with a sheathing that was very tough and elastic, and as smooth as glass to the touch. This wrapping was, of course, applied before the feathers were glued on.

So careful were the Turks in the construction of these arrows, that even the halves of their nocks were made from wood with a natural curve to suit the finished outline. It is possible, of course, they would not otherwise have withstood the violent shock of the released bow-string. It may be said that every inch in length of a Turkish bow or arrow was named in a manner that could be recognised or referred to. In a general way the parts of an arrow were known as follows :
 
 

In these days no person I have ever heard of can string a strong Turkish bow - diminutive as this weapon is - without much personal assistance, or else by mechanical means, yet formerly the Turkish archer unaided could do so with ease.

This he achieved by a combination of leg and manual power. (Figs. 6 and 7, p. 10.)

With the longer reflex bows, the Chinese for instance, this operation is comparatively easy, as the hand can reach one end of the bow and draw it inwards for the loop of the bow-string to be slipped into the nock.

The Turkish bow, being so short, necessitates a great effort of strength on the part of the archer to bend it between his legs and, at the same time, stoop down to fit the bow-string. From constant practice, the Turk of former days knew exactly how and when to apply the muscular force of leg and arm necessary to string his bow - a performance that no modern archer could accomplish with a bow of any strength.

Leg and manual force combined is the only possible method of stringing a strong reflex bow, unless mechanical power is utilised : it was the hereditary custom of the Orientals. In the operation, there is always the risk of twisting the limbs of the bow, from a lack of the great strength of wrist required to hold them straight during the stringing. If the limbs of the bow are given