1 o Captain Kater's account of the 



additional strength, it was cast with two projecting hoops, 

 one to which the bottom was screwed, and another at the 

 distance of about half an inch from the top. 



Considerable difficulties arose in casting the bushel ; out 

 of twelve, only five proved sound enough for use ; but by 

 varying the process, they were at length procured sufficiently 

 perfect. Much credit is due to Mr. Keir, the engineer em- 

 ployed by Mr. Bate in turning the bushels, for the beauty 

 and perfection of his work. 



The form of the gallon measure occupied much of my 

 attention. It was necessary that it should be such as to 

 enable me to determine the weight of distilled water it should 

 contain with the least liability to error. The conical form 

 was therefore adopted ; the mouth being made cylindrical, 

 and one and a half inches diameter : the top was ground 

 perfectly flat, and the edge so rounded off, that the contents 

 might be poured from it into any other vessel without run- 

 ning down the side. The cone was placed in a cylinder about 

 four inches high, in which handles were formed, and which 

 served at the same time to protect the gallon from injury, 

 and to prevent any change of temperature which might arise 

 from handling. The quart and the pint measures were of 

 the same form on a smaller scale. 



The weights were of brass, and nearly of a spherical 

 form, but flattened at the bottom. Into the top was screwed 

 a button ; beneath which a small cavity was left to receive 

 such' minute pieces of wire as might be found requisite to 

 make up the standard weight. This button served also to 

 lift the weight by means of a strong wooden fork. 



