CLOUD SHADOWS 
It is necessary in order to get a good 
shot to draw the bow directly back from 
its center, for upon the accuracy of the 
aim depends almost wholly the accuracy 
of the shot. Mr. W. H. Thompson, one 
of the best archers in the country, gives 
the following as probable errors into which 
a beginner will fall: holding the bow too 
nearly vertical, which gives the arrow a 
tendency to fall away from the upper limb; 
drawing the string awry by keeping the 
right hand too far out from the right side of 
the chin; hesitation at the point of loosing, 
or letting the arrow fly, which will destroy 
the alignment of a shot, or else, on the con- 
trary, using too rapid a movement. 
In closing this article, which it is hoped 
may at least be the means of adding some 
impetus to the revival of this fascinating, 
healthful sport, it may be of most service to 
the would-be archer to quote Mr. Thomp- 
son’s words of advice given before a re- 
cently organized club of Western young 
men and women: 
“See to your arrow feathers very care- 
fully before each shot, for the least damage 
will seriously endanger both line and length. 
“Do not attempt more than two dozen 
arrows a day at first; to overwork the 
muscles tends to destroy them. 
CLOUD 
119 
“Draw the arrow full up to the pile at 
every trial and take all possible pains with 
every shot. 
“Try and cure every fault as soon as you 
discover it. 
‘““Stand exactly in position, nock care- 
fully, draw carefully, hold carefully, aim 
carefully and loose carefully witheacharrow. 
“Observe closely everything connected 
with the flight, trajectory and drift of each 
shot, and profit by your observations. 
‘Keep these three rules fastened in your 
memory: the necessary elevation of your 
bow arm, the exact length of draw and the 
right method of loosing. Keep a book in 
which to record all scores, good, bad or 
indifferent, with, also, a weather score. 
““Never use a battered arrow. 
“Take the strictest care of your bow; 
for a change of bows brings a temporary 
falling off of the archer’s score. He must 
accustom himself to a new one. 
“Use a shooting cap. With any other 
headgear the brim is likely to touch the 
string. 
“Above everything, do not lose your 
temper. Remain calm under all circum- 
stances. 
‘“‘An excited, uncontrolled shot never hits 
the mark.”’ 
SHADOWS 
Like mystic elfs at their play, 
D° you ever watch the cloud shadows, 
Drop down from the fleecy clouds akove 
To romp o’er the fields away ? 
Over the hollow, over the hill, 
And up the long lane they go, 
Then down past the old thatched farmhouse, 
Into the meadow below. 
They loiter across the placid pona 
And, leaving it for the land, 
Then chase each other through daisy fields, 
: Or lovingly, hand in hand, 
They come to the foot of the mountain, 
And, climbing its rugged side, 
Play tag awhile through the tall green pines 
And over the mountain hide. 
—David P. Sommers. 
