engines must have had a range from 400 to 500 yards, or more, to be as serviceable and destructive as they undoubtedly were.

Josephus tells us that at the siege of Jerusalem A.D. 70 (Wars of the Jews, Book V. Chapter VI.), stones weighing a talent (57 3/4 lbs., avoirdupios) were thrown by catapults to a distance of two or more 'stades.'

This statement may be taken as trustworthy, for Josephus relates what he personally witnessed and his comments are those of a commander of high rank and intelligence.

Two or more 'stades.' or let us say 2 to 2 1/2 'stades,' represent 400-450 yards. Remarkable and conclusive testimony confirming the truth of what we read in Josephus is the fact that my largest catapult- though doubtless much smaller and less powerful than those referred to by the historian - throws a stone ball of 8 lbs. in weight to a range of from 450 to nearly 500 yards.

It is easy to realise that the ancients with their great and perfect engines fitted with skeins of sinew, could cast a far heavier stone than one of 8 lbs., and to a longer distance than 500 yards.

Agesistratus¹ , a Greek who flourished B.C. 200, and who wrote a treatise on making arms for war, estimated that some of the engines shot from 3 1/4 to 4 'stades' (700-800 yards).

Though such a very long flight as this appears almost incredible, I can adduce no sound reason for doubting its possibility. From recent experiments, I am confident I could now build an engine of a size and power to accomplish such a feat if light missiles were used, and if its cost were not a consideration.