Encyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Processes

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Gunter's Chain

length; and, consequently, a square mile
length; and, consequently, a square mile

This is the measure generally adopted in land surveying, is 22 yards in length, and contains 100 links, cach link, consequently being 7.92 inches long. The length of the chain was fixed at 22 yards, because a square whose side is 22 yards (1 chain) contains exactly acre; in other words, a rectangular plot of ground 1 chain in width and 10 chains in length contains an acre. 80 chains make 1 mile in length; and, consequently, a square mile contains 640 acres. For surveying and laying out plots and building lots, a chain of 50 feet, 1 Perch, Masons' or one of 25 feet (the usual frontage of a lot) 10 feet long, is usually employed by surveyors.

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