ZH^^L: 



^,,, BULLETIN 



ESSEX: iisrsTiT-crTE. 



Vol. 17. Salem: Oct., Nov., Dec, 1885. Nos. 10-12. 



ANCIEXT AND INIODERN METHODS OF ARROW- 

 RELEASE. 



RY EDWAItD S. MORSE. 



AYhen 1 began collecting data illustrating the various 

 methods of releasing the arrow from the bow as prac- 

 ticed by different races, I was animated only by the idlest 

 curiosity. It soon became evident, however, that some 

 importance might attach to preserving the methods of 

 handling a weapon which is rapidly being displaced in 

 all parts of the world by the musket and ritie. While 

 tribes still survive Avho rely entirely on this most ancient 

 of weapons, using, even to the present day, stone-tipped 

 arrows, there are other tribes using the rifle where the 

 bow still survives. There are, however, entire tribes and 

 nations Avho have but recently, or within late historic 

 times, abandoned the bow and arrow, its survival being 

 seen only as a plaything for children. 



It was not till I had accumulated (piite a collection of 

 sketches and other memoranda illustrating the methods of 

 arrow-release, not only of existing but of ancient races, 

 as shown by frescos and rock sculpture, that I realized 

 that even so trivial an art as that of releasing the arrow 



ESSEX INST. BUI.LKTIN, VOL. XVII 1!) (145) 



