There is a form of archery in the Madras Presidency, in India, which is
popular with young British officers. The bows have two strings, with a
connecting patch in the middle. The missiles are _golees_, or balls of
sun-dried clay, a heap of which is dutifully provided every day by the
_malees_, or gardeners. The targets are usually crows, hawkers, or other
objectionable natives, or fragile and inexpensive earthen pots. Experts
attain surprising range and accuracy with these rude contrivances.
Novices are apt to smash or grievously bruise their left thumbs with the
projectile on its discharge, no little skill being required to direct it
clear of the wooden part of the bow.