1866.] On Ordeals. 37 



by measure, and (over) as much, (distance) in the intervals. Having 

 walked (this distance), he shall throw (it) down on fresh Kuca-grass 

 (which is strewn in the ninth circle)." 

 Pitarnaha (says) : 



" Then he should place in his (the accused's) hands, rice with its 

 husk, or barley (yava). But if he rubs them to pieces without hesita- 

 tion and shows no change (then in his hands) at the end of the day, he 

 shall declare him to be innocent." 

 Katyayana (says) : 



" If the accused stumbles, or is burnt anywhere else (than in his 

 hands), the gods do not consider that burn (as a proof of guilt) ; he 

 shall allow him (to perform the ordeal once) more." 

 Yajnavalkya (says) : 



" If the ball falls from his hands, or a doubt (arises whether it has 

 been done properly), he should take it (the ball) again." 

 Now (follows) the manner of proceeding. 



After the place has been purified in the morning, the nine circles 

 should be drawn in the evening. Having made the first amongst these 

 sixteen fingers broad, he divides a space of thirty-two fingers (just) 

 before (the first circle) in two parts. The second part (of these) he 

 makes of the size of the (accused's) foot, the rest becomes the interval. 

 And having finished in this manner, beginning from the third and end- 

 ing with the eighth circle, and having before (the last) left a space 

 of sixteen fingers in breadth, he makes a ninth circle of an un- 

 defined size. And thus the space (occupied) by the eight circles 

 and (eight) intervals together, is two hundred and fifty-six (fingers). 

 Eight grains of (yava) barley measured across their thickest part, 

 or three rice grains in their husks measured from top to end, are 

 declared to be equal to a finger. 



A span (vitasti) contains twelve fingers. A hasta ' ell' (or c cubit,! 

 from elbow to top of fingers) is (equal to) two spans. A Danda, ' yard' 

 is (equal to) four ells. Two thousand yards make one Kroga, and four 

 Krocas make one Yojana. 



The span and the other (measures) will be used (in passages occur- 

 ring) below. 



Then the judge, after having worshipped, in their order, the gods 

 presiding over the nine circles, of which the western is the first, viz. 



