A Peal of Bells

Mr. Editor,—The following question was put to me by a clergyman and a scholar, who, like myself, takes an interest in the subject of Bells. At first sight I fancied that a satisfactory answer could easily be given: but I found that I was mistaken, and I shall be very glad if any of your correspondents will favour me with a solution of the difficulty. Can you *define* what is a *Peal*? Of course we know what is meant by a *Peal of Bells*, and to *ring a Peal*; but I want it defined as to duration, mode of ringing it, &c. &c. None of the old writers explain what they mean by ringing a *Peal*.