Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057345).pdf/389

 LUC 381 small parcols, and at the latter date there was none whatever in the market, although a little mindwa was to be had in the shops at 26 sers the rupee. 000 41 37 37 32 1.4 29 39 .. 99 23 17 28 27 23 32 35 23 26 26 22 194 99 17 07 97 11 1 " > 37 91 3. aro dcar. In 1874 the kharíf was very good; there was little export and prices were moderate; but immediately after the poor man's harvest (the henwat), there was no grain in the market available as a food supply cheaper than 25 sors for the rupee (retail rate). At this time could bo got Indian-corn and bájra. The wholesale rates are as follows: Indian-corn or maize gers per rupee. Bájra Kodc four Coerse husked rice Do, unhusked Maeúr, moth and urd Mindwa Barley Seeond quality gram Wheat Theso prices usually advance 30 per cent, within the next two months. Another point must be borne in mind, that some grains though nomi- nally cheap are only so in the unhusked state ; when fit for eating they The husk or bhúsa in native parlance is sometimes deorha sometimes ádha, in other words sometimes one-third sometimes, one-half is lost. Sánwán loses nearly one-half; so sánwán which sells at 35 sers unhusked is really only 22 sers when it comes to be cooked. Kodo and rice lose one-third each; so kodo at 36 sers becomes 24 sérs, rice at 34 becomes 22. Other grains lose less; barley about one-fifth, 26 sera becoming 20. It is true kodo can be used as pottage without being husked, but it is dangerous, often causing paralysis. Yet another feature of the food-grains must be considered before valuing them that is, their comparative effect in satisfying not the palate but the appetite. The native's aim is not to gratify bis taste, nor even to nourish his strength, but simply to feel fairly full and free from the pangs of hunger. The following is the scale sanctioned by public opinion with this object :-- Miodwa 12 chlatáks. Rice Moth or peas Bájra Kodo Barley Theat 33 37 12 12 14 36 16 16 72 1) Mindwa is in particular favour, for its consumption promotes thirst; water can be had gratis, and repletion is thus cheaply attained. The above aro the rates for an ordinary slim cooly not doing hard work; if steadily employed, or above the ordinary height, one quarter more will be required. Jūst at present then a poor man will live on moth at 22 sersthe rupce, rice at 20 sers, and juár at 25 retail prices, so that the staple of his diet 49