JULY — SEPT. 1857.] for India. 
197 
ed, as shown in the margin; but it is probable 
that the dealers in the bazaar, would not heap 
quite so liberally. The accuracy is of course 
not so great but that the diameter may be con- 
sidered either the inner or outer. 
The best " Seer-measjires" are about 3J to 
3| inches in diameter, and 6 inches deep, but 
they are never true cylinders. Their cubic con- 
tents are from 66 to 66J ci^bic inches, holding 
from 74 to 75 tolas of rice when struck, and 80 
when heaped, so happens, as may be seen 
by reference to the Appendix,* that a vessel of 
66y'^ cubic inches capacity will contain at a 
temperature of 84° (a good day temperature for 
India,) 16650grains, or exactly 92^ tolas weight 
of water. This would hold on an average when 
struck, 74i tolas weight of rice ; and with a 
diameter of 3-7 inches, 80 tolas if /itfopec?. Thus 
if a " seer" of 80 tolas be adopted, such a Mea- 
sure would be exactly what is understood by 
the Natives of the country to be a " Seer-mea- 
sure." 
No measure of capacity could be more easily: 
introduced than this, and a Table f might be 
framed, according to which the multiples of thej 
Seer should bear a correct proportion when 
struck, and also as correct a ratio when heaped. 
Diameter 
Inches. 
2 
% 
3 
It 
al 
4 
4J 
4i 
4J 
5 
5i 
«t 
5f 
6 
H 
'* 
n 
8 
H 
H 
9 
9i 
10 
as the circumstances of the case will admit ; at all events nearer 
than has hitherto satisfied Native usage. 
The sub-multiples of the Seer-measure" are generally (not 
always) used for Liquid measures in India. The only liquids sold 
by measure, are Ghee, (clarified butter,) Oil, and Milk. No defined 
measure is used for Arrack and Toddy (intoxicating liquors), and 
• Vide page 212. 
t Vide page 198. 
I 
