124 
On Measure Work. 
actually done by labourers in our employ, and may therefore be 
considered an average ; though, from many causes, it is impossible 
for one quantity or one price to be taken in every case or situation. 
The standard measures are always used ; for by adopting these 
I am more likely to make myself understood by the greater part 
of my readers than if I had used any of those obsolete local mea- 
sures, which I am sorry to see in use in certain parts of the 
country ; they are the cause of many mistakes which might be 
remedied by adopting the standard weights and measures. 
In detailing the various operations to which a system of mea- 
surement is applicable, I shall divide my subject into separate 
heads, to each of which a distinct mode of measurement is suited. 
1st. The kind of task-work to which land or square measure is 
applicable, the work being paid for by the acre, rod, or square yard. 
2nd. The kind of task- work to which lineal measure is appli- 
cable, the work being paid for by the chain, rod, or yard in 
length. 
3rd. The kind of task-work to which solid or cubic measure 
is applicable, the work being paid for by the cubic yard or load. 
4th. The kind of task-work to which corn-measure is appli- 
cable, the work being paid for by the quarter, sack, or bushel. 
5th. Task- work performed by various kinds of measurement. 
1. Task-work to which land or square measure is applicable. 
Table of Land-Measure. 
9 square feet . . .1 square yard. 
30i square yards . . .1 square rod. 
40 rods .... .1 rood. 
4 roods or 10 square chains . 1 acre. 
In using land-measure as a means of calculating the earnings 
of labourers by the piece, it is usual to let or put out the job at 
a certain rate per acre for such work as mowing, reaping, and 
hoeing, in which a large quantity of land is gone over ; but for 
trenching and digging in small quantities the square rod is most 
convenient. 
I . Mowing permanent meadow-grass for hay is the first ope- 
ration that will come under our notice ; it is one of those ope- 
rations of husbandry which require to be executed with dispatch, 
as by its being quickly performed the hay-harvest is shortened, 
and every advantage may be taken to secure the produce in fine 
weather. This is of great importance in the hay-country around 
London, where, in the season of hay- making, mowers arc in 
great request, and command liigh wages. In Suffolk, the rate 
for mowing varies with the bulk of the crop, from 2s. to 2.1-. 6cf. 
j)er acre : beer is frecjuenlly aHowcd in part payment for mowing; 
the work is then done at 25. and lialf a gallon of beer lor each 
