Five hundred Genoese cross-bow men were sent against the Milanese in 1245, and these unfortunate men being placed in front of the line, were taken prisoners by the enemy, who, to revenge themselves for the havoc done by their bows, cruelly punished each with the loss of an eye, and amputation of an arm. ~Cross-bows at Cressy 1346.~ There were 15,000 Genoese cross-bow men in the front rank of the French army at the battle of Cressy, 1346. ~At siege of Le Roche de Rién.~ The next year we find that Charles, Earl of Blois, had at the siege of Le Roche de Rién no less than 2,000 in his army. ~Corporation of Arbalisters 1359.~ The “Corporation des Arbalestriers de Paris,” in 1359, consisted of two hundred members. In 1373, their number, as fixed by a royal ordinance, was eight hundred. They were not bound to serve beyond the limits of their district without the consent of the Provost of Paris. There were both foot and mounted cross-bowmen in this body. ~Cross-bow encouraged by Edward III.~ ~No English in wars of Edward III.~ ~Genoese mercenaries.~ Edward III., though he wished principally to encourage the long-bow, could not help seeing the advantages which might be derived from the cross-bow, from the accuracy of its shot, and its convenience on horseback. It does not appear that, in the long wars of Edward with the French in this century, cross-bowmen were raised in England, though they were supplied by Genoese contractors on various occasions for service at sea. In 1363 the king caused public proclamation to be made, in order to encourage its use. ~Matches.~ There were also matches made in different parts of Europe, at which prizes were given to the most skilful cross-bowmen. ~Mounted cross-bow men in France 1373.~ In the list of the Grand Masters of the Arbalesters of France under Charles V., in 1373, appears “Marc de Grimant, Baron d’Antibes, Captain-General of Arbalesters, both foot and horse, in the service of the king.” And a similar notice occurs in the reign of King John, Baudoin de Lence being Grand Master; but it would appear that the mounted cross-bowmen were retained in much smaller numbers than the foot. ~“Pavisers.”~ During the reign of Edward III. cross-bowmen seem first to have been protected by “Pavisers,” (plate 15), or men who held before them a large shield called a “Pavise.” ~Pavisers by English 1404.~ On the attack by the French and Spaniards upon the Isle of Portland in 1404, the English formed pavisers to protect themselves from the cross-bow bolts, by taking the doors from their houses, and fixing them upright by props. Under this cover the archers plied their arrows. ~Cross-bow not esteemed by English.~ ~Forbad by Henry VII 1508 & 1515.~ ~Forbad by Henry VIII 1535.~ ~Decline of cross-bow.~