THE LATCH CROSSBOW (ARBELETE À CRIC). This kind, which is very heavy, was used specially in the defence of fortified places. It probably got its name from the trigger, which is formed like a latch, and is manipulated by a cog-wheel, and a notched bar called a cric. This bar has hooks at the top which grasp the string, and a handle turned by the hand of the archer winds up the “moulinet” or winch, drawing the string which bends the bow, and the tackle is slipped on to the stock from the bottom, which passes through a thick hemp or iron loop. This variety was much used by the Germans, and is probably the “latch,” although it is far from certain that the term did not apply to the “cranequin.” There are also barrel crossbows, and some with a pistol in combination. THE WINDLASS CROSSBOW (ARBALETE À CRANEQUIN). This bow is furnished with double cordage and a set of pulleys near the bottom of the stock, and another set placed just below the bowstring; strong cords run along the pulleys, and these are drawn taut by a small detachable windlass, which is adjustable to the bottom end of the stock, while hooks connected with the top pulleys grasp the bowstring. As soon as the bow has been bent by the action of the windlass, the tackle is removed. The top end of the stock is furnished with an iron stirrup, through which the archer thrusts his foot in order to obtain the necessary purchase for bending the bow. This type of bow was used at Agincourt, and it was greatly depended on in the defence of beleaguered places. It was also called “Arbalete à tour,” because the part to be fixed to the stock was often embattled like a tower, and the windlass was named “la clef” or “cranequin.” This bow has a much longer catch than the “goatsfoot.” THE PRODD. This bow is light, and was used mostly in the chase. It shot principally pebbles, but also bullets. The French called it “arbalete à jalet.” A small prodd in the author’s possession was used for shooting game, and would seem to date from late in the sixteenth or early in the seventeenth century. It takes its name from two upright pins of iron, across the top of which a thread is drawn with a bead in the centre, which required to be brought into line with the notch observable on the top of the adjustable arch placed above the trigger for sighting purposes. The cord of this bow is double, and is kept taut by beads placed there for the purpose of leaving a cavity in which to place the pebble or bullet for discharge. A vast amount of artistic skill was often applied in the decoration of crossbows, which has been specially alluded to in the opening remarks. The prodd was often used by women. PART XX. MACHINES FOR HURLING OR SHOOTING MISSILES, AND THE WARWOLF. The missile-casting engines of the eleventh and twelfth centuries are as follow, viz.:-- THE SCORPION,