KHASI HILLS. 205 



by the Khasi smiths is shown below (Fig. 22). Few of these exceed 

 6 lbs. in weight. 



Fig. 22. 



The anvil on which the work is carried on is simply a rounded 

 block of the hard granite found in the adjoining district, and the ring 

 of the hammers on the stone, as each successive blow is given, produces 

 an extremely musical effect, which at a little distance sounds like the 

 chiming of melodious bells. 



The fuel used is entirely charcoal, soaked in water, and kept in a 

 large earthen basin-shaped place next the fire. 



The pig iron, as described by Lieutenant Yule, is produced from 

 the smelting furnaces in nearly circular lumps or balls, which are sub- 

 sequently split or divided into two parts. Each of these blocks or balls 

 makes two codalies, or each half-ball will make one. Each of these 

 balls weighs on an average seven seers, while each codalie weighs not 

 quite two seers. Three seers and a half, therefore, of cutcha iron are 

 required to yield two seers of the manufactured iron, showing a loss 

 arising from the impurity of the iron as it comes from the smelting of 

 about 43 per cent. 



The ordinary out-turn of one hearth, or the labour of five men 

 per day, is 10 codalies. The pig-iron is sold at the rate of six to eight 

 blocks for 1 rupee, and the codalies sell for about 8^ annas each, or five 

 for a rupee. 



