In the present chapter I propose presenting to my readers a few specimens of ancient and modern scoring, The term "ancient," however, must be considered as used only in a comparative sense; for the earliest period to which I am able to refer goes no further back than 1795, some few years after the first establishment of the Toxophilite Society, and the subsequent revival of Archery. Anterior to this period I have been unable to obtain any authentic records, none such having been kept, or, if kept, having in the lapse of time been misplaced or lost. For the less modern scores about to be given, the reader is indebted to the books of the Toxophilite Society, some of the earlier of which have fortunately remained in existence to the present day, whilst others, including the whole from 1806 to 1834, have been unaccountably lost. As this Society has always, from its first commencement until now, numbered amongst its members some of the best, and generally the very best Archers of the day, the specimen scores given may be fairly looked upon as the good shooting for the times during which they were achieved; and, consequently, a pretty accurate opinion may be formed as to the capabilities of the then magnates of the bow. The result of their comparison with the shooting of the present day will show what rapid strides in advance Archery has made since the establishment of the Grand National Meetings has held out an adequate induce­ment for its proper study and practice. The great scores of times anterior to these Meetings now cut but a sorry figure indeed. May we not hope that, some years hence, the same may be said of the great performances of the present time?

The first score I shall give is that which won the Prince's annual bugle in 1795; and it is given more especially because Mr. Waring, in his treatise, calls it " undoubtedly very great shooting." The Toxophilite records give it as follows: —

Mr. Brady was the shooter, and the distances were 100, 80, and 60 yards, at four, three, and two feet targets respectively (the smaller targets at the shorter distances may be considered, perhaps, a trifle easier to score at than the full sized ones at 100 yards). Thus, ac­cording to Mr. Waring, something worse than one hit out of three, at 100 yards, was very great shooting in his day. Down to 1805 this score was beaten only once, and that occurred in 1797, for the same prize, and at the same marks and distances, when Mr. Shepheard scored as follows: —

There appears to have been a bye-law respecting this annual bugle, preventing the same member from winning it more than one year; so, in 1799, it was gained by Mr. Waring, with 53 hits and 185 score. The number of arrows shot in this instance is not given; but as the shooting lasted two days, it could not well have been less than what appears to have been the ordinary round for this prize — namely, 252 arrows, equally divided between the three distances.

By far the best average shot of that era was, indisputably, Mr. Crunden; though several, namely, Messrs. Palmer, Shepheard, and Cazalet, sometimes surpassed him, and generally were, one or other of them, close at hand. The first-named gentleman, indeed (Mr. Palmer), made the greatest single day's shooting during the ten years to which I am able to refer, having scored as follows at 100 yards: —

Subjoined are the three best scores of Mr. Crunden during the same period (taking the hits as the criterion), the distance being still 100 yards: —

The like of Mr. Palmer : 

The like of Mr. Shepheard : 

The like of Mr. Cazalet : 

The amount of benefit to be derived from Mr. Waring's "arm-striking" theory may be estimated by reference to this gentleman's three best scores : 

I am happy in being able to furnish my readers with two of Mr. Anderson's scores — that "incomparable" (sic) Archer, according to Mr. Roberts; they are as follows, the distance being 100 yards: —

If these are fair average specimens of this gentleman's shooting, his "incomparability" is in the very opposite direction to that intended by Mr. Roberts.

It must be remarked, concerning the foregoing scores, that they are taken from those records only where the number of arrows shot is stated; this, though only occasionally the case, is sufficiently often as to render the specimens given a good average criterion of the shooting of that day. Scores made at 100 yards are given princi­pally, as at the eighty and sixty yards different sized targets from those at present in use were then shot at.

For want of the records from 1805 to 1834, I am now obliged to jump at once to the latter year. Whether during this interval the shooting improved or not is a question that must be left un­decided. Probably not. But, if it did, it must again have retro­graded, as from 1834 to 1844 (during which latter year the first National Meeting was held) the shooting appears to have been of about the same average character. Indeed, I am unable to find an instance up to the latter date of Mr. Palmer's best score, already given, having being either beaten or equalled. The nearest approach to it is a score of Mr. Peters's, as follows: —

Of this era this gentleman appears to have been the Robin Hood, though Messrs. Norton, Robinson, Arabin, and Smyth, contested the palm with him, and not always without success. The St. George's Society (likewise a London Club) also possessed several shots equal in skill to these.

Still the days when it was considered impossible to put in half the arrows at 100 yards (excepting as a rare feat) were dragging their slow length along. Indeed, I have seen a letter as late as 1845, from good old Mr. Roberts, who was well acquainted with the powers of all the best Archers for the preceding half-century, in which he states "he never knew but one man that could accomplish it." From what has been already stated, it will be seen that no single recorded instance of its having been achieved at all is to be found up to that date — at any rate, as far as the Toxophilite books are concerned. It ought, however, here to be mentioned that, up to this date, the scoring part of the target measured only three feet ten inches in diameter, the Archer not being allowed to score the hits in the edge beyond this, which was then called the "petticoat." Also another rule then prevailing militated against the scoring, namely, that when the arrow struck two circles the least only was marked, whereas at the present time the whole of the target (four feet) scores, as well as the higher numbered circle. Six per cent, however, on the hits, and ten per cent. on the score, will be a most liberal allowance to coun­terbalance the drawbacks alluded to. In comparing, then, the fore­going scores with those about to be mentioned, the reader must bear in mind the above observations.

In 1844 the first Grand National Meeting was held, and the spur it and the succeeding meetings gave to the pursuit of Archery, and the beneficial effects of a proper inducement to its practice, soon became apparent. Amongst the first to emerge from the "slough of despond," in which the art had so long slumbered, were Messrs. Bramhall, Maitland, Muir, Hutchons, and some others, followed shortly afterwards by Messrs. Moore, Garnett, Ford, Hilton, and other good Archers and true. Before, however, giving any of the scores of these latter magnates, it is necessary to bear in mind the distinction between match-shooting (more especially as regards the National Meetings) and private practice. Many, taking an interest in the subject of Archery, and hearing of the great things done at the present day when compared with the achievements of a former period, immediately refer to the records of these National meetings to find these great scores, and, to their surprise, discover that, excepting in one or two instances, the shooting, when compared with that of forty or fifty years back, is very little better. This, however, is not a just comparison, since, no such gatherings exist­ing in those days, the best scores made then (many of which I have given) were obtained either in the ordinary practice-days of the Club, or at their quiet private matches. To shoot at the Grand National Meeting is a totally different affair, as every Archer who has tried the experiment is too well aware. Here the excite­ment of the occasion, the number of competitors, and the vastness of the assemblage, are enough to upset the firmest nerves — they need, indeed, be of iron, to remain totally unaffected. Added to which, it is an opportunity of making a good score that occurs but once a year, and even this is often marred by unfavourable weather. Hence every Archer, I may say, I think, without excep­tion, falls below his level at this match; consequently, his real powers, excepting amongst the initiated, cannot be judged thereby. In comparing, therefore, the scores of this day with those of a prior date, such only must be looked at as are shot under similar circumstances.

In the following scores I do not pretend to give specimens of the shooting of all the good Archers of the day, but of such only as, through some authentic channel or other, have come to my own personal knowledge. They, however, will be sufficient for the pur­pose I have in view, namely, to show the great development of the powers of the bow that has taken place of late years.

The following are the first and second scores in a match that took place the 9th of October, 1850, on the Toxophilite ground, for a handsome silver cup, presented by W. Peters, Esq., the distance being 100 yards: —

The next score is one with which, on the Toxophilite ground, I won a handicap prize of 215, in June, 1854, thirteen competitors :­100 yards, 96 shots, 79 hits, 373 score; 80 yards, 72 shots, 71 hits, 325 score; 60 yards, 48 shots, 47 hits, 313 score. Total —

In November, 1851, a friendly passage of arms between Messrs. Ford, Bramhall, and Moore, resulted in the following score — the double York round of 144 arrows at 100 yards, 96 at 80 yards, and 48 at 60 yards, being shot: —

The 100-yard part of the shooting was very good; Mr. F. getting at this distance 127 hits, 617 score; Mr. B. 114 hits, 504 score; and Mr. M. 100 hits, 440 score. This is not, however, one of the most favourable specimens of this last-named gentleman's shooting. The following is a better one, obtained in private practice — still the double York round: —

Here is also an excellent double York round of Mr. Bramhall's: ­288 shots, 256 hits, 1322 score.

At 100 yards, 117 hits, 535 score; at 80 yards, 91 hits, 497 score; at 60 yards, 48 hits, 290 score.

Also a goodly specimen of 60-yards shooting by the same gentle­man — the St. Leonard round: —

The following are two good examples of 100-yard shooting, achieved by Mr. Charles Garnett: —

One of the most promising shots of his day, both for style and accuracy, was Mr. E. Maitland, of the Queen's-Park Archers. Un­fortunately for the cause of Archery he went abroad, and thus his career as a bowman, for a time, came to a conclusion. He has since, however, returned to this country, and we anticipate seeing him speedily resume his position amongst the first Archers of the day. The scores that follow were his best. The St. George's round:­ 100 yards, 36 arrows, 25 hits, 97 score; 80 yards, 36 arrows, 34 hits, 190 score; 60 yards, 36 arrows, 36 hits, 196 score: total —

Also a good St. Leonard's round, 60 yards:­75 shots, 75 hits, 467 score.

Another member of the same Society, Captain Flood, has also achieved some very creditable shooting, more especially at 60 yards; for instance, for 36 arrows, 36 hits, 222 score; and for 75 arrows, a score of 417.

The St. George's Club have turned out some very excellent Archers, amongst whom may be numbered Messrs. Hutchins, Marr, and Heath. I subjoin two specimens of Mr. Marr's best shooting. The St. George's round :-100 yards, 36 arrows, 24 hits, 114 score; 80 yards, 36 arrows, 32 hits, 118 score; 60 yards, 36 arrows, 35 hits, 181 score: total —

Also a better specimen of 60 yards shooting by the same gentleman: —

The following is one of Mr. Heath's best scores, the St. George's round: —

The National distances, until of late years, have not been much practised in Scotland; consequently our friends over the border have not as yet achieved similar scores to those here given. At their point-blank distance, however, (100 feet) Mr. Watson, of the Royal Company, has put nine consecutive arrows into a four-inch paper; and Mr. Muir five — two undoubtedly clever performances. The latter gentleman, at 100 yards, has also put in thirty-eight arrows out of forty-eight; several times twenty-four arrows out of twenty-five; and similar achievements. His best score, however, to my mind, is the following, distance between 20 and 30 yards: —

Under the risk of being considered egotistical, but to oblige the request of several correspondents, I now give the three following specimens of my private practice — I need hardly say my best. The first two are the single York round of six dozen, four dozen, and two dozen. At the first I made (with an Italian self yew-bow of Mr. Buchanan’s, and 5s. arrows of Mr. Muir's) 71 hits, 335 score, (missing the 59th shot); 48 hits, 272 score; 24 hits, 158 score; giving a total of —

At the second (with a yew-backed yew-bow and same arrows) 66 hits, 344 score; 47 hits, 301 score; 24 hits, 164 score; total-144 shots, 137 hits, 809 score.

The following is a St. Leonard's round, at 60 yards: —

All these scores were made in the public gardens at Cheltenham, in the presence of many persons. With the private shooting of many excellent Archers, such as Messrs. H. Garnett, Hilton, Mallory, &c., I am unacquainted, and therefore unable to give specimens of it.

As a matter of considerable interest to the general body of Archers, I shall now give the names of the first and second win­ners (ladies and gentlemen) at all the Grand National Meetings up to the present time — also their gross hits and scores. It must be borne in mind that the number of arrows shot at all these gatherings (with the exception of the first, when only half the quantity were shot) was 144 at 100 yards, 96 at 80 yards, and 48 at 60 yards, for the gentlemen; and 96 at 60 yards, and 48 at 50 yards, for the ladies, excepting in the instances that will be specially referred to.

1. Mr. Higginson ... ... 53 hits, 221 score.

2. Mr. Meyrick ... ... 58 „ 218 „

No ladies appeared at this Meeting; and, as already mentioned, the gentlemen only shot one-half the quantity shot since.

At this Meeting the ladies shot 144 arrows, at 60 yards only.

Gentlemen.-1. Mr. Hubback ... 117 hits, 519 score.

2. Mr. Meyrick ... 117 „ 517 „

Close fighting indeed! No ladies shot at this Meeting.

Ladies.-1. Miss E. Wylde ... 65 hits, 245 score.

Gentlemen.-1. Mr. Muir ... 153 „ 631 „

2. Mr. Maitlan ... 131 „ 549 „

The ladies again shot at 60 yards only, the number of arrows being 144, as before.

During both the days of this match a very strong wind prevailed, accompanied with constant showers. The difficulty of scoring was, consequently, very much increased. At this Meeting the ladies shot 72 arrows at 60 yards; and 72 arrows at 50 yards.

My first appearance at these tournaments — my place at the finish being so low down in the list, that I have never to this day had the moral courage to enquire how far from the bottom it was. I mention this in the hope it may prove a consolation to many other young Archers, who having attended their first National Meeting with great hopes of success, founded upon the steadiness and goodness of their private practice, have returned home, as I did, sadly disheartened and crest-fallen, — not because of their failure in getting a prize, but on account of the excessive falling off in their anticipated scoring. I cannot too often impress upon these the fact, that shooting at the National Meeting is totally different from private practice, or small match-shooting; and rare indeed is it that the Archer attends one of them for the first time without a signal failure to his hopes, and a score very much below what his private shooting had led him to look for.

The weather again unfavourable, a good deal of wind prevailing, and many showers. The Champion's Gold Medal was first awarded at this meeting. This was gained by myself, though obtaining only the second prize, — the medal being given for the greatest number of points gained by any Archer. These points are reckoned in the following manner: — Two for the gross score, two for the gross hits. One for best score at 100 yards, and one for best hits at ditto; and the same at the 80 and 60 yards. This makes ten points in all. I gained five points, Mr. Moore four points, and Mr. Attwood one point.

The weather wet, but little or no wind. The Medal awarded to myself, gaining all the points. The ladies on this occasion shot 72 arrows at 60 yards; and 36 arrows only at 50 yards.

Compare Miss Villers' score with those of the ladies gaining the first prize that preceded her. What a rapid stride in advance! This lady was the first to demonstrate what the bow could do in the hands of the fair sex, and so deservedly obtained for herself the reputation of the first lady Archer in the kingdom, a reputation since amply upheld under her married name of Mrs. Davison. The second gross score amongst the gentlemen was obtained by Mr. Heath, of the St. George's Club. The second prize, however, was awarded to Mr. Bramhall for gross hits, Mr. Heath's hits being only 168, with a score of 776. The Champion's Medal again awarded to myself, gaining nine points, Mr. Heath gaining one point, viz. the greatest score at 80 yards.

Ladies.-1.Miss Brindley ... 84 hits, 336 score.

„ 2.Miss M. A. Peel ... 84 „ 330 „

Gentlemen.-1.Mr. H. A. Ford ... 188 „ 788 „

„ 2.Mr. Bramhall ... 184 „ 778 „

This match had a most exciting finale between the first and second gentlemen winners. When the last three arrows alone re­mained to be shot, Mr. Bramhall was two points in score a-head. It was then a simple question of nerve, and I conclude mine was best, as I scored fourteen to my worthy opponent's two. The Champion's Medal awarded to myself, gaining six points, Mr. Bramhall two points, and Mr. Wilson (of York), two points.

Ladies.-1. Mrs. Horniblow ... 89 hits, 365 score.

„ 2. Miss M. A. Peel ... 84 „ 364 „

Gentlemen.-1. Mr. H. A. Ford ... 202 „ 934 „

„ 2. Mr. Bramhalll 167 „ 733 „

The Challenge Silver Bracer for the ladies was, this year, pre­sented by the West Norfolk Bowmen. This prize is awarded on the same principle as the Champion's Medal — namely, for the greatest number of points. It was gained by Mrs. Horniblow, another star in the Archery hemisphere, this lady gaining six points, and Miss M. Peel two points.

The Champion's Medal awarded to myself, gaining all the points.

The Challenge Bracer awarded to Mrs. Davison (neé Villers, and who did not shoot at the previous Meeting), this lady gaining seven points to Mrs. Horniblow's one.

The Champion's Medal to myself, gaining all the points.

Weather wet and windy. The Challenge Bracer was again awarded to Mrs. Davison, that lady gaining seven points; Miss Clay one point for score at 60 yards.

The Champion's Medal to myself, gaining nine points, the tenth (being hits at 60 yards) being a tie with Mr. Wilson.

This Meeting witnessed a larger gathering of Archers, both ladies and gentlemen, than any previous occasion, 72 of the former and 112 of the latter assembling at the targets. The weather was rather against the shooters, owing to the excessive heat and glare. The result was as follows: —

Mrs. Davison, through sudden indisposition, was unable to shoot the last six arrows, otherwise the contest for the ladies' supremacy would have been close indeed. The Challenge Silver Bracer was awarded to Mrs. Horniblow, gaining six points to Mrs. Davison's one point, the hits at 60 yards being a tie. The Champion's Medal came to myself, for the eighth time, gaining all the points but two, these latter falling to the lot of my old opponent, Mr. Bramhall, for score and hits at 100 yards.

This was again a very successful Meeting, and the scoring showed a great and general improvement upon former years. The score made by Miss H. Chetwynd is quite unparalleled in match shooting, and with few, if any, exceptions, in private practice. Mrs. Davi­son's shooting was also splendid; as was Mrs. Horniblow's — the latter lady, indeed, exceeding the former by eight hits, whilst she was only eight behind her in score. Nor must I omit to notice the shooting of Mrs. Blaker, who, though appearing at these Meetings for the first time, gained the honourable position of fourth, with the excellent total of 108 hits, 496 score. The advancement of the gentlemen kept pace with that of the ladies; for, whereas the average of the five best scores in former years had never exceeded 179 hits, 757 score, in this year it reached 191 hits, 861 score. In the year 1849, Mr. P. Moore accomplished 747, and, in 1851, Mr. Heath 776. But, with these exceptions, until the present year, Mr. Bramhall and myself alone reached 700. At this Meeting, however, as many as six competitors exceeded that number; Mr. Bramhall, for the first time during the last eight Meetings at which he had contended, failing to secure the second place — ill health and con­sequent want of practice having seriously diminished his chance of success. It is gratifying to me to be able to state that several of the leading Archers on this occasion attributed their high position in the prize list to their careful following out of the principles and directions laid down in this work. The Silver Bracer was awarded to Miss H. Chetwynd, and the Champion's Medal to myself, each having gained all the points.

There is an apparent falling off in the shooting of this Meeting, as compared with the previous one; but I think it is apparent only, as the roughness of the weather and the difficulty of the ground, as compared with that of Cheltenham, will amply account for the dimi­nution in the average scoring. Mr. Edwards, however, exceeded his score of the previous year, topping 800 — a feat never performed before at these gatherings, except by myself. Several new shots, also, both ladies and gentlemen, made a most promising debut, more especially, amongst the ladies, Mrs. St. George, who attained the second place; and, amongst the gentlemen, Mr. George, who came out third on the prize list. The Silver Bracer was awarded to Mrs. Horniblow, gaining four points out of the eight — Miss H. Chetwynd, Miss Turner, and Lady Edwardes, obtaining one each, the remaining point being a tie between. the Lady Champion and Miss Chetwynd. The Champions Medal to myself, for the tenth time, gaining all the points.

This concludes the record of the National Meetings up to the present time, and I cannot close this chapter without congratulating my brethren of the bow upon the very evident progress of Archery in public estimation, evidenced, not only by the constantly increasing attendance both of Archers and spectators at those Meetings, but also by the formation of new societies in every part of the kingdom, and the institution of large and influential gatherings, open to all, in localities hitherto unused to them. The Grand National Meeting was established in 1844, and for that and the five following years, the average attendance of lady shooters was six, of gentlemen, 74; whilst during the last six years, the ladies have averaged 56, and the gentlemen 91 — a pretty evident proof of the increasing popularity of this most healthy and delightful exercise. In further corroboration of this, I need only refer to the Meetings established at Leamington, in 1854, by Mr. Merridew, and that at Aston Park in the present year, all of which have been attended with the highest success, and have afforded unbounded satisfaction to every Archer who has had the good fortune to be present at them; and long may they flourish to the promotion of good feeling and fellowship between all ranks of society!