In the small crossbow shown in fig. 105, p. 165, the bow-string was hitched in a sloping notch cut across the surface of the stock. The notch was protected with ivory to save it from damage by the friction of the bowstring.

When the bow was bent and the bow-string was in position in the notch, the broad flat top of a swinging catch snapped down and prevented the string from escaping. A lever inside the stock interlocked with the lower end of the swinging catch, and in this way its flat .top was held fast over the bow-string.

A small independent safety lock with a trigger of its own, acted upon the lever which secured the catch. The crossbow could not be shot off till this small lock was cocked, this being done only just before aim was taken, figs. 108-113, pp. 170-173.

The great advantage of this kind of crossbow lock was its safety from accidental discharge and the instantaneous loose that a slight pull of its trigger gave to the bow-string. This free and easy release of the bow-string was, of course, of much assistance in aiming correctly, whether at the target or at game.

In the crossbow that was used previous to the sixteenth century the long trigger with which it was fitted, being more of a lever than a trigger, required some pressure of the hand to force its point out of the notch of the revolving nut to set free the bow-string, fig. 55, p. 98.