Into the former was fitted a wooden shaft a span in length and a finger's breadth in thickness, and to the middle of this were firmly attached three quite short wing-shaped sticks.
The thongs of the sling from which the missile was discharged were of unequal length, and it was so inserted into the loop between them that it was easily freed.
[1]From Livy: The Romans were in very great danger, for they could not fight in close order against those who were struggling up the hill, and if they left their ranks and ran forward they were exposed to the javelins and arrows.
Round the shaft three feathers were fastened as in the case of arrows, and the sling was held by two thongs, one shorter than the other.
When the missile was poised in the centre of the sling, the slinger whirled it round with great force and it flew out like a leaden bullet.
It has been suggested that the decline was due to the very tight control needed in the manufacture fin shape for the weapon to work well.