Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-10-30

Our archerS have been busy of late To show
that these amiable enthusiasts do not regard
their pursuit as a mere fair-wcather diversion,
like croquet, we read that the Worcestershire
archery society held its second meeting in per-
feet storm of wind and rain. In spite of a hurri-
cane, which nearly blew down the tents, nine
dozen arrows, we are gravely informed, were
fired at the targets, and the prizes were duly de-
livered TO the winners by the "Lady Para
mount" The Lady Paramount is, it appears.
an official title-the feminine captain OF an
archery team, in fact. But we have not space
to enumerate the list OF clubs established for
the cultivation of the art in which Robin Hood
eXcelled, which may be read in our sporting
contemporaries. There are "Archers of the
Channel" who no doubt in the event of an in
vasion would be found Il useful corps to aid in
preventing the landing of troops. Both Scot
land and ireland sent representatives to the re-
cent tournament at the crystal palace who
would have attracted more notice had not a
show Of cats been on view at the same time.
In short archery sis in fashion. Ladies have
taken to it wonderfully. The bow, unlike the
gun, makes no noise; there is none of the odor
Of yillainous saltpctre; il is easy to carry, and
| graceful TO handle. A pretty archcress with
her eye sternly fixed upon the golden centre,
her figure erect, and her little fist gauutleted,
would be a motive cause for thousand sonnets
in the days when every poet spoke of the arrows
which love shot into his heart. Then the archery
meetings not only admit, but suggest the most
pleasing varieties of becoming costumes. 1t is
not at all good form 70 come out in the STYLE of
Maid Marian. Literal picturesquencSs of this
kind is eschewed. But then the idea is PLAYED
with by the millinerS. The gentlemen archers
as rule, wear green coats and green hats with
bits of bullion dispersed over their dress. A
lawn on summer afternoon, filled with ladies
and gentlemen engaged in an archery contest,
is far more interesting and amusing spectacle
than match at cricket or at football. There
is generally tent on the ground for luncheon
and on gala days band is procured to add to
the attractions of the meeting. Betting is not
encouraged at these assemblages. The bookma-
ker would be entirely out Of his place amongst
the Royal st. LeonardS or the Merscy bow
men. He would regard an archery meeting as
a place aifording no opportunity whatever for
'skinning the lamb, or performing any other
operation for depriving an unwary outsider of
his money. Odds are neither laid nor taken TO
grieyous amounts where aleherS congregate
though of course the excitement of leather-gloye
punging is NOT wanting from the festival And
the archers, despite the circumstances of their
carrying weapon with which battles are fought
and won, cultivate gentle craft. The constant
presence Of ladies at the meetings and their
honest share in the proceedings tend 10 throw an
air of unusual suavity over the manners of the
gentlemen members. Clergymen do not despise
archery. Several curates have won prizes and
their white ties and black coats seem to set off
the fOrester's garb of their lay rivals Indeed
rectOrs have no objection TO the bow being
pulled upon their own lawns. And another cir,
cumstance which ought to commend archery is,
that ladies and gentlemen of every aye can in-
dulge in it. A glance at the list of prize winners
vii often show that married ladies Often beat
their uuwedded friends in the sport and an at
tendance at a few meetings will familiarize
those who are curious on the point, with the APP
pearance OF several portly danes, who go as Sc
rously and determnedly at the target as Sarah
Battle did at the game of whist. These ladies
thoroughly enjoy archery for its own sake. They
are never distracted by any other object from the
immediate business in hand. They are never
careless OF shot, and will not sacrifice point
TO an attitude. They glance at the sky severely,
as pilot fearing dirty weather, when the wind
has taken their arrow out ofits course. And thew
nave strength enough to pull the arrow TO its
very head, and send it whistIing TO the target
! with remarkable swiItness.
As contrast 10 them there are the trilers
who come to shoot, but remain to 6rt. Now
| this latter amusement may be pursued win,
much more case and freedom from observation
at eroquet than at archery. The ladies and zen.
| tlemen in the latter are employed in separate di.
visions. The ladies never ask advice or help