it. + +Finally, upon this point of aiming, it should be remarked that, +as from the position necessarily assumed by the Archer in shooting, +the right eye is the one that comes naturally nearest to the arrow; +it is beneath the axis of this one that the shaft should lie. It would +hardly have been considered necessary to mention so very obvious a + +94 +ON AIMING. + +matter, had not a few Archers contracted a habit of actually putting +the arrow to the left side of their nose, and so under the left eye. +Now, as this can serve no useful purpose, has a very awkward ap- +pearance, and materially increases the difficulty of keeping the string, +when loosed, from striking the left arm (before demonstrated to be +fatal to success), the sooner such a habit is got rid of the better. In +the exceptional case of the left-handed shooter, of course the contrary +of the above is to be followed. + +Chapter XII. +Of Holding and Loosing. + +The Importance of Holding—Loosing, the last of Ascham's Five Points— +Necessity of its Perfect Command—What is, and what is not, a Good +Loose—Its Effects upon the Flight of the Arrow—Directions for its +Proper Attainment. + +HOLDING. + +By "holding" is meant keeping the arrow fully drawn before it +is loosed. Ascham has made this his fourth "point" of Archery, +and little or nothing is to be added to what he has said on the +subject. "Holding," says he, "must not be long, for it puts a bow +in danger of breaking, and also spoils the shot; it must occupy so +little time, that it may be better perceived in the mind, when it is +done, than when it is done." This is very true; but it does not give +an exact description of what holding should be, and I shall, therefore, +only add that this almost imperceptible pause before the act of +loosing serves to steady the arm and correct the aim, and is a grand +assistant to the obtaining of a certain and even loose. It is, there- +fore, with the other points of Archery, most necessary to be cultivated +if successful hitting is to be the result. + +After the bow is drawn up to its proper extent, and the aim +correctly taken, there still remains one more "point" for the Archer +to achieve successfully before he can insure the correct and desired +flight of his arrow to its mark ; and this is the point of loosing, which +term is applied to the act of quitting or freeing the string from the +fingers of the right hand, which retain it. It is the last of Ascham's + +OF LOOSING. + +96 + +OF HOLDING AND LOOSEING. + +celebrated "Quintette," and the crowning difficulty the Archer has to overcome, in order to complete the perfection of his shot. Though the last point to be considered, it is not one whit the less important on that account ; for, however correct and perfect all the rest of the Archer's performance may be, the result will infallibly prove a failure, and end in disappointment, should this said point of looseing not be also successfully mastered. Upon this, it has been before observed, when treating of the bow, the flight of the arrow merely smooths, and to a certain degree, the aim of the archer ; by which may be gathered from the fact, that the same bow, with a like weight of arrow and length of pull, will cast forty or fifty yards further in the hands of one man than it will in those of another, owing solely and entirely to the different manner in which the string shall be quitted; consequently, in target shooting, the aim which may be perfectly correct for one shooter, may be either too high or too low for ano- +ther, who freees the string in a different manner. + +From this it may be gathered how delicate an operation in Archery it is to loose well. To accomplish with evenness, smooth- +ness, and unvarying similarity, it is perhaps the most difficult one of all, and yet for accurate hitting fully as necessary to be attained with all these requisites as any other point of Archery. I think a great misapprehension exists amongst Archers as to what is and what is not a good loose ; it being generally thought that if an extreme sharpness of flight be communicated to the arrow, it is conclusive evidence as to the goodness. How often do we hear the observation " What a beautiful loose he has !" though the Archer to whom this remark is made has missed his mark twice, and vainly endeavouring to hit his mark twice in succession ; this eno- +mium being passed upon him merely because his arrow flies keen and sharp. Now, without in the least undervaluing this very excel- +lent quality in the flight of an arrow, and, so far as it goes, the good- +ness of the loose which produces it, I must still maintain that it is + +OF HOLDING AND LOOSENG. +97 + +not the only requisite; and that unless a certainty, as well as a keenness of flight be also obtained, the Archer's " beautiful loose " will be of little avail to him. Undoubtedly the best and most perfect quit of the string would be that which combines both of these qualities; but if the two cannot be obtained together, a slower flight and certainty rise immeasurably superior to the rapid flight and uncertainty : (of course it is meant as regards target, not distance, shooting). + +The question then resolves itself into this practical form :—" Is it possible for the same mode of loosing to give extreme rapidity of flight, and, at the same time, certainty of line and elevation ?" So far as my experience goes, the answer is decidedly in the negative—not that it is meant to say that a few successive arrows may not be accurately shot in this way, but that for any length of time, the uncertainty of flight is sure to be such as to render the average shooting inferior. This difficulty, amounting almost to an impossibility, of obtaining a loose which shall combine great steadiness and certainty of flight at the same time, shows that such a loose requires (to obtain that sharpness) that the fingers of the right hand be snatched from the string with such suddenness and rapidity as to compromise the second quality of certainty—such a sudden jerk of the string endangering the steadiness of the left arm at the final moment, and, by its unavoidable irregularity, not only having a tendency to drag the string, and, consequently, the arrow out of its proper and original line of flight, but also constantly to vary its elevation. Excepting for distance shooting, then, a very sharp loose is not to be recommended; nevertheless, in case he should be engaged therein, the perfect Archer should have it under his command. + +It must not be supposed, from what has been said, that the exact opposite of the very sharp loose is advocated—that is to say, that the string should be allowed to slip, or loose itself, as it were, + +II + +93 + +**OF HOLDING AND LOOKING.** + +without any assistance whatever from the Archer. On the contrary, +this mode of quitting the string is the very worst that can be +adopted, and one that does more to stay and unsteady the flight of +the arrow than any other; in fact, no cast at all can be got out of +a bow in this way. But there is a medium between the two ex- +tremes, and, leaning rather towards that of sharpness which, in its +practical application, is the most difficult for the beginner, the +modus operandi, like so many other things connected with Archery, +is extremely difficult to describe, if not altogether impossible; but +the great characteristic with regard to it is, that the fingers do not +go forward one hair's breadth with the string, but that their action +be as it were, a continuance of the draw rather than an independent +movement, yet accompanied with just sufficient additional muscular +action in a direction away from the bow, and simultaneous expansion +of the fingers at the instant of quitting the string, as to admit +of its instantaneous freedom from all but each of them at the same +instantaneous moment; and that the bow will be least likely at any +the minute moment before its fellow, or at all any of them follow +forward with it in the slightest degree, the loose will be had, and, +the shot in all probability a failure. So slight, however, is this +muscular movement, that, though a distinct and appreciable fact to +the mind of the shooter, it is hardly, if at all, perceivable to the +looker-on; yet, though apparently so slight a character, so im- +portant is it, that the goodness of the loose, and the consequent +accurate flight of the arrow, mainly depend upon it. I am painfully +conscious of having been guilty of some fault in my own manner of +loosing in such a way as to enable the learner to understand and +practise it; but Aeschylus' observation, that it is "less hard to be +followed in shooting, than to be described in teaching," though +not altogether the fact, is not very far removed from it. Had he +contented himself with stating that the one was equally difficult +with the other, all who have endeavoured to attain it might have +agreed with him. + +OF HOLDING AND LOOSING. +99 + +Some Archers use two fingers in drawing, but by far the larger part use three, on account of the greater power the latter mode gives. Provided, however, sufficient strength can be obtained with the first-named method, it may be well recommended, as the string, when quitting the fingers has less surface to glide over, and the accomplishment of the loose is therefore easier; but very few, indeed, can manage a bow of any power without the third finger; consequently the majority of Archers use it. + +The position the string should occupy across the fingers is above their first joints, but not too near their tips. On the one hand a too great grip of the string necessitates a drag or jerk (already demonstrated to be unavoidable) to free the fingers, besides giving the string more surface to glide over than is conducive to a smooth and even loose; on the other hand, an insufficient grip of the string deprives the shooter of his necessary command over it, and renders the giving way of the fingers of constant occurrence. + +Here again, as in so many other instances, the medium between the two extremes is the best and it is, therefore, recommended that the string be placed midway between the second and third fingers, and rather more towards the end of the middle one—this latter difference being rendered necessary by its greater natural length. + +Now, as it is most important, in order to render the loose every time similar, that the string should always occupy exactly the same position on every finger, it has already been advised—when treating of the shooting glove—that shots or guards to indicate the exact spot on which the string should be placed, should be fastened therewith. This is done by means of a small loop or ring which from its greater length, has a tendency when loosing to extend itself, and thus projecting beyond the other two, to present a second obstacle to the escape of the string, after the latter has freed itself + +A diagram showing how to hold a bowstring. +2 + +100 + +**OF HOLDING AND LOOSING.** + +from the first and third fingers. Thus the string is sometimes caught upon it, and when this occurs it is unevenly loosed, and causes the shot to be, nine times out of ten, a dead failure. + +Special care must be taken that, whilst loosing, the left arm maintains its position firmly and unwarilyveringly, and does not give way at the final moment in the slightest degree in a direction towards the right hand, as in this case the arrow is sure to drop short of the mark. The left hand should be placed upon the bowstring, as would allowing the fingers of the right hand to go forward with the string. This yielding of the left arm is of more common occurrence amongst Archers than is generally supposed, and is the cause of many an arrow, otherwise correctly shot, missing its mark. +All must be firm to the last, and the attention of the shooter never be relaxed for a single instant until the arrow has actually left the bow. + +Some Archers have an ugly habit of throwing the left arm and bow, as it were, after the arrow, the instant it has started, as if to lend it a helping hand on its course. Others again, seem to have a notion that a kick up of the right leg will materially assist its flight. Now these antics, and all others of the like nature, are bad, of course useless, and enemies to all grace and elegance, and, therefore, should be studiously avoided. The shooter should remain perfectly quietest, as "statis" goes—if it may be allowed so questionable a pun—until he is assured of the final destination of his shaft, and satisfied of its success or failure. + +Chapter XIII. +On Distance Shooting. + +The Divisions—Clout-shooting—Accuracy of the Modern System as a test of skill or strength—The Edinburgh Match—Rising—an agreeable pursuit—Flight-shooting—Length of probable range considered. + +Under this head I shall proceed briefly to notice the different kinds of shooting at distances beyond what may be called the regulation target-lengths, and, in modern times, they may be classed under three heads—namely, Clout, Raising, and Flight-shooting. + +Clout-shooting is so called from the mark being a small white one, termed a "Clout," instead of the ordinary regulation target. The distance at which it is placed varies from nine to twelve score yards: 180 and 200 yards are, I believe, the actual lengths usually shot. This mode of shooting, however, has been little used now-a-days, but two or three scores out of the bow still existing in the kingdom, advocating such distinct marks; and these, I cannot but think, do so rather from a blind adherence to such "tradition," than because of any amusement afforded by such Archery. In former times, when the bow was the weapon of war, great force of shooting was the grand desideratum—precision being less required than penetrating power. Hence the laws that were passed at different times, regulating the distances to be shot and the weights of arrows to be used were much sole for the purpose of keeping up this force of shooting. One Hundred yards was generally regarded as but a sheaf or war-arrow being used at eleven score yards or under. In modern days, however, the cultivation of the bow being an amusement, and not a national necessity, it has very properly come + +108 + +OF DISTANCE SHOOTING. + +to pass that skill and accuracy in its use have become the thing sought after, rather than the mere increase of brute force. Hence all existing societies, with the exceptions mentioned, shoot such distances only as are reasonably within the hitting range of modern bows. The exceptional societies alluded to, however, still preserve, under totally different circumstances as regards the practice of the bow, its antiquated distances; influenced, I conclude, by the idea of not degenerating from the form and strength of shooting attained by our ancestors; at least this is the only sensible reason I can think of. If we consider motive, however, it is evident that those pursuing the weight of their arrows as well as the distance shot, and then they might at any rate plead, in defence of their system, their desire to encourage strong shooting. As, however, no such laws are in vogue, the result is that, instead of the bow being strengthened, the arrow is lightened, sensible persons very naturally declining to make a labour of a pleasure. Thus strong shooting is not encouraged, for a good fifty lb. bow will carry with ease a light flight arrow a distance of 210 or 320 yards, and this weight of bow is under the average weight used at the target distances. This is modern strong shooting, as a test of strength and failure. Weak and incapable individuals among the Archer who cannot range an arrow considerably beyond its outside distance. + +As a test of skill it is simply ridiculous; for, owing to the excessive but required arch of the arrow in its flight to reach the distant mark, the utter impracticability of scientific aiming (from the impossibility of seeing the point of aim and the mark in juxtaposition), and the great and varying force of winds on a light arrow in a long flight, chance enters so much into the elements of success as to counteract all other considerations. As soon as this chance required still further development, the mode of scoring in use is beautifully adapted to increase its amount; since, instead of the Archer's average shooting, each end being reckoned, a hit in the + +OF DISTANCE SHOOTING. +103 + +clout, or, failing that (which, nineteen times out of twenty, is the case), the nearest shot to it, is alone allowed to count. Thus, supposing A and B to be two Archers, and that A shoots all his three arrows within a foot of the clout, whilst B sends one an inch nearer, but the other two any amount of yards off, B alone is allowed to score though, as regards the relative merits of three shots, A is vastly superior. The chance inseparable from this mode of scoring, however, would be overcome by the good shot in a very short time, and his advantage would be lost. It might be supposed that it was a single catastrophe only ; but if the shooter be numerous, it is a very different affair, since the probability of a chance arrow is of course proportionally increased according to the number shot. Thus an extreme case might actually occur where our friend A, competing with twelve others, each shooting twelve ends of three arrows each, might actually best every one of his competitors thirty-five times out of his thirty-six shots, yet never score once, but be at the bottom of the list after all ! For through, each end, his three arrows might be within a foot, or less, of the mark, some single arrow out of the thirty-six might have missed it and thus prevent scoring. This is, of course, an extreme case but it does serve to exemplify the system. A curious illustration of the truth of these remarks, as regards the amount of chance in modern clout-shooting, occurred at the Grand National Meeting held at Edinburgh in 1850. On that occasion, as the gentlemen of the Royal Body-Guard principally practised the long distances, exceptional prizes were expressly declared for them, in order that their favourite shooting might come into play. Strange to say, however (yet not strange if the above remarks be properly considered), the first prize for the 185 yards, and the second prize for 200 yards were awarded to two gentlemen who had hardly, if ever, shot such lengths in their lives, and who were, moreover, inferior (at that day) at the target lengths to several of the Scottish Archers present. This unlocked-for result not a little nonplussed our friends across the border—as well it might. + +104 + +**OF DISTANCE SHOOTING.** + +In order that my readers may judge whether or no these long distances are fairly within the hitting range of the bow, the following is the result of the shooting at Edinburgh alluded to, though the targets were the usual four-feet ones, instead of the conventional twelve-inch cloth— + +At 180 yards ........... 2,268 shots ........ 10 hits! +At 200 yards ........... 888 shots ........ 5 hits! + +Let me, however, do this modern clout-shooting justice. It has one recommendation, and it is that of being in some sort a refuge for the destitute," that is to say, for those who are naked and poor, and regardless of their condition. The Archer will at once appear, whether they appear before the public at a hitting distance. For, as the clout may be said never to be hit (so seldom is this the case); as, consequently, all the arrows, good, bad, and indifferent, equally stick in the ground; and as the spectators very wisely take care to give the clout a very wide berth indeed (forty or fifty yards is not a foot too much for some of these "long rangers"—the observation that would at once detect a miss at the targets is completely hoodwinked here. Thus, the most excruciating murr—the man who cannot hit a four-foot mark a few yards removed from him—is enabled to strut along the stage of his Archery existence with a comfortable idea of his superiority over the poor, weak, benighted short-range man,—he never shoots such paity distances as sixty yards—he knows better—he would be found out if he did. So, after all, clout-shooting has its advantages. + +If it be desirable to encourage the strongest shooting, let such distances be shot and such arrows used, as shall in reality constitute a trial of strength and power over the bow. If skill be the desideratum, let such distances be chosen, and such a mode of scoring adopted, as may give it its fair predominance. This modern clout-shooting is just that happy medium that attains neither end. + +OF ROVING AND FLIGHT SHOOTING. 105 + +ROVING. + +Concerning roving, or shooting at rovers, a very few words will suffice. This shooting consists in taking target and accidental marks, usually at long distances, as the objects to be aimed at, instead of fixed and certain ones. In older times, when the bow was a weapon of war, the practice of roving was peculiarly valuable, as it tended not only to keep up strong and powerful shooting, but also to give a knowledge of distances and a judgment of lengths peculiarly valuable in battle. In the present day it is seldom or never practised, very few being interested in such a mode of shooting. It is, however, an interesting amusement, the uncertainty of the distance, and the consequent difficulty of accurately judging it, giving an agreeable amount of excitement. + +FLIGHT-SHOOTING. + +Flight-shooting (so called from flight or light arrows only being used in the sport) is practised solely with the view of experimenting as to the extreme limits of different weights and kinds of bows, or to determine the relative range of various powers and skill of individual Archers can attain. In modern times it may be safely asserted, that very few shooters (owing partly to a want of practice in flight-shooting) can cover a distance of 300 yards; and to attain this range, a bow, and a good one too, of at least sixty-two or sixty-three pounds, must not only be used, but thoroughly mastered, not merely as regards the drawing, but in respect of quickness and sharpness of loose also ; for, as before remarked, the rapidity of the arrow's flight depends principally upon this latter qualification. Thus an Archer may have drawn his bow with all the power of several hundred pounds, and very likely be unable to loose properly even of more than fifty-six or sixty lbs., and consequently, he will not be able to increase his range at all in proportion to the increase of power in his bow. Indeed, he will in all probability shoot further with the weaker bow within the command of his loose than with the much more powerful one beyond + +A historical illustration showing archers in action. + +106 + +OF FLIGHT SHOOTING. + +it, however much the latter may be under the power of his pull. +Now, without hesitation, it is affirmed that there is hardly an Archer living (if there be one) who can loose properly a bow much over seventy lbs., though there are many that can draw seven-five lbs. or eighty lbs., and a few perhaps some pounds beyond even this; if this be so, a range much over 300 yards is not likely to be attainable. + +Some years back Mr. Muir, of Edinburgh, made many experi- +ments with strong and medium power bows, with the view of testing the possibility of accomplishing 300 yards; but, though an Archer of great power and experience, he found that with a bow of from fifty-eight to sixty-two lbs. he could shoot further than with a stronger one, and that with that weight of bow he could not quite reach the desired distance. Afterwards, however, with a Turkish +bow and half-arrow, accomplishing a range of 508 +yards. Mr. Roberts, in his " English Bowman" (published in 1801), states that Mr. Troward shot repeatedly, up and down, and in the presence of many spectators, a measured length of 340 yards, +with a self yew bow of sixty-three lbs. + +In this kind of shooting I have, personally, had very little expe- +rience, but in the autumn of 1856, in the presence of a brother Archer, I succeeded, upon several occasions, in exceeding the 300 yards, the best shot being 327 yards, with a self yew bow very favourably and in a point cain 807 lbs. The bow was carefully measured with the tape. The bow used was a sixty-eight +lb. self yew, taken at random from Mr. Buchanan's stock, and was by no means remarkable for quickness of cast, though it has since proved an excellent target bow. + +I believe, therefore, that, with practice, 300 yards is fairly attain- +able by many Archers of the present day, and that several might + +OF FLIGHT SHOOTING. +107 + +even reach very considerably beyond it ; but to attain to this distant shooting, a particular study of itself would be required, as it is a totally different matter from target practice. + +However, experiment alone will enable any Archer, curious as to his powers of distant shooting, to determine the length he will be enabled to reach. To that he is, therefore, recommended. + +Chapter XIV. +ON ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +Best Shots of the Toxophilite Society—Mr. Bradley—Mr. Cruden—Mr. Palmer—Mr. Cazwell—Mr. Shepherd—Result of Mr. Waring's Arm-striking theory—Mr. Anderson, the Incomparable Shot—Scores of more Modern Archers—First and Second Scores of all the Grand National Meetings. + +In the present chapter I propose presenting to my readers a few specimens of ancient and modern scoring. The term "ancient," however, must be considered as used only in a comparative sense ; for the earliest period to which I am able to refer goes no further back than the year 1780, when the first meeting of the Toxophilite Society, and the subsequent revival of Archery. Anterior to this period I have been unable to obtain any authentic records, none such having been kept, or, if kept, having in the lapse of time been misplaced or lost. For the less modern scores about to be given, the reader is indebted to the books of the Toxophilite Society, some of them earlier of which have fortunately remained in existence to the present day, whilst others, including the whole from 1706 to 1834, have been unfortunately lost. As this Society has always, from its first commencement until now, numbered amongst its members men of the highest attainments in this very useful art, on the day, the specimen scores given may be fairly looked upon as the good shooting for the times during which they were achieved ; and, consequently, a pretty accurate opinion may be formed as to the capabilities of the then magnates of the bow. The result of their comparison with the shooting of the present day will show what rapid strides in advance Archery has made since the establishment + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +109 + +of the Grand National Meetings has held out an adequate inducement for its proper study and practice. The great scores of times anterior to these Meetings now cut but a sorry figure indeed. May we not hope that, some years hence, the same may be said of the great performances of the present time? + +The first score I shall give is that which won the Prince's annual bugle in 1795; and it is given more especially because Mr. Waring, in his treatise, calls it "undoubtedly very great shooting." The Tonsophilite records give it as follows: +276 shots, 90 hits, 348 score. + +Mr. Brady was the shooter, and the distances were 100, 80, and 60 yards, at four, three, and two feet targets respectively (the smaller targets at the shorter distances may be considered, perhaps, a trifle easier to score at than the full sized ones at 100 yards). Thus, according to Mr. Waring, something **more** than one hit out of three, at 100 yards, was very great shooting in his day. Down to 1805 this score was beaten only once, and that occurred in 1797, for the same prize, and at the same marks and distances, when Mr. Shephard scored as follows: +252 shots, 88 hits, 358 score. + +There appears to have been a bye-law respecting this annual bugle, preventing the same member from winning it more than one year; so, in 1799, it was gained by Mr. Waring, with 53 hits and 185 score. The number of arrows shot in this instance is not given; but as the shooting lasted two days, it could not well have been less than what appears to have been the ordinary round for this prize—namely, 252 arrows, equally divided between the three distances. + +By far the best average shot of that era was, indubitably, Mr. Crunden; though several, namely, Messrs. Palmer, Shephard, and + +110 +**OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING.** + +Cazalot, sometimes surpassed him, and generally were, one or other of them, close at hand. The first-named gentleman, indeed (Mr. Palmer), made the greatest single day's shooting during the ten years to which I am able to refer, having scored as follows at 100 yards: +192 shots, 91 hits, 379 score. + +Subjoined are the three best scores of Mr. Cruden during the same period (taking the hits as the criterion), the distance being still 100 yards: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
192 shots85 hits381 score.
19279419
19276335
+ +The like of Mr. Palmer: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
192 shots91 hits379 score.
20478265
19267205
+ +The like of Mr. Shepherard: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
192 shots71 hits253 score.
19261233
19257211
+ +The like of Mr. Cazalot: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
192 shots77 hits245 score.
24073271
19268184
+ +The amount of benefit to be derived from Mr. Waring's "arm-striking" theory may be estimated by reference to this gentleman's three best scores: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
192 shots34 hits130 score.
19241153
20441157
+ +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. 111 + +I am happy in being able to furnish my readers with two of Mr. Anderson's scores—that "incomparable" (sic) Archer, according to Mr. Roberts ; they are as follows, the distance being 100 yards— + +192 shots, 37 hits, 157 score. +216 46 182 + +If these are fair average specimens of this gentleman's shooting, his "incomparability" is in the very opposite direction to that intended by Mr. Roberts. + +It must be remarked, concerning the foregoing scores, that they are taken from those records only where the number of arrows shot is stated ; thus, though only occasionally the case, is sufficiently often as to render the specimens given a good average criterion of the shooting of that day. Scores made at 100 yards are given principally, as at the eighty and sixty yards different sized targets from those at present in use were then shot at. + +For want of the records from 1805 to 1834, I am now obliged to jump at once to the latter year. Whether during this interval the shooting improved or not is a question that must be left un-decided. Probably not. But, if it did, it must again have retro-graded, as from 1834 to 1844 (during which latter year the first National Meeting was held) the shooting appears to have been of about the same average character. Indeed, I am unable to find an instance up to the latter part of Mr. Palmer's best score, already given, giving either better or worse results. The nearest approach to it is a score of Mr. Peters', as follows— + +192 shots, 88 hits, 328 score. + +Of this era this gentleman appears to have been the Robin Hood, though Messrs. Norton, Robinson, Arabin, and Smyth, contested the palm with him, and not always without success. The St. George's + +118 +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +Society (likewise a London Club) also possessed several shots equal in skill to these. + +Still the days when it was considered impossible to put in A/7/ the arrows at 100 yards (excepting as a rare feat) were dragging their slow length along. Indeed, I have seen a letter as late as 1845, from good old Mr. Roberts, who was well acquainted with the powers of all the best Archers for the preceding half-century, in which he states "he never knew but one man that could accomplish it." From this has been learned, that the first instance of any single recorded instance of its having been achieved at all is to be found up to that date—at any rate, as far as the Tocophilite books are concerned. It ought, however, here to be mentioned that, up to this date, the scoring part of the target measured only three feet ten inches in diameter, the Archer not being allowed to score the hits in the edge beyond this, which was then called the "petticoat." Also another rule then prevailing militated against the scoring, namely, that when the arrow struck two circles the least only was marked, whereas at the present day, when three circles are used, each circle receives the higher numbered circle. Six per cent, however, on the hits, and ten per cent. on the score, will be a most liberal allowance to counterbalance the drawbacks alluded to. In comparing then, the foregoing scores with those about to be mentioned, the reader must bear in mind the above observations. + +In 1844 the first Grand National Meeting was held, and the spur it and the succeeding meetings gave to the pursuit of Archery, and the beneficial effects of a proper indomitement to its practice, soon became apparent. Amongst the first to emerge from the "slough of despond," in which the art had so long slumbered, were Messrs. Bramhall, Maitland, Muir, Hutchons, and some others, followed shortly afterwards by Messrs. Moore, Garnett, Ford, Hilton, and other good Archers and true. Before, however, giving any of the + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. 113 + +scores of these latter magnates, it is necessary to bear in mind the distinction between match-shooting (more especially as regards the National Meetings) and private practice. Many, taking an interest in the subject of Archery, and hearing of the great things done at the present day when compared with the achievements of a former period, immediately refer to the records of these National meetings to find these great scores, and, to their surprise, discover that, excepting in one or two instances, the shooting, when compared with that of forty or fifty years back, is very little better. This, however, is not a just comparison, since no such gathering- ing in the results of the best shooters (many of which I have given) were obtained either in the ordinary practice-days of the Club, or at their quiet private matches. To shoot at the Grand National Meeting is a totally different affair, as every Archer who has tried the experiment is too well aware. Here the excite- ment of the occasion, the number of competitors, and the vastness of the assembly, are enough to upset the finest nerves—they need, indeed, be of iron, to remain totally unaffected. Added to which, it is an opportunity of making a good score that occurs but once in a year; even this often fails owing to unfavourable weather. Hence even Archers may say, I think, without excep- tion, falls below his level at this match; consequently, his real powers, excepting amongst the initiated, cannot be judged thereby. In comparing, therefore, the scores of this day with those of a prior date, such only must be looked at as are shot under similar circumstances. + +In the following scores I do not pretend to give specimens of the shooting of all the great Archers of the day, but of such only as, through some authentic channel or other, have come to my own personal knowledge. They, however, will be sufficient for the pur- pose I have in view, namely, to show the great development of the powers of the bow that has taken place of late years. + +1 + +114 + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SHOOTING. + +The following are the first and second scores in a match that took place the 9th of October, 1850, on the Tuxophilite ground, for a handsome silver cup, presented by W. Peters, Esq., the distance being 100 yards —— + +Mr. H. A. Ford, 810 shots, 166 hits, 628 score. +Mr. C. Garnett , , , 135 , 521 + +The next score is one with which, on the Tuxophilite ground, I won a handicap prize of £15. In June, 1854, thirteen competitors —— +100 yards, 96 shots, 79 hits, 573 score; 80 yards, 72 shots, 71 +hits, 335 score; 60 yards, 48 shots, 47 hits, 313 score. Total— +216 shots, 197 hits, 1011 score. + +In November, 1851, a friendly passage of arms between Mousa, +Ford, Bramhall, and Moore, resulted in the following scores—the double York round of 144 arrows at 100 yards, 96 at 80 yards, +and 48 at 60 yards, being shot —— + +Mr. H. A. Ford, 888 shots, 263 hits, 1414 score. +Mr. Bramhall , , , 850 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , +Mr. Moore ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,,,,, + +The 100-yard part of the shooting was very good ; Mr. F. getting at this distance 187 hits, 617 score; Mr. B. 114 hits, 504 score; +and Mr. M. 100 hits, 440 score. This is not, however, one of the most favourable specimens of this last-named gentleman's shooting. +The following is a better one, obtained in private practice—still the double York round —— + +288 shots, 258 hits, 1358 score. + +Here is also an excellent double York round of Mr. Bramhall's —— + +288 shots, 256 hits, 1392 score. + +At 100 yards, 117 hits, 635 score; at 80 yards, 91 hits, 497 +score; at 60 yards, 48 hits, 290 score. + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +115 + +Also a goodly specimen of 60-yards shooting by the same gentle- +man—the St. Leonard round:— +75 shots, 74 hits, 504 score. + +The following are two good examples of 100-yard shooting, +achieved by Mr. Charles Garnett:— +72 shots, 61 hits, 569 score. +72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888 + +One of the most promising shots of his day, both for style and +accuracy, was Mr. E. Maullard, of the Queen's Park Archers. Un- +fortunately for the cause of Archery he went abroad, and thus his +career as a marksmen has been cut short. He has since, +however, returned to this country, and we anticipate seeing him +speedily resume his position amongst the first Archers of the day. +The scores that follow were his best. The St. George's round:— +100 yards, 36 arrows, 25 hits, 97 score; 80 yards, 36 arrows, 34 +hits, 190 score; 60 yards, 36 arrows, 36 hits, 196 score: total— +108 shots, 95 hits, 483 score. + +Also a good St. Leonard's round, 60 yards:— +75 shots, 75 hits, 467 score. + +Another member of the same Society, Captain Flood, has also +achieved some very creditable shooting, more especially at 60 yards; +for instance, for 36 arrows, 36 hits, 922 score; and for 75 arrows, +a score of 417. + +The St. George's Club have turned out some very excellent +Archers, amongst whom may be numbered Messrs. Hutchins, Marr, +and Heath. I subjoin two specimens of Mr. Marr's best shooting. +The St. George's round:—100 yards, 36 arrows, 24 hits, 114 score; +80 yards, 36 arrows, 38 hits, 118 score; 60 yards, 36 arrows, 35 +hits, 181 score: total— +108 shots, 90 hits, 413 score. +1 2 + +116 + +**OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING.** + +Also a better specimen of 60 yards shooting by the same gentleman: + +86 shots, 35 hits, 225 score. + +The following is one of Mr. Heath's best scores, the St. George's round ---46 hits, 89 score; 31 hits, 139 score; 35 hits, 200 score; total---108 shots, 91 hits, 431 score. + +The National distances, until of late years, have not been much practised in Scotland ; consequently our friends over the border have not as yet achieved similar scores to those here given. At their point of practice, the Royal Company has put nine consecutive arrows into a four-inch paper; and Mr. Mair's fee---two undoubtedly clever performances. The latter gentleman, at 100 yards, has also put in thirty-eight arrows out of forty-eight; several times twenty-four arrows out of twenty-five; and similar achievements. His best score, however, to my mind, is the following, distance between 20 and 90 yards --- Two shots, two hits, score, a hawk and a crow (fact). + +Under the risk of being considered equestrianist, but to oblige the request of several correspondents, I now give the three following specimens of my private practice---I need hardly say my best. The first two are the single York round of six dozen, four dozen, and two dozen. At the first I made (with an Italian self-yew-bow of Mr. Buchanan's, and so arrows of Mr. Muir's) 71 hits, 335 score; (missing the 59th shot); 48 hits, 275 score; 24 hits, 164 score; giving a total of--- +144 shots, 148 hits, 765 score. + +At the second (with a yew-backed yew-bow and same arrows) +66 hits, 344 score; 47 hits, 301 score; 24 hits, 164 score; total--- +144 shots, 137 hits, 809 score. + +A diagram showing different types of arrows and their respective scores. + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +117 + +The following is a St. Leonard's round, at 60 yards ---28 golds, +37 rods, 7 blues, 3 blacks; total--- +75 shots, 75 hits, 555 score. + +All these scores were made in the public gardens at Cheltenham, +in the presence of many persons. With the private shooting of many +excellent Archers, such as Messrs. H. Garnett, Hilton, Mallory, &c., +I am unacquainted, and therefore unable to give specimens of it. + +As a matter of considerable interest to the general body of +Archers, I shall now give the names of the first and second win- +ners (ladies and gentlemen) at all the Grand National Meetings up +to the present time---also their gross hits and scores. It must be +borne in mind that the number of arrows shot at all those gatherings +(with the exception of the first, when only half the quantity were +shot) was 144 at 100 yards, 96 at 80 yards, and 48 at 60 yards, +for the gentlemen; and 96 at 60 yards, and 48 at 50 yards, for the +ladies,—excepting in the instances that will be specially referred to. + +1844—at YORK. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
1.Mr. Higginson...53 hits221 score.
2.Mr. Mayrick...88218
+ +No ladies appeared at this Meeting; and, as already mentioned, +the gentlemen only shot one-half the quantity shot since. + +1845—at YORK. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Miss Thelwell...48 hits186 score.
"Miss Townshend...45163
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. Muir...139557
"Mr. Jones...139499
At this Meeting the ladies shot 144 arrows, at 60 yards only.
+ +118 + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +1844—at YORK. + +Gentlemen.—1. Mr. Hubback … 117 hits, 519 score. +" 2. Mr. Meyrick … 117 … 517 " +Close fighting indeed ! No ladies shot at this Meeting. + +1847—at DERBY. + +Ladies.—1. Miss E. Wylde … 65 hits, 845 score. +Gentlemen.—1. Mr. Muir … 158 … 631 " +" 2. Mr. Mastland … 131 … 649 " +The ladies again shot at 60 yards only, the number of arrows being 144, as before. + +1848—at DERBY. + +Ladies.—1. Miss J. Barrow … 47 hits, 167 score. +" 2. Miss Temple … 44 … 169 " +Gentlemen.—1. Mr. Mandell … 135 … 581 " +" 2. Mr. Brunnall … 128 … 514 " + +During both the days of this match a very strong wind prevailed, accompanied with constant showers. The difficulty of scoring was, consequently, very much increased. At this Meeting the ladies shot 78 arrows at 60 yards; and 72 arrows at 80 yards. + +My first appearance at these tournaments—my place at the finish being so low down in the list, that I have never to this day the moral courage to enquire how far from the bottom it was. I mention this in the hope it may prove a consolation to many other young Archers, who having attended their first National Meeting with great hopes of success, found upon the steadiness and goodness of their private practice, having returned home, I did, sadly disabused myself of every expectation of success; but failing to shoot well, but on account of the excessive falling-off in anticipated scoring. +I cannot too often impress upon these fact, that shooting at the National Meeting is totally different from private practice, or small match-shooting; and rare indeed is it that the Archer attends one + +* + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +119 + +of them for the first time without a signal failure to his hopes, and a score very much below what his private shooting had led him to look for. + +**1849—at DERBY.** + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Miss Temple55 hits, 189 score.
2. Miss Mackay43 163
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. P. Moore173 747
2. Mr. H. A. Ford177 703
+ +The weather again unfavourable, a good deal of wind prevailing, and many showers. The Champion's Gold Medal was first awarded at this meeting. This was gained by myself, though obtaining only the second prize—the medal being given for the greatest number of points gained by any Archer. These points are reckoned in the following manner—Two for the gross score, two for the gross hits, One for best score at 100 yards, and one for best hits at ditto; and the same at the 80 and 60 yards. This makes ten points in all. I gained five points, Mr. Moore four points, and Mr. Atwood one point. + +**1850—at EDINBURGH.** + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Mrs. Calvert47 hits, 161 score.
2. Miss E. Foster42 156
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. H. A. Ford193 899
2. Mr. C. Garnett166 638
+ +The weather wet, but little or no wind. The Medal awarded to myself, gaining all the points. The ladies on this occasion shot 72 arrows at 60 yards; and 36 arrows only at 50 yards. + +**1851—at LEAMINGTON.** + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Miss Villiers108 hits, 504 score.
2. Mrs. Thurnfield75 293
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. H. A. Ford193 861
2. Mr. Bramhall178 760
+ +190 + +**OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING.** + +Compare Miss Villiers' score with those of the ladies gaining the first prize that preceded her. What a rapid stride in advance! This lady was the first to demonstrate what the bow could do in the hands of the fair sex, and so deservedly obtained for herself the reputation of the first lady Archer in the kingdom, a reputation since amply upheld under her married name of Mrs. Davison. The second gross score amongst the gentlemen was obtained by Mr. Heath, of the St. George's Club. The second prize, however, was awarded to Mr. Bramhall for gross hits, Mr. Heath's hits being only 146, with a score of 176. The Champion's Medal again awarded to myself, gaining nine points, Mr. Heath gaining one point, viz. the greatest score at 50 yards. + +**1853—at LAMINGTON.** + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Miss Bridleby... 84 hits, 336 score.
...2.Miss M. A. Peel... 84 ... 330
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. H., Ford... 188 ... 788
...2.Mr. Bramhall... 184 ... 775
+ +This match had a most exciting finale between the first and second gentlemen winners. When the last three arrows alone re- mained to be shot, Mr. Bramhall was two points in score above me. It was then a simple question of nerve, and I conclude mine was best, as I scored fourteen to my worthy opponent's two. The Champion's Medal awarded to myself, gaining six points, Mr. Bramhall two points, and Mr. Wilson (of York), two points. + +**1853—at LAMINGTON.** + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Mrs. Horniblow... 89 hits, 365 score.
...2.Miss M. A. Peel... 84 ... 364
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. H., Ford... 208 ... 934
...2.Mr. Bramhall... 167 ... 733
+ +The Challenge Silver Brooch for the ladies was, this year, pre- sented by the West Norfolk Bowman. This prize is awarded on the + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +121 + +same principle as the Champion's Medal--namely, for the greatest number of points. It was gained by Mrs. Horniblow, another star in the Archery hemisphere, this lady gaining six points, and Miss M. Peel two points. + +The Champion's Medal awarded to myself, gaining all the points. + +1854---At SHREWSBURY. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.1. Mrs. Davison... 109 hits469 score.
2. Mrs. Horniblow... 96398
Gentlemen.1. Mr. H. A. Ford... 2841074
2. Mr. Bramhall... 176748
+ +The Challenge Broach awarded to Mrs. Davison (see Villers, and who did not shoot at the previous Meeting), this lady gaining seven points to Mrs. Horniblow's one. + +The Champion's Medal to myself, gaining all the points. + +1855---At SHREWSBURY. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.1. Mrs. Davison... 115 hits491 score.
2. Mrs. Horniblow... 108457
Gentlemen.-I.- Mr. H. A. Ford... 179809
2. Mr. Bramhall... 178709
+ +Weather wet and windy. The Challenge Broach was again awarded to Mrs. Davison, that lady gaining seven points; Miss Clay one point for score at 60 yards. + +The Champion's Medal to myself, gaining nine points, the tenth being hits at 60 yards being a tie with Mr. Wilson. + +1856---At CHELTENHAM. + +This Meeting witnessed a larger gathering of Archers, both ladies and gentlemen, than any previous occasion, 73 of the former and 112 of the latter assembling at the targete, The weather was + +123 + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +rather against the shooters, owing to the excessive heat and glare. +The result was as follows— + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies—1.Mrs. Horniblow109 hits, 457 score.
2. Mrs. Davison108, 461
Gentlemen—1.H. A. Ford913, 945
2. Mr. Bramhall191, 785
Mrs. Davison, through sudden indisposition, was unable to shoot + the last six arrows, otherwise the contest for the ladies' supremacy + would have been close indeed. The Challenge Silver Brooch was + awarded to Mrs. Horniblow, gaining six points to Mrs. Davison's + one point, the hits at 60 yards being a tie. The Champion's Medal + came to myself, for the eighth time, gaining all the points but two, + these latter falling to the lot of my old opponent, Mr. Bramhall, + for score and hits at 100 yards.
+ +1837—AT CHESTERHAM. + +Ladies—1. Miss H. Chetwynd ... 198 hits, 634 score. +2. Mrs. Davison ... 114, 549 +Gentlemen—1. H. A. Ford ... 945, 3551 +2. Mr. G. Edwards ... 188, 786 + +This was again a very successful Meeting, and the scoring showed +a great and general improvement upon former years. The score +made by Miss H. Chetwynd is quite unparalleled in match shooting, +and with few, if any, exceptions, in private practice. Mrs. Davi- +son's shooting was also splendid; as was Mrs. Horniblow—the +latter lady, indeed, exceeding the former by eight hits, whilst she +was only eight behind her in score. +Nor must I omit to notice the shooting of Mrs. Blinker, who, though appearing at these Meetings +for the first time, gained the Honourable position of fourth, with the +excellent total of 108 hits, 496 score. The advancement of the +gentlemen kept pace with that of the ladies; for, whereas +the average of the five best scores in former years had never exceeded + +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. +123 + +179 hits, 757 score, in this year it reached 191 hits, 861 score. In the year 1849, Mr. P. Moore accomplished 747, and, in 1851, Mr. Heath 776. But, with these exceptions, until the present year, Mr. Bramhall and myself alone reached 700. At this Meeting, however, as many as six competitors exceeded that number; Mr. Bramhall, for the first time during the last eight Meetings at which he had contended, failing to secure the second place—ill health and consequent want of practice having seriously diminished his chance of success; and gratifying to me was the fact that those who ranked the leading Arts and Sciences attained their high position in the prize list to their careful following out of the principles and directions laid down in this work. The Silver Brooch was awarded to Miss H. Chetwynd, and the Champion's Medal to myself, each having gained all the points. + +1855—at EXETER. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ladies.—1.Mrs. Horniblow...101 hits, 457 score.
2.Mr. St. George...94428
Gentlemen.—1.Mr. H. A. Ford...814n.1076
2.Mr. G. Edwards...187n.817
+ +There is an apparent falling off in the shooting of this Meeting, as compared with the previous one; but I think it is apparent only, as the roughness of the weather and the difficulty of the ground, as compared with that of Cheltenham, will imply account for the diminution in the average scoring. Mr. Edwards, however, exceeded his score of the previous year, topping 800—a feat never performed before at these gatherings, except by myself. Several new shots, also, both ladies and gentlemen, made a most promising debut; more especially those of Mr. H. A. Ford, who placed himself third in second place; and, amongst the gentlemen, Mr. George, who came out third on the prize list. The Silver Brooch was awarded to Mrs. Horniblow, gaining four points out of the eight—Miss H. Chetwynd, Miss Turner, and Lady Edwardes, obtaining one each, the remaining + +134 +OF ANCIENT AND MODERN SCORING. + +point being a tie between the Lady Champion and Miss Chetwynd. +The Champion's Medal to myself, for the tenth time, gaining all the points. + +This concludes the record of the National Meetings up to the present time, and I cannot close this chapter without congratulating my brethren of the bow upon the very evident progress of Archery in public estimation, evidenced, not only by the constantly increasing attendance both of Archers and spectators at those Meetings, but also by the formation of new societies in every part of the kingdom, and the institution of large and influential gatherings, open to all, in localities hitherto unused to them. The Grand National Meeting was established in 1844, and for that and the five following years, the average attendance of lady shooters was six, of gentlemen 74; whilst during the last four years, ladies have been 56, and the gentlemen 91--a pretty evident proof of the increasing popularity of this most healthy and delightful exercise. In further corroboration of this, I need only refer to the Meetings established at Leamington, in 1854, by Mr. Merridew, and that at Aston Park in the present year, all of which have been attended with the highest success, and have afforded unbounded satisfaction to every Archer who has had the good fortune to be present at them; and long may they flourish to the promotion of good feeling and fellowship between all ranks of society! + +A black-and-white photograph of a group of people gathered around a table with various items on it. + +Chapter XV. +Robin Hood—Distance and Accuracy of the Shooting of his time—Did he shoot in a Modern Hat?—Social Character of Archery—Concluding Observations to the Young Archer; also to the Old One—A Short Address to the Far Sea—A Farewell. + +It was my intention, upon setting out, to devote a chapter to a brief sketch of the life and feats (more particularly where the latter were connected with Archery) of that renowned outlaw, bold Robin Hood. Having, however, after considerable trouble and research, been unable to discover a single fact or legend, probable or improbable, concerning him and his “merrie men,” that had not already been written upon saga ad nauseam, I finally concluded it would serve no useful purpose were I to add another to the already long list of publications on the subject. As regards his life generally, works of fiction have been numerous since every age has been troubled, every nation has been agitated by the truthful or the exaggerated representations. The subject, in short, has been entirely exhausted. As regards his feats with the bow, all those that rest on a shadow of foundation (and none have any better than some old song or legend, written some centuries after his death) have been thoroughly sifted and brought to the light of reason and common sense in Mr. Robert’s work, so often alluded to. In respect of his distance shooting, for instance, he proves, satisfactorily enough, that Robin could not shoot a mile—yet some legends give both him and Little John the credit of having shot at a horseman at 300 yards. It is true that at least three of the strongest men in the world put together to pull and loose a bow of sufficient power to do it, my readers will be very much disposed to agree with him. In respect of the accuracy of his + +A black-and-white illustration of Robin Hood holding a bow and arrow. + +126 +CHAPTER XV. + +shooting, splitting willow wands and nocks of arrows (at any rate, if we are to believe novelists) appears to have been his average! That he could do the first tolerably often is likely enough--many Archers of the present day could do the same; but to say that he could do it *is certainly* a trifle beyond even the most vivid imaginative power of belief. As for the nock-splitting, it is only necessary to say that beyond fifteen or twenty yards the nock would not be visible. I will not, therefore, insist my readers by arguing the possibility or otherwise of Robin's being able to split it at four or five times that distance whenever he chose! + +Whilst, however, withholding credence from such impossible fictions as those above alluded to, it may very well be a question, whether Archery had not, in Hood's time, attained a greater develop- ment in respect of skill than is the case at the present day--regard- ing its greater range there can be no dispute. The bow was then universally practised, now it is but partially so; therefore we may very well suppose that, as the number of Archers at that time was so much greater than at present, a greater number of shots would be produced, and that out of this latter class, consequently, a greater chance would exist of the issuing of the pre-eminent shot of all. But whilst the full benefit of this argument is given to Robin Hood, it must not be forgotten that in his day force was the great desideratum, and that very strong shooting, so far as our experience goes, is anything but likely to be the most accurate. Does any Archer of the present day, where the prizes are awarded for accuracy, venture to use a bow fully up to the power of his pull? Has not almost every one of them found that when he has used more pounds of actual power in his hand, than he finds it good policy to use? And he does not use it, because experience has taught him that when his muscles are strained beyond a certain point, uncertainty and inaccuracy are sure to follow. In former days, however, the thing was different--force was everything in the shooter, accuracy being + +CHAPTER XV. 127 + +but a secondary consideration; for, as the long-bow was essentially a weapon of war, it mattered little whether the Archer hit the man he aimed at or the one next him, provided the arrow had sufficient power to penetrate the finely tempered armour then in use—shooting at a body of men, however few they might be, to miss all was an exceeding improbability. + +Moreover, it may very well be disputed, whether the weapons themselves had the same excellent workmanship then as now; and upon this great certainty of hitting very much depends. The fore-going pages have been written to very little purpose indeed, if I have failed to shew how the slightest inequality or imperfection in the tackle, be it bow, arrow or string, may mar the perfection of the shot. If then, the bowyers of the present day exceed those of the former period in the excelling of their weapons, it is more than probable that a corresponding improvement results to the accuracy of the shooting. But do they? This cannot be decided, so few specimens of the old weapons remaining in existence at the present day, by which to form a comparison. + +Each will probably form his opinion as to the skill attained in the first ages of the English long-bow, as compared with that of the present day, according as his taste lies in the direction of the pro- bable or the marvellous ; and these matter must be left. + +There is one thing, however, connected with Robin, that I do feel quite confident about, and that is, that he did not wear an ordinary modern black or white hat. He was by far too sensible a fellow, depend upon it, to wear a head-covering, at all times sufficiently tight and uncomfortable, but especially so when the wearer is more than usually exposed to heat and sun, as the Archer is. Fancy this bold outlaw in a white four-and-nine! Alexander the Great in an umbrella, Socrates in Hessian boots, might be parallel cases! + +A historical illustration showing a man dressed in a white four-and-nine hat. + +125 +CHAPTER XV. + +Besides, Robin knew too well, that anything likely to impede the correct action of the string—as the brim of a modern hat very often does—would effectually prevent the indulgence of his willow-wood and nock-splitting propensities. Therefore, he doubtless avoided any thing of the kind. I commend these reflections to one or two of the societies of the present day. + +Robin must have been a social fellow—all accounts of him prove this. Indeed it is one of the great advantages of this noble pastime of Archery, that it induces this very quality. There is nothing more productive of kindly feeling and hospitality in a neighbourhood, especially in the country, than a prevailing taste for this pursuit. The freemasonry amongst Archers is proverbial. It has, moreover, one peculiarly bright feature, and this is, that its practice is allowable to both sexes. Hardly any other amusement admits of this. Cricket, tennis, billiards, hunting, &c., are all most excellent, but are confined to the sterner sex, or should be. They have all this failing, that they lack the humanising presence of the fairer portion of humanity. This is true as regards the game itself but also in the exercises. I hope to see the day when no town or neighbourhood of any extent is without its Archery Club. Each will be better in many respects for it, without doubt. + +And now, before bringing these pages to a conclusion, I must remind my readers of the statement with which they were commenced, namely, that the result of my own practical experience shows what can be given. This has been done throughout; and where I have differed from commonly received rules as to practice, e.g., the shape of the bow line, or the position of the hand at aim; I have done so, not from a love of novelty or from a desire to be thought wiser than my fellows, but from positive conviction of the incorrectness of those rules—such conviction being the result, not only of much thought, but of long and patient experiment. I can + +CHAPTER XV. 199 + +only say to every brother Archer, with all truth, and a mind open to conviction— + +St quid noviis rectius liceat + +Candens Imperator, si non sive sive seum. + +My observations, however, have proceeded to be addressed more particularly to the young Archer; and to the few words of practical advice ventured upon in my introductory paper, I would now additionally impress upon him the absolute necessity of **perseverance** and a **command of temper**. Without these essentials he will never become eminent as an Archer—neither the idle nor the irritable need hope for success here. This observation, indeed, applies to all pur- sons, but is particularly mentioned in connection with Archery, because many (I know several), whilst acknowledging its truth as regards myself, are disposed to think that the excellence of Archery should form an exception to this rule, and look upon them selves as positive masters because they cannot attain the highest position in a very short time, and without the trouble of working hard for it. This is a great mistake. To obtain a thorough command of the bow is no easy matter; on the contrary, it is a most difficult one; and pre-eminence here requires the exercise of the same qualities as pre-eminence in anything else. So let the young Archer look to it. + +One other thing is also particularly desirable for him, though not so absolutely essential, and that is good teaching. The persevering Archer may, and probably will, work his way without it, but only at the cost of an infinity of trouble and disappointment, that otherwise might well be spared him. Faults are more easily fallen into than got rid of afterwards; and this remark is the more applicable to Archery, inasmuch as success it depends upon the accurate ma- terial of a number of small difficulties—a failure in any one of them in all probability spoiling the shot. By all means, then, let the + +A black-and-white illustration of a young man holding a bow and arrow. + +130 +CHAPTER XV. + +beginner, whenever he has the chance, avail himself of superior knowledge and experience. The road to the bull's-eye he will find all the easier by having a finger-post to direct him in the track. He will also find it a good plan to attend a meeting of the Grand National Archery Society as a spectator, and, by carefully noting the style, speed, and leading points of the best Archers, he will be able better able to understand his own private practice afterwards. Perfection, to imitate, he will find in no private practice afterwards. Perfection, to imitate, he will find in no single shooter, but, in marking the faults he sees, so as to avoid them, and the excellences, so as to imitate them, he will find the surest means of approaching it. In short, he who will use his eyes and brains, as well as his hands—who will persevere in the face of failures and disappointment, and not be above taking the best advice, if he chanced to have it offered him, will, in the end, be sure of a very high position. + +Having paid so much attention to the beginner, I feel called upon to take one shot at that Archer of long-standing who is very probably giving a sigh of relief as he comes to the concluding chapter of this "tiresome" treatise. Well, Sir, you have praecised with the bow, I perceive, some fifteen or twenty years or more, and think, in consequence, you know all about it. You have hitherto differed from me upon most of the essential points treated of in the foregoing pages, and, having since read them, you do so still. You will have none of those new-fangled ideas ; you shoot as your great-grandfather did—by aiming at the mark and doing it—to (the same thing, of course), and you mean to continue in the same all the days of your life. Even supposing—ridiculous idea !—that the theories propounded and rules laid down are better than your own, still you say, they will not do for you (at least many of your style of thinking do say so)—you will have none of them, though those who act upon them prove by results how far they are beyond anything you know on the subject. You can generally put in one out of three of your arrows at 100 yards, and now and then + +CHAPTER XV. 131 + +(twice, perhaps, in three years), actually accomplish the half of them I +You can, besides, shoot the other distances in proportion, and you +are content. Anything beyond these stupendous attainments must +be owing to luck, or some peculiar gift of nature; for have not you +been practising a great number of years earnestly and energetically, +and been unable to accomplish more? Since, at any rate, your own +ideas must be best, so far as you yourself are concerned, a different +system, whatever it may do for others, cannot by any possibility, +you think, do anything for you. + +Now, my very self-quinoniated friend, I will venture to reply +to you, that no system radically wrong and unscientific in theory, +opposed to the plain rules of practical sense, and unsuccessful in +its results, can be made right either by its having antiquity pleaded +in its favour (supposing you can justly do this, which I very much +doubt), nor by any special peculiarities of a particular individual. +You may have some physical incapability that may prevent your +ever becoming a good shot; but if you can use your limbs and +muscles like a man who has never had them trained, what is a bad +system better for you to act upon than a good one. If you cannot +succeed with the latter, you are still less likely to do so with the +former. You will by no means get over your unavoidable diffi- +culties the easier by persisting in a mode of shooting that only +increases them. I do not presume to say that the system advocated +in the foregoing articles is the best that can be discovered ; but I +say that so long as it accomplishes in myself and others what the +wildest flights of your imagination never dream of as possible to +be accomplished by yourself with your own hands, it is to be preferred to yours. Your habits have been such that you can only shoot the +worse. This is likely enough, because no man can change from one +mode of doing a thing to another, though it be from a bad to a +good one, and not for the time experience an increase of difficulty. +The habits of years are not to be so easily overcome. A little + +2 + +139 +CHAPTER XV. + +perseverance, however, would soon put a different face upon the matter. Of this at any rate be sure, that if you wish to arrive at the top of the tree in any pursuit, you must adopt that mode of action that is indisputably proved to be the only, or the best, means of carrying you there. + +It would be unparallel, indeed, were I to come to a conclusion without a few words of direct address to the fairest portion of humanity. To you, then, fair Marietta, and to you who, though not yet enrolled in that band, may still, it is hoped, some day be so, let me observe that Archery is a boon indeed. Your sex have few out-door exercises at all—one, with the exception, perhaps, of riding (which is accessible but to few), that at all brings the muscles generally into healthy action. You cannot say that mere walking or shop-bouncing does this; still less that the heated atmosphere of a ball-room allows of it. But Archery does. How many con- sumptions, contracted chests, and the like, think you, might have been spared, had its practice been more universal amongst you? It is an exercise which can be employed to improve the general health, without being violent—calling the families, both of mind and body, into gentle and healthy play, yet suppressing none—bringing roses to your cheeks, and occupation to your mind, +—withal most elegant and graceful. I never took up an Archery book yet, without finding a quotation from one Madame Bola, a celebrated opera dancer, declaring the attitude of the shooter the most graceful in the world—without inflicting the full quotation upon you, suffice it to say that it is common with every brother Archer, and cordially agree with that most respected female. A "duck" meant a duck of a kind; and now we have mighty powers against a "duck" of a shoe. Cupid, like Paul Pry, "drops in" as he please, anywhere and everywhere; but I think he is particularly fond of a social Archery gathering. Small blame to him for the same! Need I say more to recommend this pastime + +CHAPTER XV. +135 + +to you? I think not ;-every consideration should induce you to adopt it. + +And now, gentle reader, my task is done. To me it has been a labour of love, and to you I trust not altogether useless nor uninteresting. It has been a work of some difficulty, but I have performed it resolutely, the result of my own experience, and though I have not the vanity to suppose that I have pleased all, I hope that I have offended none. If I have spoken strongly against some errors of opinion or practice, it has been against the error itself, and not against the, perhaps thoughtless, holder of that error. + +"Immodestis valo, esse recidendum est, ne pars aliorum trahatur." + +My only aim has been to benefit you; the result is with yourself. Farewell and--shoot well. + +Chapter XPL. +ON THE FORMATION, RULES, AND REGULATIONS OF SOCIETIES. + +There are certain special requirements applicable to all Societies, of which economy, convenience of place of meeting, and a proper system of prizes are perhaps the most important. Without these, however favorably situated may commence his career, it will, sooner or later—and much offense the former than the latter—dwindle away, and come to an untimely end. For if, in the first place, a judicious economy in conducting its affairs be not studied, many will be prevented joining at all, and others be compelled after a time to quit its ranks; for a locality is seldom so wealthy that the portion of its society is not limited in its expenditure, in matters of mere amusement. In the second place, should the place of meeting be too distant, or devoid of the necessary accommodation, few will make a regular attendance on it. In the third place, if the members neglecting those established for practice, which after all, conduce the most to the general improvement of the shooting, and to keep alive the spirit of emulation and that social fellowship which ought to prevail amongst the members. In the third place, if there be not such an arrangement of the prizes as that, while merit meets with its due reward, the novice may not be altogether hopeless of success, many a young Archer will be discouraged at the outset, from the knowledge that none but the most skillful have any chance of appearing on the field. The fourth point is this—that though the real value of any prize is, or should be, the motive to exertion; but it is a fact, amply borne out by experience, that, without the hope of gaining these trophies of success, though they may be of no intrinsic + +A page from a book titled "Chapter XPL. ON THE FORMATION, RULES, AND REGULATIONS OF SOCIETIES." The text discusses special requirements for societies and their importance. + +CHAPTER XVI. +155 + +worth, sufficient inducement to the practice necessary for improve- +ment is, in the majority of cases, wanting. With these few prelimi- +nary remarks, I will now proceed to the subject of this chapter. + +The first step towards the formation of an Archery Society in +any locality is, for those who are really ardent in the cause, to meet +together as a Provisional Committee, to draw up rules and regu- +lations applicable to their own particular circumstances, whether +local or otherwise, all likely to take an interest in the Society, in order +to discuss those rules and regulations so drawn up, and adapt them, +as far as may be, to meet the views of all. The following, I con- +ceive, to be such as will in general be found to work the best, but +subject, of course, to any modifications called for by the special cir- +cumstances of the locality in which the Society is formed : + +RULES. + +1.—The Society shall be called ____________ + +2. The place of meeting shall be ____________ +Any person residing within fifteen miles of the same shall be eligible +as an actual member; beyond that distance, as an actual or honorary +member. No person resident within the prescribed limits shall be +admitted to any meeting of the Society unless an actual member. + +[If this be thought too stringent a rule, it may be relaxed by +allowing invitations to be issued by the Committee. In some Socie- +ties the rule is to meet, not at any fixed place, but in private grounds, +by invitation; and thus there is no reason why any one should be pre- +tended away from a meeting place suitable for a meeting, the once +falls almost invariably upon those few. Another objection to this +custom is, that there is no fixed place of meeting for practice.] + +3.—There shall be a Lady Patroness, a President, Vice-President, + +A page from a book with text on it. + +136 +CHAPTER XVI. + +Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee; all but the Treasurer and Secretary to be elected annually, by the members, --those two by the Committee, from their own body. + +4.--There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the members of the Society, to audit the accounts of the previous year, elect offi- +cers, and transact any other business of the Society. In case of any special emergency, a General Meeting of the Society may be called by the Committee. + +5.--The election of new members may take place at any meeting of the Society, provided the name of the party, with his proposer and seconder, shall have been entered in the Secretary's book one month before the election, and that the members be duly notified of the same. + +8.--The election shall be by ballot ; one black ball in . . . +to exclude ; . . . members to vote, or no election. +[If the system of balloting be objected to, the following rule may be substituted--the name of the party, with his proposer and seconder, shall be submitted to the Committee, and if approved by them, to the first meeting of the Society ; and the candidate declared duly elected, unless a ballot be demanded, when the same shall at once take place. The member desiring the ballot should be allowed to do so privately.] + +7. The annual subscription for actual members shall be £1 1s. +for a lady or gentleman, or £2 2s. for a family ; only one gentleman above the age of twenty-one years to be included in the family sub- +scription. The entrance fee to be half the subscription. +[These amounts are not arbitrary, but are intended to be either increased or diminished, according to the decision of each individual Society.] + +CHAPTER XVI. +137 + +8. The subscriptions shall become due on the +in each year; such subscriptions to be paid into the hands of the +Treasurer as soon as possible after they become due, or at the first +meeting. No one to shoot for prizes until the subscription is paid. +Any member wishing to withdraw from the Society shall give at +least one month's notice to the Secretary previous to the expiration +of the current year, otherwise his subscription shall be considered +due for the year following. + +[The enforcement of this rule will be found absolutely necessary, +to enable the Committee satisfactorily to conduct the financial affairs +of the Society.] + +9.—Persons residing beyond the fifteen mile limit, but tempo- +rarily staying within it, may be admitted for a shorter period than +one year, according to a certain scale of payment to be determined +by the Committee. + +[This rule would apply only to certain localities, such as large +towns and watering places.] + +10.—At all Meetings the President shall preside, but if absent, +the Vice-President. Should neither be present, a Chairman shall be +elected for the day, who shall have a casting vote. + +11.—No new rule shall be made excepting by the vote of the +majority of the members at a General Meeting. + +12.—The Secretary shall enter all the proceedings of the Society +in a book kept for the purpose. + +13.—The costumes of the Society shall be + +[I think this is a point too generally neglected, as certainly the +variety of incoherent dress now so often seen at an Archery Meeting, +more especially amongst the gentlemen, is anything but conducive to + +138 +CHAPTER XVL + +a good effect. Not that I would advise anything like an approach to conventional Robinhoodism of costume ; but at the same time, it is difficult to associate the idea of Archery with trousers & a peg-top, and a coat a cross between a railway wrapper and a dressing-gown, and a wide-malee, whose original shape is worth so difficult even to guess at. I think it may be said of a man who has no taste for his own appearance, that he has no taste for his own body. But for the ladies, a combination of green and white will always become as becoming and elegant. I can only add, that simplicity and economy should go hand in hand.] + +14.—There shall be a pic-nic dinner at each bow meeting, each member or family to bring sufficient for themselves, friends, and servants, also plates, dishes, knaves, forks, etc., etc., unless the funds of the Society will admit of the purchase of a sufficient stock of these necessary articles. + +[I have some hesitation as to this rule, being aware that in the majority of cases it is not adopted ; nevertheless, I have found the dinner very pleasant and inconveniences caused by other plans so great, as to convince me of its being, on the whole, the best.] + +15.—Dinner shall be served at that hour most convenient to the shooting, and tea and coffee, provided by the Society, immediately after the shooting is over. + +16.—No smoking to be allowed on the ground in the presence of the ladies, under a penalty of a fine, to be fixed by the Committee. + +17.—All bets to be forfeited to the Club. + +18.—The wife and family of any member shall be eligible, without ballot. + +19.—A discretionary power shall be given to the Committee to meet any circumstances not contemplated in those rules. + +CHAPTER XVI. +159 + +SHOOTING REGULATIONS. + +1.—There shall be three prize bow meetings, at least, during the Archery season. + +[These will be probably found sufficient in country clades, where the members have mostly to come a considerable distance to the place of meeting; but in town clades, and those established in populous districts, it will be found highly beneficial to have weekly target days also, at which minor honorary prizes may be con- tested.] + +2.—The shooting at these prize meetings shall commence at o'clock, and continue until dinner time; after which it shall be resumed, till the appointed number of arrows have been shot; when the scores shall be made up and the prizes awarded. + +3.—The prizes shall be awarded as follows—the first lady's prize for the greatest gross score; the second, for the highest number of hits; the third, for the most central gold; and if there be a fourth, for the most golds—and the same for the gentlemen. + +(It will add considerably to the amusement of the day if an honorary wooden spoon be given for the lowest gross score, or the greatest number of outer whites.) + +4.—The distances for the ladies shall be 60 yards and 50 yards; and for the gentlemen, 100 yards, 80 yards, and 60 yards; the targets, in each instance, being pitched about three yards further to allow for standing room; their centres shall be exactly four feet from the ground. + +5.—The number of arrows shot shall be—for the ladies, at 60 yards, and at 80 yards; and for the gentlemen, at 100 yards, at 80 yards, and at 60 yards. + +(As uniformity is desirable, it would be as well were the + +140 +CHAPTER XVI. + +national round the number fixed on, namely, 48 at 60 yards and 24 at 50 yards for the ladies; and 72 at 100 yards, 48 at 80 yards, and 24 at 60 yards for the gentlemen,—but this must be determined by the wishes of the majority.) + +8.—Before the shooting commences, a captain shall be appointed at each target, to have the command of it, to superintend the marking, and to see that order and regularity are observed throughout. +If any Archer be not ready to shoot in his turn, he shall shoot last, and if not ready then, shall lose that and altogether. The order of shooting at each target shall be according as the names are entered on the scoring card, the captain shooting second. + +7.—No one shall shoot out of his turn, or draw an arrow from the target until it has been registered by the marker, under the penalty of loosing its value altogether. +[This is a very important rule to prevent mistakes or disputes, and should be rigidly enforced by the captain.] + +8.—Each shooter shall be ready in his turn, with his bow strong. +Those who have not shot shall stand on a level with, or behind the target, on the left, each advancing in his turn to the mark in its front, shooting his three arrows, and retiring to the right. No Archer or spectator shall move from his place, or cross the ground, until all have shot, or distract the attention of the shooter by remarks, or loud talking. + +9.—An arrow breaking two circles shall count for the higher; any dispute on this point shall be decided by the majority of the shooters at that target. The value of the circles shall be 5 for the gold, 7 for the red, 5 for the blue, 3 for the black, and 1 for the white. In settling the total of the scores, the score and hits shall be reckoned separately, and not added together. +[The plan adopted at the Grand National Meetings, is to add] + +CHAPTER XLV. 141 + +together the relative position of each Archer both in hits and score, and to determine his position by the lowest number. For instance, A is 1st in score, and 3rd in hits, making a total of 4—while B is 1st in hits, and 2nd in score, making a total of 5 only; B would therefore take precedence of A. by one point.] + +10.—Members who have won prizes for gross score or gross hits, shall be weighted as follows:—Winners of one prize to lose the white circle; of two prizes, the black and white; of three prizes, the blue, black, and white circles, at all distances; but this shall not apply to any challenge or extra prize (unless expressly limited by the donor), nor shall more than the three outer circles be taken away. The loss of circles to be permanent, or until all the members shall be reduced to the red and gold, when they shall commence de novo. + +11.—In the case of a tie for gross score, the prize shall be awarded to the one having the most hits; in the case of a tie for hits, to the one having the highest score; in the case of a tie both in score and hits, or in the number of golds, or the best gold, it shall be decided by lot. + +12.—None but actual members shall receive the Society's prizes. +[It is usual, however, to have a special prize for honorary members and visitors, when the funds of the Society admit of it.] + +13.—In order to prevent confusion, each member shall have his arrows properly marked, or he shall forfeit any score made with such arrows. + +14.—Any person presenting a prize to the Society, shall have full power to regulate the terms on which it shall be awarded. + +15.—Every member shall be at liberty to introduce his friends to be present or to shoot at any meeting, subject to rule 8 and regulation 13. + +148 + +CHAPTER XVI. + +16.—There shall be a challenge prize for the ladies, and another for the gentlemen, to be shot for at each prize bow-meeting, and shall be awarded to + +[This may be either for gross score, or for relative gross score and hit, as explained in note to regulation 9.] + +These prizes shall be the property of the Society, and be held by the winner for the time being, as a mark of superior skill. + +17.—An extra prize shall be awarded at the last bow-meeting of the Society to the lady and gentleman making the highest aggregate gross score during all the meetings of the year. + +[This is a very useful prize, as promoting regularity of attendance amongst the members.] + +Printed by H. Davies, Montpellier Library, Cheltenham. + +--- + +Arrow pointing down + +A blank page with a faint vertical line on the left side. + +. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + +A black triangle pointing to the right. +A circular logo with a design that includes stars and possibly a shield or crest. + +White background with no visible content. \ No newline at end of file