Some lemonwood or lancewood self bows are better than some yew bows. For the York Round, arrows must be absolutely perfect. The stele must be straight, even and smooth, tapering slightly from the feather to the nock. The pile must be parallel-sided, perfectly round and ground to a short pointer Snakewood makes the best footing. The shape of the feathers of English arrows is either triangular or curved.
Peacock feathers are best.
We pronounce the method of feathering, invented by Maurice Thompson, Esq., the best possible for arrows to be used in the York Round. These feathers are cut to a certain length and breadth, corresponding to the weight of the arrow and the outline is a parabolic curve. These arrows are now manufactured to weight, according to Mr. Thompson's formula, by E. I. Horsman, Nos. 80 and 82 William Street, corner of Maiden Lane, New York. Arrows should be made of the very hardest and best seasoned pine.