Archery
the art of shooting with a bow and arrow. This art, either as a means of offense in war, or as subsistence and amusement in time of peace, may be traced in the history of almost every nation. In the Middle Ages, the bow was much more used by the burghers than by the barons. The Swiss were famous archers. In modern times, this weapon is used by the Asiatic nations, by the tribes of Africa, by the American Indians, etc. This weapon was the leading arm of the English people for centuries. dians, etc. This weapon was the leading arm of the English people for centuries. Great dependence was placed upon arch- ers in war; and frequently has the suc- cess of a battle been attributed to their ers in war; and frequently has the success of a battle been attributed to their means, as at Cressy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. Most of the English sovereigns had a bodyguard entirely consisting of archers. In the reign of Charles II. the Royal Company of Archers, as it was called, became merged in the Artillery Company of London.