And every Bowyer was ordered, for each Bow of yew which he made, to make two of elm or wich for the service of the common people.R

ASCHAM declares, that if he were of authority, he would counsel all the Gentlemen and Yeomen of England, not to change the shooting in the Long Bow with any other weapon, how good soever it might seem to be," but that still according to the "olde wont of England, youth should use "it for the most honest pastime in Peace, "that men might handle it as a most sure weapon in War.."9

And CAMDEN impressed with similar sentiments observes, that, among the English artillery, Archery challengeth the preeminence, as peculiar to our Nation.

In 1570, CATHARINE HANSON gave a piece of ground, called "The Common Acre," at Andover, for the recreation of the inhabitants of that Town. In the reign of Queen ELIZABETH, a lease for 21 years

8 Hume's Hist. of England, vol. iv. p. 270.
• Preface to his Toxophilus, in 1544.

of this Acre was granted to WILLIAM GOLD, at the rent of 4s., on condition that he should keep a pair of Butts for men to shoot at, and permit all persons to take their pastime there.

This ground is now used as a place of recreation for the inhabitants of the Town, and no profit is derived from it.10

In 1603, ROBERT ANBIE devised certain premises in Selby, in the County of York, for maintaining a Chime of Bells, repairing the Church windows, and as to one rood of land, "for providing Butts for Archery.

9911

BELL-RINGERS.

There are few Pastimes in which men delight, that have not their literary advocates, who endeavour to persuade their readers that their Diversions are attended with more pleasing effects than those of any other.

Among the Recreations which thus 10 Rep. XIV. p. 357:

11

Rep. x. p. 745.

challenge our approbation, is " The Art of Ringing," than which none is stated to be more diverting, ingenious, harmless, and healthful. The author of "Campanalogia Improved," stoutly defends his Sport from the reproach of it's being a mean and mechanical exercise," as many noble and ingenious persons have expressed their delight in it, and have been very ambitious of acquiring a perfect knowledge of the art. And he adds, that there are several learned and eminent persons, both Clergy and Laymen of good estates, who are Members of several Societies of Ringers, within the City, who think themselves much respected, and highly favoured, that they can arrive at so great an happiness and honour.

Of the melody of Bells he observes, that no Musick, either vocal or instrumental, can afford a more pleasant and harmonious sound, than eight or ten merry Bells well rung by so many Ringers, who are well skilled and practised in this art, -wherefore, it must be allowed to be a

very proper and suitable exercise for one who is apt to be melancholy, to divert and withdraw his thoughts from keeping company with so hurtful and pernicious a companion.

Nor is it less esteemed and admired by several Foreigners, whose curiosity has engaged them to travel through many countries of Europe, acknowledging that in all parts wherever they have been, the Science is brought to the greatest perfection here, and therefore, they have, not improperly, named England," The Ringing Island." 12

HENTZNER, when describing the manners of the English, says, "they are pow“erful in the field, successful against "their enemies, impatient of any thing "like Slavery, - vastly fond of great "noises that fill the ear, such as the firing "of cannon, drums, and the ringing of "Bells, so that it is common for a num"ber of them, that have got a glass in "their heads, to go up into some belfry,

12 Campanalogia, pp. 1, et seq.

❝ and ring the bells for hours together, for "the sake of exercise." 13

The late Dr. PARR was partial to the art of Bell-ringing, and proud of his little peal at Hatton,-and in his copy of the “Clavis Campanalogiæ" he fondly styled it," a favourite book."

Of an amusement so warmly praised, it were not unreasonable to suppose, that some admirers would testify their affection by pecuniary bequests.

In 1683, half an acre of land was given by some person, whose name is forgotten, for the benefit of the Bell-Ringers of the parish of Harlington, to provide them with a leg of pork, for ringing on the 5th of November. It is called "The Pork Acre," and is let for 50s. a year.14

In 1730, THOMAS KEMP, of Laleham, gave an annuity of 20s. to the young men of Chertsey, to ring and make merry with, on the 6th of August yearly, in remembrance of him.-And he also gave another

13 Hentzner's Travels, p. 47.
14 Rep. Ix. p. 226.