i 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 tbe 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. 
