THE CROSSBOW.
The Crossbow. By Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart. (Longmans and Co. £3 3s. net.)—This is an elaborate work on a subject which the author has made his own, and is quite, we may frankly say, beyond the reach of our criticism. The author discusses the construction, manufacture, and use of the crossbow, whether employed for military or for sporting purposes. In this country the crossbow, though used as late as the last century, has now become obsolete, though specimens are not uncommon. It is still used in Belgium and in some parts of Germany. It was used in the war between China and Japan, being employed by some troops who came from the remote provinces of China. One recalls Crecy as soon as the crossbow is mentioned. Our author thinks that the Genoese crossbows were composite, and that the strings were damaged by the weather, as one of the chroniclers suggests. The steel bow was a later invention. Sir R. Payne-Gallwey adds a description of the Roman catapult, a machine connected with the crossbow, and a formidable weapon. He must be praised for recommending the milder shot-gun as a weapon to be used against the offending motorist.
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