OF ARROW-RELEASE. 



183 



the sixth century B. C. In this the archer's hand most 

 certainly suggests the Mongolian release. It is true the 

 thumb is not bent on the string, but it is bent with the 

 second and presumably the first finger pressing against it. 

 Concerning ancient Persian releases, only two have fallen 



Fig. 53. Grecian. 



Fig 54. Grecian (bas-relief). 



under my notice. One is preserved on a silver cup of the 

 Sassanid Dynasty, fifth century B. C. This is figured in 

 Monuments Inedits., Vol. m., Plate 51. In this figure 

 the bow is a typical Manchu. The release is unquestion- 

 ably a variety of the Mongolian release, the second and 



Fig. 55. Grecian. 



Fig. 56. Grecian. 



third fingers aiding the thumb, while the index finger is 

 straight and inactive. The hand has attached to it a 

 curious gear of leather, apparently held by a band about 

 the wrist. Whether this suggests a finger- and thumb- 



