Sunset Hill Longbows and Leather

      By now, many of this Blog's readership may be attempting to build some good wood arrows.  We've discussed all the steps to make them well...and discussed the wood arrow finish, but here's a little more insight to what I think is an overlooked item.  Humidity.       From sending bows all over the U.S. and overseas, I've been made aware of the water absorbing nature of wood and grass (bamboo) and it's affect on bow poundage.  Bows made in the dry western climate of southern Idaho will get softer and lose 2-3 pounds when exposed to high humidity, high temperature areas of the Eastern or Southeastern seaboard, or even in the Midwest.  It's well known among bamboo flyrod makers that even with a good varnish coat, bamboo rods will absorb moisture and get soft and extra bendy during exposure to excess humidity.  Selfbow makers are relearning how Hickory can really absorb moisture unless its heat treated (tempered).  But no one t...