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.:—