Barley Observation Log

Year 418 Hijri [February 1027–January 1028]

On Sunday, the 30th of Muḥarram year 418, a field was inspected in the district of Gaza with grain in different [stages].

Three handfuls were taken from its good sides numbering 64 [ears]. They included: milky and curdled—33, green and doughy—22, pistachio-colored—9.

From the inferior side three handfuls were taken, numbering 49 [ears]. They included: green and doughy—6, pistachio-colored—3, curdled and milky—40.

The amount of seeds [sown] was one half and one third of a qafīz [unit of measurement]. On Monday, a field was inspected, and three handfuls were taken from the good side, numbering 66 [ears]. They included: pistachio-colored—26, dust-colored and white— . . . , green and doughy—3, bastard ears [lit. small balls] with few kernels . . . [There were all stages] from dust-colored and down to what did not show an ear . . .

From the inferior side, there were two handfuls numbering 43 [ears]. They included: curdled and milky—26, green and doughy—7 and with few kernels and bastard . . .

It is estimated that 6 qafīz of healthy [grain] would result from this half a qafīz of seeds. A peasant mentioned that it will be ripe in 10 days, and the watchman said [not] until the middle [of the month]. On Tuesday, a field was inspected on which there was abundant grain. The majority of it was green and doughy, and the pistachio-colored [grain] was beginning to spread.

The community did not agree on the opinion that the festival was in Ṣafar. The teacher Abū Sa‘īd and many in the community intercalated.

Source: St. Petersburg RNL Evr Arab I 1151.