230 T A V E L S IN 
yond, and, if it pafs below It, will fall fliort, 
of the mark. 
The way of life I have fo long led has given 
tne fome experience of the theory as well as 
pradtice of this art, My moft intimate friends 
know, that I have often brought down fwallows 
flying, by blowing an arrow through a tube ; 
and they have feen me many times cut a ball 
in two on the edge of a knife which I have fet 
Tip as a mark. 1 alfo handle the bow with con- 
fiderable dexterity : for in my childhood I 
learned the ufe of this weapon among the 
ypi:^ng Caribs ^t Surinam, and I afterwards 
improved myfelf in its ufe during my travels 
in Africa as often as I found an opportunity, 
and fometimes difputed the palm with the 
ableft Hptteptot markfmen. 
The favage knows nothing of the theory, 
of which I have juft hinted at a few of the 
principles : but by pradice and experience he 
acquires aftonifhing ability. What indeed may 
not be expeded from people, who, having no 
means of defending their lives or procuring 
fubfiftence but their bow, accuftom themfelves 
to handle it from their earliefl: infancy ? 
I have 
