DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BULLETIN

OF THIS

UNITED STATES

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

. 95

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING- OFFICE

1892

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

J. W. POWELL, DIRECTOR

EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA

IN IB90 AND 1891

BDWAKD SINGLETON BOLDEN

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1892

CONTENTS,

Page.

Letter of trail sin ittal ....................................................... 7

Introduction................................................................ 9

Instruments ............................................................ !)

Scale of measurements .................................................. 10

Differences of intensity ................................................. 10

Stations ............................................................I... 12

Chronological record, 1890 .................................................. 12

Chronological record, 1891.................................................. 20

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR, 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

Washington, D. 6'., February 2,1892.

SiE: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript entitled 

"Earthquakes in California in 1890 and 1891," by Edward S. Ilolden, 

and recommend its publication as a bulletin. It is the second of a serii'S furnished the Survey by the Lick Observatory, the first having 

been prepared by Prof. J. E. Keeler and published by the Survey as 

bulletin No. 68.

Very respectfully,

G. K. G-ILBEUT,

Chief Geologist. 

lion. J. W. POWELL,

Director.

EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891

By EDAA^ARD S. HOLDEN,

INTRODUCTION.

The following paper is a continuation of records of the same kind by 

Prof. Keeler and myself J and it brings the list up to the end of the 

year 1891. It records all the shocks observed or felt on Mount Hamilton, and all those reported to the Lick Observatory by letter, as well 

as newspaper reports of such earthquakes as occurred in the state 

during that year. No systematic examination of the newspapers has 

been made, however, and reports may have escaped notice.

INSTRUMENTS.

The instruments used for recording earthquakes on Mount Hamilton 

are described in Publications of the Lick Observatory, vol. T, p. 82. 

The largest and most complete instrument records the north and south, 

east and west, and vertical components of the earth's motion, separately, on a smoked glass plate, which is started by the preliminary 

tremors of the earthquake and rotates uniformly in about three minutes, 

the edge of the plate being graduated into seconds at the same time 

by the clock, which also serves to record the time of occurrence of the 

shock. This instrument has been called the Ewing seismograph in the 

notes. Another simpler form consists of the heavy "duplex" pendulum 

adjusted to a long period of vibration, with a magnifying pointer or pen, 

which records on a smoked glass plate both horizontal components of 

the motion. The vertical component and the time are not recorded. 

The motion of the earth is magnified 4.0 times in the duplex seismometers.

The observatory possesses other seismographs of various patterns, 

but they are not constantly in use.

'List of recorded earthquakes in California, Lower California, Oregon, and Washington Territory 

(from 1769 to 1888.) Sacramento: State Printing Office.

Earthquakes in California in 1888. American Journal of Science, .vol. 37, May, 1889. 

Earthquakes In California in 1889. Bulletin U. S. Geological Survey No. C8, 1890.

9
10 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND I89i. [HUM. 95 

SCALE OF MEASUREMENTS.

In the record made by the Ewing seismograph both horizontal components are magnified 3-3 times, and the vertical component is magnified 1-6 times. The measures of the vibrations as given in the notes 

are taken directly from the tracings, and therefore represent the magnified motion.

If both the period T, and the amplitude a of an earthquake wave are 

given, the maximum acceleration due to the impulse, which may be 

taken as a measure ctf the intensity or destructive effect of the shock, is 

given by the formula ^

» _4:n'z a

 ""rJTiT"

in which the motion is assumed to be harmonic.

DIFFERENCES OF INTENSITY.

Estimates of the intensity of shocks are also given (in Roman numerals 

inclosed in parentheses) according to the Jftossi-Eorel scale, which for 

convenience of reference is inserted below. Experience has suggested 

that for observations in California a few additions should be made 

to this scale, and these are printed here in italics. When these are in 

quotation marks also, they are expressions actually used in the newspapers, etc., in describing earthquake shocks, whose intensity is otherwise known. The scale, as amended, is as accurate as anything of the 

kind can be.

*

Microseismic shocks recorded by a single seismograph, or by seismographs of the same model, but not putting seismographs of different 

patterns in motion; reported by experienced observers only.

II.

Shock recorded by several seismographs of different patterns; reported by a small number of persons who are at rest. U A very light, 

shock."

IH.

Shock reported by a number of persons at rest; duration or direction 

noted. " A shock; " " a light shoclc."

IV.

Shock reported by persons in motion; shaking of movable objects, 

doors, and windows;* cracking of ceilings. "Moderate;" "strong;" 

" sharp; " (sometimes) " light."
Tl[E ROUSI-FOREL SCALE. 

V.

11

Shock felt generally l>y everyone; furniture shaken ; some bells rung. 

Some clocks stopped; sont; sleepers waked; "smart;" "strong;" "heavy;" 

"severe;" "sharp;" " fuite violent."

VI.

General awakening of sleepers; general ringing of bells; swinging 

of chandeliers; stopping; of clocks; 'visible swaying of trees; some 

persons run out of bui Idlings. Window glass broken; "severe;" "very 

severe;" " violent?

VII.

Overturning of loose objects; fall of plaster; striking of church 

bells; general fright, without damage to buildings. Nausea felt; V violent;" "very violent."

VIII.

Fall of chimneys; cracks in the walls of buildings.

I.. 

Partial or total destruction of Koine buildings.

Great disasters; overturning o? rocks; fissures in the surface of the 

earth; mountain slides.

The relation between the intensity (I) of a shock as determined by 

the formula already glvon. and »Jie numbers of the Kossi-Forel scale, 

has been reduced from a! I available data up to 1888, and is given below 

in tabular form, it is, of course, a rough approximation only.

JJossi-'A>ivl 

sca'o.

I.......

II....... III. .....

rv.......

v......

VI.......

VII. .... viir...... ix. ....

Intensity.

ini.ti. per sea.

20

40

CO

SO

lit)

1.V)

!!(' '

50.'

1.20J

Difference.

20

20

20

30

40

lot)

200

700

One of the objects of Ihe earthquake observations on Mount Hamilton is to obtain data for correcting this table, so that the intensity of a

Y* 

shock, as defined mathematically by tho formula 1= (where Fis the

maximum velocity of the vibrating particle), can be inferred from the 

ordinary descriptions of it;} eft'ecU.
12 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BULL. 95.

STATIONS.

A number of duplex-pendulum seismographs, quite similar to the one 

used at the Lick Observatory, are placed at different points on the 

Pacific coast, but they are not all in operation. The stations are:

Student's Observatory, Berkeley, in charge of Prof. Soule".

Chabot Observatory, Oakland, in charge of Mr. Burckhalter.

Private observatory of Mr. Blinn, in East Oakland.

Observatory of the University of the Pacific, San Jose.

Observatory of Mills College, near San Francisco, in charge of Prof. 

Keep.

Office of State Weather Bureau, Carson, Kev., in charge of Prof. 

Friend.

The reports of the United States Light-House Board and of the United 

States Signal Office (United States Weather Bureau) for 1890 and 1891 

record a number of shocks not mentioned in the following list, and 

they should be consulted in this connection.

Prof. Keeler was in charge of the earthquake instruments of the 

Lick Observatory during 1890 and 1891. Most of the following statistics were, however, collected by myself. Dr. Henry Crew has kindly 

put them in chronological order, as follows:

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1890.

January 15. MOUNT HAMILTON, 5:05: ±lm. a. m. (Prof. IToldei)). 

Intensity =Y Eossi-Forel scale. Mr. Keeler was partly awake at 

the time, and counted one minute from the beginning of shock, <tnd 

noted time by watch, P. S. T.'= 5:05:3± 10s. a, m. Intensity = IV, 

Eossi-Forel scale. Time by earthquake clock =5:02 a. m.

The record of the duplex seismograph shows the actual displacement of the pendulum bob to have been 2-6 mm., in a direction 

almost exactly northwest and southeast. The record consists of a 

single nearly straight line.

SAN JOSE. Two shocks felt about 5 o'clock a. m., sufficiently heavy 

to awaken sleepers; from north to south.

January 18. NAPA. Two slight shocks. Vibrations from north 

to south.

SANTA BARBARA, 3:30 p. m. Reported in the Chronicle as "quite 

a heavy shock."

January 23. CHABOT OBSERVATORY, 4:18itlm. a. m. Time observed by George B. Fox. The seismogrnphic record accompanying 

the report indicates the total actual displacement of the pendulum to 

have been 2-8 mm., in a direction from "north by east" to "south 

by west." The tracing is made up of five small waves (small with reference to the total length of the tracing), which look as if they might

T. S. T.=l3 acilic slope time,
HOLDBN.J CHBONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1890. 13

have resulted from a simple harmonic motion having displacements in 

an east and west direction.

January 24. SANTA ANA. The San Jose Mercury reports this as 

follows:

"SANTA ANA, January 24. A very distinct earthquake shock, lasting 4 seconds, was felt this afternoon at 1:15, and at 4:30 o'clock there 

was a larger and more pronounced shock, lasting ten seconds. The direction was northeast and southwest."

February 5. SAN DIEGO, 10:15 p. m. "Distinct shock; vibrations from east to west."

SANTA ANA, 10:14 p.m. "Shock lasted eight seconds. Vibrations 

from northeast to southwest."

SAN BERNARDINO. "Three distinct shocks, preceded by a low 

rumbling noise. The shock (?) lasted for four or five seconds."

The above three reports are all from newspapers.

February 9. SAN BERNARDINO. Following is the report published in the Times-Index of San Bernardino of February 10:

" Quite a heavy shock of earthquake visited this section yesterday 

morning at 6 minutes past 4 o'clock. The vibrations were north and 

south, and the shock caused a great many persons to arise much earlier 

yesterday morning than heretofore."

Under th'is date the Examiner, of San Francisco, reports the following:

"SAN PEDRO, February 9. Three mild but distinct shocks of earthquake were felt at San Pedro at 4:07 o'clock this morning. The vibrations lasted for several seconds and were from east to west.

"CoLTON, February 9. A heavy shock of an earthquake was felt in 

Colton at 4 o'clock this morning.

"POMONA, February 9. At 4 o'clock this morning three distinct 

shocks of an earthquake were felt here. Nearly every one was roused 

from his slumbers, but little damage was done. In the Progress office 

type was 'pied,' and some panes of glass were broken about the city.

" SAN DIEGO, February 9. Another shock of an earthquake was felt 

in this city at 4 o'clock this morning. It lasted about a minute, aud 

was accompanied by rumbling noises."

February 13. TEHACHAPI, 2:10 a. m. The following is from the 

San Bernardino Times-Index:

"TEHACHAPI, February 13. Three light but distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here about 2:10 this morning. They occurred at intervals of about twenty minutes. The second shock lasted several 

seconds."

February 15, Los ANGELES, about 4 a. m. Keported as follows 

in the Los Angeles Herald of February 16: "Eesidents in this city and 

dwellers in its suburbs generally were very rudely awakened from their 

slumbers yesterday morning at about 4 o'clock. A long, low rumbling 

noise as of distant thunder along the crests of the mountains was heard
14 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BULL. 95.

by people who were awake at that hour, and this was soon followed by 

a very decided shock of earthquake. Houses shook, windows rattled, 

pictures vibrated on their hooks, and it was only very sound sleepers 

who were not roused to full consciousness that the giant tread of the 

shaker was abroad. The oscillations were of a long, steady character 

rather than of the short, jerky order often felt in earthquake movements. The vibrations were nearly from northeast to southwest, and 

were separated into three distinct divisions,, T)le first was the heaviest, 

followed by another lighter one at a short interval, and then, after a 

pause, a third little kick, less pronounced than the others. This is the 

second shock in this section within a year. In old days it was noted 

for its frequent seismic manifestations, but foi- forty years they have 

not been pronounced. Their center is near the San Jacinto peak."

GILROY, midnight. A light shock.

April 11. URIAH, 11:30 a. m. (?) Vibrations from southeast to 

northwest.

April 15. MOUNT HAMILTON, 2:00 a. in. -Kb record but the tracing 

of the duplex seismograph, which is an alrnosi; perfectly straight line 

running northwest and southeast. The total actual displacement of 

the pendulum bob is 1-9 mm.

April 24. MOUNT HAMILTON, 3:36 a. m.---Tho duplex seismograph gives an exceedingly complicated tracing in the general direction northwest and southeast. The maximum possible displacement of 

the pendulum bob was 4-0 mm. in the direction indicated above.

At right angles to this the maximum displacement was 1-4 mm. 

The tracing is folded on itself from nine to eleven times.

MILLS COLLEGE, about 3:39 a. m. The tracing from the duplex 

seismograph indicates motion in every possible u/imnth. There is no 

marked tendency in any one direction. The max hnum excursion of the 

pendulum bob is 11-1 mm. running from north northeast to south-southwest. By maximum excursion is here meant the maximum, diameter 

of the diagram.

The tracing is such as might have been produced by "resonance," 

the amplitude increasing as the earthquake proceeded.

BERKELEY, 3:38 a. m. (Prof. Soule"). The tmcing from duplex seismograph gives maximum displacement (6-4 mm.) in a direction northeast and southwest.

There is quite a well-marked displacement of 4*3 mm. in an azimuth 

which may be defined as "west-northwest" to u eo.fit-i'.<outheast.w The 

tracing recrosses itself from fifteen to twenty ti me«. The disturbance 

at Berkeley seems to have been considerably smaller ihan at Mills College.

CHABOT OBSERVATORY, 3:37:44 a. m.~Dm.'ition six seconds; preceded by a rumble lasting ten to fifteen seconds. General character 

and size of tracing from duplex seismograph about the same as that 

observed at Berkeley. Maximum double amplitude of pendulum bob 

nearly east and west, amounting to 5-7 nun. (Mr. Burckhalter).
HOLDEK.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1890. 15

EAST OAKLAND, 3:37:40 a. m. Mr. F. G. Bliim reports the duration 

at ten seconds aud the intensity as IV (E-F).

The seismograph tracing is exceedingly complicated, recrossing 

itself probably fifty times. The maximum displacement is east and 

west.

SAN FRANCISCO. Following is the report of Prof. Davidson, as given 

by the Examiner: "(1) First shock light, but awakened observer 3:30:18 

P. S. T. Direction, east and west. (2) Continuous shock 3:37:03 to 

3:37:23; first part slight; last'shock like a terrier-dog worrying a 

rat.' Trace east and west and north and south, giving resultant northcast and southwest or northwest and southeast, according to circumstances. Shock rang doorbell in Davidson's room. Stopped clock in 

room 39, Appraisers' Building. Kecorded by Frank Edmonds as northwest and southeast."

The following from the Evening Bulletin gives observations in other 

parts of the state:

" SALTNAS, April 24. The .heaviest temblor ever known here occurred at 3:40 this morning. Two light shocks were followed by a 

third and heavier, which lasted about twelve seconds. These were 

followed by four or five more, one of which was sharp and abrupt. 

The vibration was from east to west. Clocks were stopped, but no 

damage was done.

" BENICIA, April 24. The people were awakened from slumber this 

morniii g at 3:45 by a very distinct shock of earthquake. The vibrations 

lasted some seconds and seemed to be from east to west.

" Los G-ATOS, April 24. Two distinct and severe earthquake shocks 

were felt this morning about 3:40, the last shock being much heavier 

that the first and of longer duration. The vibrations were from east 

to west. No damage was done, but many persons were considerably 

frightened and a few clocks were stopped. A slight shock was also felt 

about 5:30, but it was scarcely noticeable.

" BKENTWOOD, April 24. A slight shock of an earthquake at 3:30 

this morning.

"GiLROY, April 24. The damage by the earthquake this morning 

was not great. The gas mains were disjointed and the lights extinguished.

"SAN JOSE, April 24. The shock of earthquake this morning was 

very sharp, but no damage is reported. Many people were frightened 

out of their beds.

"HoLLiSTER, April 24. Temblors began here at 3:32 a. m., lasting 

until 5:30 a. m. Thirteen distinct shocks were felt, and during the entire two hours a continuous vacillating motion was observable. The 

shocks were not sharp, but long continued and heavy rolling, the worst 

that have ever been experienced here. Only nominal damage was done. 

A private dispatch states that the McMahan House was twisted so 

badly that cracks were opened in it sufficiently large to admit a man's 

hand and that other damage was done.
16 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BULL. 05.

" REDWOOD CITY, April 24. Three shocks of earthquake occurred 

this morning, ending with a severe jar, which threAV crockery and other 

articles from the shelves of several residences. Clocks were stopped 

at 3:37, the hour of the occurrence. The vibrations were east and west 

and the duration twenty seconds. The residents assert these were the 

severest shocks since 1868.

" POINT REYES, April 24. A sharp shock of earthquake occurred 

here very early this morning.

" CENTERVILLE, April 24. A heavy earthquake shock was felt here . 

at 3:40 this morning. It was preceded by two light shocks. Many 

were frightened, but no damage has been reported.

" WATSONVILLE, April 24. There were twelve distinct shocks of 

earthquake felt here after 3:30 this morning, the first and second being 

the most severe. The vibrations were from west to east. In the country north of town nearly all the chimneys were thrown down. The 

railway bridge across the Pajaro was misplaced and the train delayed.

" NAPA, April 24. Ata 3:40 o'clock this morning a heavy shock of 

earthquake was experienced here. The vibrations were north and south.

" SANTA CKUZ, April 24. There was a heavy earthquake shock this 

morning at 3:48, but very little damage.

" MAYFIELD, Cal., April 24. A slight shock of earthquake was felt 

here and in neighboring towns this morning. The vibrations were from 

northeast to southwest, and lasted eight seconds. There was a heavy 

atmosphere, with no wind. The tops of trees rocked, making a noise " 

like a heavy wind blowing. Plastering was broken and the depot clock 

and others stopped at 3:37 o'clock. The temperature was 48°. Superintendent Bassett and Assistant Superintendent Haydock went south by 

a special train to look after the damage done to the track by the shake 

between Pajaro and Sargents. It is reported that the track was moved 

a foot out of line, and that the ground settled six inches in places. The 

bridge, fifty feet high, is impassable at both ends, the rails being pulled 

a foot apart. A large force of men is at work, and they expect to have 

the track so that trains can pass in a few hours. At Sargents and 

G-ilroy there were more than a dozen shakes, and chimneys were 

knocked down."

CARSON CITY, NEVADA. No time reported. The duplex seismograph indicates a disturbance about one-quarter as large as that at 

Berkeley. (C. W. Friend.)

SAN JOSE, 3:37:43 a. m. Seismograph at the University of the 

Pacific furnishes a diagram having a maximum double amplitude of 

16-2 mm; from the manner in which the index has run all over the glass 

one would think the equilibrium of the pendulum too nearly neutral.

May 11. EAST OAKLAND, 1:00:15 p. m. (Mr. Ireland); 1:00:18 p. 

m. (Mr. Boise). Mr. Blimi's seismograph makes the disturbance almost 

entirely in an east and west direction; its amount (maximum double 

amplitude) was 1-0 mm. The diagram which Prof. Keep sends from Mills
HOLDEH.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1890. 17

College indicates a slightly smaller disturbance in a direction southwest and northeast.

SAN FRANCISCO, 1:00:15 p. m. (Mr. William Ireland). Inteusity= 

IV, Eossi-Forel scale.

Following is a newspaper account of the shock as felt at San Leandro May 11: "A very heavy shock of earthquake was felt at this place 

at 1:03 o'clock this afternoon. The oscillations were north and south 

and the duration 5 or 6 seconds. No damage reported, although many 

of the older houses in town were loosened up considerably, notably the 

depot of the Southern Pacific Company."

May 14. SANTA CRUZ The following general account is taken 

from the newspaper of even date:

"SANTA CRUZ, May 14. Ever since the big earthquake of the 24th 

of April there have been daily seismic disturbances along the Hue 

between Pajaro and San Juau; where the earthquake was heaviest. 

Each day three or four small shocks occur, and yesterday six quite 

pronounced ones were felt. T\vo were felt at 5 o'clock this morning in 

this city. The fissure made on the Chittenden ranch, above Pajaro, 

during the big earthquake has been gradually increasing in depth and 

width. The railroad company is keeping a force of carpenters in the 

vicinity of the bridges between Pajaro and Gilroy for fear of damage 

by the shocks if they get heavier. It is said that there will be no 

change of the time card on the coast division until the earthquakes 

cease, as the company does not want to put on the Monterey flyer for 

tear of accident."

June 1. HEALDSBURG, 1:21 p. m. Slight shock,

June 29. SANTA EOSA, 7:25 a. m. (newspaper). "Three distinct 

shocks; people awakened; vibrations from north to south."

June 30. Our information of this earthquake is comprised in the 

following three dispatches found in the newspapers:

"PETALUMA, June 30. An earthquake shock passed through this 

city yesterday morning about 6 o'clock. The vibrations were from east 

to west."

"SANTA EOSA, June 30. Three earthquake shocks were felt here 

about 11 o'clock. They were not quite as severe as those in the morning."

"SANTA CRUZ, June 30. Earthquake shocks in this city at 12:30 

this afternoon shook all the houses in town. The first shock was slight 

and was followed in a second by a much heavier shake. No damage 

was done. The vibrations were east and west. A private telegram 

from Sargent station, near the center of the.seismic disturbance last 

April, states that the shock was quite severe there, breaking crockery 

in the houses."

July 1. The following account appears to be from a San Francisco 

newspaper of even date:

"At 33 minutes past midnight of Monday there was a sharp shock of 

earthquake felt in this city, lasting ten seconds. The direction of the 

Bull. 95 2
18 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BULL. 95.

vibrations was principally northwest and southeast, with a shock 

nearly north and sonth. It was felt in nearly all portions of the city 

and had the effect of rousing many people from their slumbers. Gas 

fixtures and windows were set rattling, and in some houses picture 

frames, loosely fastened on the walls, were thrown to the floors. It 

was not noticeable by people walking on the streets, and had no distinct violence in the down-town hotels."

GILROY, 12:35a. m. (newspaper). " Sharp shock fromnorth to south 

lasting about one minute."

July 4. EUREKA, 4:30 p. m. (newspaper). "Quite a sharp shock."

July 24. BAKERSFIELD, 3 a. m. (newspaper). "Severe shock."

July 26. The Examiner contains the following:

" SISSONS, July 26. There were three earthquake shocks this morning at 1:45 o'clock. The vibrations were north and south."

"HYDESVILLE, July 26. Several severe shocks of an earthquake 

Avere felt at this place at 1:40 a. m. to-day, lasting about twenty seconds, 

and another slight shock at 8 o'clock."

July 28. PETALUMA, 12:03:35a.m. (newspaper). Two slight shocks 

from north to south.

August 17. MILLS COLLEGE, 6:50 a. m. (Prof. Keep). Slight, 

but distinct shock. The tracing of the seismograph shows three vibrations (averaging 0-3 mm.), in a direction from one point south of east to 

one point north of west.

August 23. MONO LAKE. The following is from the Homer Index:

"Remarkable earthquake at Mono. The southern end of Mono Lake 

was considerably agitated last Sunday, and dwellers in that shaky 

locality were much perturbed. Steam was issuing from the lake as 

far as could be seen, in sudden puffs, and the water was boiling fiercely, 

like a bean pot, while high waves rolled upon the beach and receding 

left the sand smoking. In a moment the air was thick with blinding 

hot sulphurous vapor, and subterraneous moans and rumblings made 

the witness think that the devil was holding high carnival down below. 

The fences wabbled up and down and sideways; the wood pile at Nay's 

ranch locked arms with a big freight wagon and waltzed around the 

barnyard gleefully to the dismal bellowing of the dismayed cattle and 

the shrill neighing of terrified horses.

i < This appallii i g fracas lasted about two minutes. Then came a blessed 

quiet for a moment, followed by a sudden twitch of the earth, as a horse 

jerks his hide and dislodges a bothersome fly. The shock threw men 

and animals off their feet with bruising violence, but it was the wind-up 

of the entertainment, which Mr. Nay hopes will not be soon repeated.

" It was some hours before the lake ceased to emit columns of steam 

and the water became very hot. Two springs near the house, long 

noted for the coldness and purity of their water, changed their character and spouted hot mud for two days, when they flowed cold water
HOLDEN.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1890. 19

again. A stack of 200 tons of hay was moved 70 feet south without 

disarranging it."

September 3. MOUNT HAMILTON, 2:21:20 p. m. (accurate to one or 

two seconds), P. S. T. Felt by Prof. Holden. in third story of brick 

house and estimated by him at II on Kossi-Forel scale. Recorded on 

duplex seismometer, but did not start Ewing.

A slight shock was also felt at SAN FRANCISCO at 2:30 p. m. j likewise at GILKOY.

September 4. MOUNT HAMILTON, 10:06:45 a. in. (E. 0. Holden). 

"Swung the hanging lamp in my study." E. S. Holden.

September 5. MERCED, 2:15 p. m. Vibration east and west.

September 19. The record of earthquakes under this date consists 

of the following dispatches to San Francisco papers:

"CALICO, September 19. A severe shock of earthquake occurred at 

12:15 last night. There were vibrations east and west. There was 

another shock fifteen minutes later."

"DAGrGKETT, September 19. Two earthquakes were felt here at 12:25 

. and 12:50 this morning. The vibrations were east and west. !No damage was done."

"SAN BERNARDINO, September 19. A light earthquake shock visited this city a little after 12 o'clock this morning."

"BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, September 19. There was an earthquake 

at 12:15 this morning, with a rumbling sound. No damage."

October 3. HEALDSBURG, 12:05 p. m. (newspaper). " Sharp shock, 

accompanied by long and distinct rumbling. Vibrations north and 

south."

October 29. MOUNT HAMILTON. Two distinct shocks.

First 8: 30: 29 a. m. i 2s., P. S. T. Eossi-Forel, IV to V.

Second 8: 39:29 a. in. ± 2s., P. S. T. Eosi-Forel, III. (Prof. HoldeiT.)

Prof. Barnard reports as follows: "Coining to the observatory, halfway up the plank \valk heard two distinct and heavy jars in the frame 

cottages as if they \vere falling down. These followed each other by 

about one or two seconds. Did not feel any shock. The noise of the sh aking of the frame houses could have been heard perhaps an eighth of 

a mile. Beaching the observatory, another shock occurred; did not 

feel it; heard a rattling. This was at 8:39:35 ± one or two seconds, 

P. S. T. 1 I compared the clock in the earthquake instrument case with 

the Howard (this was for the first shock). Earthquake clock, 7: 29:0; 

Howard 20:42:27."

December 4. LONE PINE, 9 o'clock p. m. Ten distinct shocks 

felt from 9 to 11. No damage done. This was the seat of the great 

earthquake of March, 1872, in which many lives were lost.

" This is the first disturbance at Lone Pine for eight or ten years." 0. 

Mulholland. >
20 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [HULL. 95.

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD,i8gi.

January 2. Generally felt throughout the state.

Prof. Holden telegraphed from the Lick Observatory as follows:

"LiCK OBERVATOEY (Mount Hamilton), January 2. A violent earthquake shock stopped our standard clock at eighteen seconds after noon 

to-day. The pendulum swings about north and south.

" Several ceilings were cracked in the observatory, and large pieces of 

plaster were thrown down in the brick houses. So far as I know no 

damage was done to the instruments. The earthquake registers indicate by far the severest shock since 1868 in northern California. Its 

intensity was vn on the Kossi-Forel scale. The pen of the duplex 

seismometer was thrown completely off the glass plate. Some definite 

idea of the force may be had when I say that a swinging lamp, making 

a pendulum of about 15 inches in length, which is suspended in my 

study, was still in vibration twenty minutes after the shock.

" Framed photographs on my mantel were overthrown. It appears 

that serious damage would be done to the Tiouses here by a shock of 

twice this intensity, but it looks as if the observatory would stand considerably more. The large telescope has been secured to its base by 

four holding-down bolts, and it is as safe as it can be made."

Prof. Davidson's observation will be found among others reported 

below:

"San Francisco was visited by two distinct shocks of earthquake at 

noon yesterday (Jan. 2). Both shocks were distinct, but of a different 

movement, the first being vibratory, the second proving of the type 

known to seismic observers as undulatory.

."Prof. Davidson states that his chronograph recorded the time of 

the shock to be 12:00 :-40, with an entire duration of fifty seconds. A 

comparison of directions observed by various persons indicates the 

wave to have moved from southeast to northwest. In the lower portion of the city, from Kearny street to the water front, the shocks are 

said to have resembled the rumbling of a wagon, while in the more 

elevated residences the vibratory movement was perceptibly felt.

u SANTA CRUZ, January 2. There was a heavy earthquake here at 

12:02 this afternoon. The shock, which passed from southwest to northeast, lasted ten seconds, and was the heaviest felt here in years. Only 

very slight damage was done, but the people were greatly frightened.

" SALINAS, January 2. A very severe shock of earthquake was felt 

here at 12 o'clock noon to-day. The vibrations were from north to 

south.

" EL VERANO, January 2. A severe shock of earthquake was felt 

here to-day at 12:20 o'clock. It moved from, southeast to northwest. 

Houses were shaken up.

"Los GATOS, January 2. A sharp shock of earthquake was preceded by a rumbling sound at 12:01 o'clock this afternoon. The duration of the shock was fifteen seconds. No damage.
HOLMS.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1891. 21

" GILROY, January 2. One of the heaviest earthquakes ever felt 

here occurred at 12:01 this afternoon. The duration was less than half 

a minute, but it was accompanied by heavy rumblings and a sickening, 

swaying sensation. Gas fixtures and movables swayed and clattered 

considerably.

" STOCKTON, January 2. Rather a sharp shock of earthquake was 

felt here precisely at 12 noon. The vibrations were south to north.

" LATHROP, January 2. There was a severe shock of earthquake at 

12 o'clock to-day. Houses squeaked, clocks stopped, lamp chimneys 

were broken, etc. JSTo further damage was done. Apparently the direction of the shock was from east to west.

"MoDESTO, January 2. A sharp earthquake shock was felt here at 

noon to-day. The shock lasted fifteen seconds. The vibrations were 

north and south.

"SAN JOSE, January 2. At 12 o'clock a sharp earthquake shock 

was felt here, the movement being north and south, and it lasted about 

fifteen seconds. Clocks were stopped and buildings rocked, but no 

damage was reported.

"PETALUMA, January 2. This afternoon, a few minutes past 12, a 

sharp shock of earthquake passed through Petaluma, with vibrations 

from east to west.

" SAN LEANDRO, January 2. A sharp earthquake shock was felt 

here to-day at 12:02. The oscillations were from northeast to southwest. The duration was about ten seconds.

" SAN RAFAEL, January 2. A rather sharp earthquake shock was 

felt here at 12 noon to-day, lasting several seconds. The vibrations 

were from east to west.

" BOULDER CREEK, January 2. A severe shock of earthquake was 

felt here at 12 o'clock, continuing for several seconds. The vibration 

Avas from southwest to northeast. There was a general rush for the 

streets, but no damage was done.

" SPANISHTOWN, January 2. A severe shock of earthquake occurred 

at three minutes before noon to-day. The vibrations were from east 

to west.

u MERCED, January 2. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here 

at 12 o'clock to-day with vibrations from east to west. The shake was 

heavy enough to cause the glassware on the shelves to rattle.

u REDWOOD CITY, January 2. Two sharp shocks of earthquake were 

felt here to-day at two minutes past noon. The vibrations were east 

and west." San Francisco Examiner.

SAN JOSE, January 2. "Buildings shaken so that their motion was 

plainly visible. Many clocks stopped at 12:00:30 p.m." San Jose 

Herald.

Seismographic records obtained at Mills College by Prof. Keep and 

at Oakland by Mr. Blinn show the greatest disturbance to be in a direction running from northeast to southwest.
22 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BULL.95.

Mr. Blinn's seismometer gives a diagram indicating that the maximum double amplitude of the pendulum was 3-8 mm. The diagram consists of many (not less than 25) intersecting loops. So far as one may 

judge from the tracing, the instrument was in good adjustment.

Prof. Keep's tracing is of the same geueral character, but with a 

maximum double amplitude of 5-8 mm.

These maximum double amplitudes probably indicate very little in 

a diagram of this kind, in which the pendulum makes so many vibrations; for one cannot tell to what extent it is a "resonance" phenom 

enon.

The Carson City seismometer (0. W. Friend) gives a tracing even 

more complicated than either of the preceding; it is the smallest of the 

three, but every azimuth is filled with fine lines.

The glass plate of the San Jose instrument was jarred by the earthquake and the record spoiled.

A third shock of intensity III on Eossi-Forel scale is reported by 

Prof. Holden as occurring at the Lick Observatory at 8:18:21 p. m.

January 12. BERKELEY, 1:36a. m. Prof.Hilgard reports a "light 

earth-tremor lasting a little less than a second, but preceded by a 

marked rumbling from the southwest."

January 13. MOUNT HAMILTON, 2:58 p. m., I to II Eossi-Forel 

scale; observed by Mrs. Breseno.

February 15. DOWNIEVILLE. Quite a shock felt between 2 and 

3 a. in.

January 21. SAN FRANCISCO, 2:24:35£ p. m. Artificial earthquake, 

caused by the explosion of 3,000 pounds of blasting powder, for the purpose of clearing away a hill in San Francisco.

But few rocks were scattered; the hill collapsed and the earth in the 

neighborhood showed deep crevices.

No distubance was observeddon the San Jose seismograph, which was 

watched by Prof. George. Nor was any record obtained at Mount Hamilton, where it was looked for with mercury basins. 1

February 24. INDEPENDENCE, 3:10 a. m. Eeported by Mr. C. 

Mulholland as follows: "A strong earthquake shock. The tremor was 

preceded an instant by a rumbling sound. The motion appeared to be 

a little east of south to west of north, i. e., parallel to the Sierra Nevada 

Mountains. The house shook so that the pans and dishes rattled. A 

strong breeze from the south had been blowing all night, but at the 

time of the tremor there was a brief but complete lull; then the breeze 

set in as before."

April 4. MOUNT HAMILTON, 4:30 a. m. "A light, but prolonged 

shock from east to west," reported by Prof. Holden.

April 12. MOUNT HAMILTON, 9:29 (1) 41. "A sudden, slight earthquake of intensity II, Eossi-Forel scale," reported by Prof. Holden.

April 13. HEALDSBURG. A sharp shock at 11:40 p. m.

'Publications Astronomical Society of the Pacific, vol. in, page 132.
HOLDBN.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1891. 23

VISALIA. Earthquake at 10:30 p. in. Vibrations from north to 

south.

May 8. BERKELEY, 6:10 p. in. Prof. Frank Soule writes: "Very 

slight in San Francisco and Oakland, so much so that comparatively 

few people noticed it. The Ewing and Gray-Milne instruments, 

though in excellent order and very sensitive, were not set off. The 

dup!ex gave a small record indicating that the direction of the shock 

was from northwest to southeast. From individual accounts, I should 

rate it as II in the Kossi-Forel scale. -

SAN EAPAEL, 6:08 p. m. A heavy shock lasting about six seconds. 

The vibrations were from Avest to east.

May 19. SUSANVILLE. Seven shocks felt; two very heavy; time 

not reported.

May 20. MILLS COLLEGE. Prof. Keep writes: "An earthquake 

was felt here, last night about 10 o'clock. The shock was slight, but 

was preceded by a peculiar sound which made me brace myself for a 

severe shock."

The seismographic record accompanying this letter shows the greatest 

disturbance to have been in a north and south direction.

June 22. PASADENA AND SAN FERNANDO. Slight shocks felt between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening.

June 28. SAN FRANCISCO, 3:02:45 a. in. Eeported in San Francisco 

Chronicle as follows: "A double shock of earthquake occurred early yesterday morning. It was not heavy, and was of such brief duration that 

not many of the citizens who were awake at the time could have noted 

it. F. W. Edmonds, the assistant in Prof. Davidson's observatory, was 

at work when the shock came and noted its features, afterward comparing his figures with those recorded by a small seismograph. The first 

shock began at 3:02:45, Pacific standard time, and ended five seconds 

later. The vibrations were east and west. Then at 3:03:05 there was 

another shock, so brief that the duration was not recorded. It was 

sharper than the first shake, but had the same motion.

" Prof. Davidson remarked to a Chronicle reporter yesterday that one 

night last week, while he was making observations for latitude, there 

was an. almost imperceptible quake. He was reading the level of the 

instrument at the time and noticed that it was suddenly shaken, the 

bubble moving backward and forward several times in quick succession. 

The extremes of this motion as marked by the bubble were three or four 

millimeters apart. The vibrations were north and south."

MOUNT HAMILTON. Waked sleepers, set hanging lamps in vibration, 

rattled windows, pictures, stoves, etc. Ewing seismograph clock did 

not start; components were therefore recorded as straight lines. The 

actual displacements of the earth were as follows: North and south = 0-24 

inches; east and west = 0-39 inches; vertical = 0-15 inches.

Prof. Holdeu makes the time 3:02: OS1 ± 20s. P. S. T.

'The first time here given is probably wrong. E. a. u.
24 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891.

Mr. Campbell makes the time 3:02:36 ± 2s. P. S, T.

Mr. Schaeberle makes the time 3:02:35 (watch). P. S. T.

Intensity on Kossi-Forel scale, V.

MAYFIELD. "A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 3 o'clock 

tliis morning. It lasted four seconds. Trembling vibrations were followed by two shocks." Telegram to San Francisco Chronicle.

June 29. MOUNT HAMILTON, 8:06:31 i 2 a, in. (W. W. Campbell); 

8:00:32 (J. M. Schaeberle). One quick shock lasting for less than half 

a second; Rossi-Forel I or II. "Recorded on duplex, but not on Ewing 

seismometer." No record of measured displacements.

July 13. MONTEREY, 4:27 p. m. A sharp shock with vibrations 

from southwest to northeast. Clocks were stopped and crockery 

thrown from the shelves.

July 17. HOLLISTER, 1 a. in. Quite a severe shock; no damage.

July 30. LERDO, MEX., was the center of a very severe earthquake 

about 6 o'clock a. m. It appears to have caused a tidal wave of considerable height at the Lead of the Gulf of California. The country 

is so thinly and poorly settled that no damage was done. The reports 

of this earthquake are so indefinite and contradictory that we have 

really very little reliable information regarding what must have been 

at least a very widespread disturbance. One newspaper report from 

Yuma, Arizona, makes the direction of the shock from east to west. 

Among other curious freaks a number of salt springs are said to have 

been made fresh; but judging from later investigations made by a 

Chronicle reporter who visited the scene, no reliance is to be placed 

on any statement of this kind.

August 9. MONTEREY, 9:41 a. in. A heavy shock, causing buildings to rock. The vibration was from north to south.

September 12. CEDAR CITY, UTAH, 8:48 p. m. (0. Mulholland). 

".Shock heavy and accompanied by a sound like that of a heavily loaded 

wagon passing over a street paved with granite blocks. Its duration 

was brief, and there was but one shock."

September 16. SALEM, OREGON, 8:30 p. m. The shock was brief 

and distinct, and was followed by a wave-like motion lasting several 

seconds. It was felt in all large buildings; windows rattled.

September 21. PORT ANGELES, WASH. Reports differ as to time, 

some claiming that the shock occurred at 4:10 a. in., others at 5 a.m. 

It is possible there were two distinct shocks. The direction of vibration was from northwest to southeast. Many people were awakened 

from sleep. Houses trembled and chinaware rattled.

PORT TOWNSEND. Shock felt shortly after 4 o'clock a. m. Dishes 

rattled and sleeping people were awakened.

September 22. VICTORIA, B. 0., 3:40 a. m. Sharp shock felt all 

over city; lasted about seven seconds.

September 23. HE^LDSBURG, 1:30 p. m. " Very severe and longcontinued shock; one of tlfe most severe ever felt in this vicinity."
HOLMSN.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 1891. 2;)

October 2. MOUNT HAMILTON. Prof. Barnard reports as follows: 

"From one and one-half to two seconds' duration. A very decided 

shock. Gradually increased in intensity. 7:19:55 P. S. T. end of 

shock."

Prof. Holden gives the time as 7:19:55. Intensity II on Rossi-Forel 

scale. No record on seismometers.

October 11. Felt generally over the central portion of the state. 

Following are the newspaper accounts:

" SAN FRANCISCO. A slight earthquake shock was felt throughout 

the city last night. It seemed like .the heavy, noisy rumble of a cart, 

and was perceptibly felt in every part of the town. Prof. Davidson 

was at work in his observatory when it occurred. He did not consider 

it severe enough to disturb him in his investigations, as the pier upon 

which his instrument is placed was not thrown out of level in the 

slightest degree. The earthquake lasted for thirteen seconds, beginning at twenty-seven minutes and thirty-two seconds after 10 o'clock and 

ending at twenty-seven minutes and forty-five seconds after 10 o'clock. 

An unusual feature of the shock was that it began light and gradually 

increased until it was greatest during the last three seconds. The direction was southeast to east-southeast. Prof. Davidson had no means 

of ascertaining the velocity of the shock, but he did not consider it in 

any way severe."

Mr. Burckhalter reports from the Chabot Observatory that the mean 

time clock was stopped at 10:27:49 p. m. His seismograph shows the 

actual displacement of the earth to have been 2-5 mm. in an east and 

west direction.

"SuiSTJN, October 11. At 10:29 o'clock to-night a heavy shock of 

earthquake shook up this quiet little city in a frightful manner. The 

shock lasted nearly half a minute. It was the heaviest earthquake 

known of here for years. The damage is slight, but the fright of the 

people was extreme.

" OAKLAND, October 11. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here 

last night at 10:26, the vibrations being from north to south. Windows were shaken, but no damage done.

" SACRAMENTO, October 11. A pretty lively shock of earthquake, 

or a double shock, was felt here at 10:28 to-night, but it was not heavy 

enough to do any damage. Many persons did not feel it.

" SAN JOSE, October 11. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here 

at 10:28 this evening. The movement was from northeast to southwest.

u WINTERS, CAL., October 12. There was a heavy shock of earthquake here last night about 10:30 o'clock. It was'heavy enough to. 

wake people from a sound sleep. The vibrations were from east to 

west and lasted two or three seconds.

" FAIRFIELD, GAL., October 12. There was a heavy shock of earth-
26 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [BOLL. 95.

quake here last night at 10:30 p. in. and another at 4 a. m., but no 

serious damage was done.

" SPANISHTOWN, OAL., October 12. Quite a heavy shock of earth- j 

quake was felt here at 9:29 last evening. ;

" SONOMA, October i2.-r-Sonoma and vicinity were visited last night 

at 10:28 o'clock by the severest earthquake ever felt in this section of 

the State. The people were shaken out of their beds, chimneys were demolished, windows broken, and the interior of almost every plastered < 

house in the town shows effects of the shock, which lasted about eight 

seconds. The temblor was a series of vicious twisters. Pickett's residence and wine cellar at the outskirts of town Avere badly damaged, 

the interior of the house presenting a scene of desolation. On S..F. 

Bingstrom's farm a large chimney fell and went crashing through the 

roof to the floor below. Several chimneys in town were also overthrown, but fortunately no one has been injured. Eeports from all 

over the valley show more or less damage. On the Polpula ranch, 

which contains a number of warm-water springs, the earthquake causdfcl 

the water to gush forth in perfect torrents. The first shock of the 

evening was slight and felt at 9:15. Then came the heavy one. after 

which, at intervals of an hour or so, there were eight or ten other 

shocks. More or less damage was done to every building in Sonoma 

Valley. People are greatly excited and everybody is talking ' earthquake.'

" PETALUMA, October 12. At twenty-five minutes past 10 last night 

the heaviest earthquake shock since 1868 passed through Petaluma. 

Door-bells were rung and some plastering badly cracked. The heavy 

shock was. preceded a few minutes by a light one, and after it came 

six or seven other shocks, the last one being at 5 o'clock this morning. 

Many people were kept awake most of the night. The main shock i 

lasted fully nine seconds.

li NAPA, October 12. The heaviest earthquake shock ever felt here 

was experienced at 10:34 o'clock last night. The people rushed out < 

into the streets greatly frightened, and the whole town was in commotion. The shock was especially heavy at the insane asylum, and the 

inmates were almost uncontrollable.

" The first shock came at 9:16, but it was light. At 10:29 came the 

heavy shock, which lasted forty-six seconds. It was a twisting motion from right to left. Some people fainted, and all were greatly exercised, but no fatalities are reported. Lighter shacks followed during 

the entire night. Some say there were twelve shakes, while others 

profess to have counted as high as seventeen. Some people remained 

in the street all night, and others did not sleep for fear of a repetition 

of the dread sensation. The damage will not be very heavy on any 

one building, but in the aggregate is considerable. Scores of chimneys 

are thrown down or turned three-fourths around. Many brick build-
HOLDEN.] CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD, 189t. 27

ings are badly cracked, and the wall decorations in most of the fine 

houses are badly damaged, while nearly every house had some bric-abrac and crockery destroyed. The insane asylum reports some damage to the walls and tower, but nothing serious.

" ST. HELENA, October 12. The heaviest earthquake shock ever experienced here occurred at 10:30 o'clock last evening. Houses shook, 

crockery rattled, and clocks stopped. The vibrations appeared to be 

south to north, followed half an hour later by a light shock, and one 

also at 5 o'clock this morning.

"SANTA EOSA, October 12. The severest earthquake shock felt 

here in four years occurred last night at 10:32 o'clock. The oscillations lasted forty-five seconds. A slight trembling was perceptible 

for three or four minutes.

" SAN EAFAEL, October 12. The most severe earthquake experienced here for years was felt last night at 10:26 o'clock. The 

shock lasted about twelve seconds. It was preceded by a dull rumbling noise like a heavy wagon rolling over the pavement. Much excitement was caused, and saloons and business places open at the time 

were soon relieved of their patrons, everybody seeking refuge in the 

street. Two shocks of lesser power were felt this morning about 4 

o'clock."

October 13. MOUNT HAMILTON, 11:0:30 (Prof. Holdeu). " Intensity II, Eossi-Forel scale."

Prof. Barnard reports as follows: "Three shocks of earthquake 

were felt in rapid succession. Interval between the individual shocks 

about one and a half seconds. The last of these three was the most 

severe. This occurred at 11:00:09 P. S. T. The shocks were simply 

quick jerks, and ought to have been powerful enough to wake a person from ordinary sleep."

MILLS COLLEGE, 10:28 p. m. Prof. Keep sends a very complicated 

diagram from his seismograph, indicating disturbances in all directions. 

Maximum north and south = 3'0 mm.; maximum east and west = 

4-0 mm.

The above figures are for the actual displacements of the earth.

October 14. SAN FRANCISCO. Felt in all parts of the city. Prof. 

Davidson says: "The last shake was similar to the one of the llth instant in its wave-like vibrations. Its greatest force was during the first 

seven seconds, and its entire duration was ten seconds. Time of beginning, 4:33:23 o'clock. Direction of the vibration, north and south."

Following are neAvspaper accounts:

" JSTAPA, October 14. The earth continues to tremble. Four shocks 

have been felt here this morning. At 4:30 a. m. the people were 

startled with quite a heavy shock, and several lighter ones have followed. The damage done by Sunday night's shock is much more than
28 EARTHQUAKES IN CALIFORNIA IN 1890 AND 1891. [Btti,L.M.

was at first supposed and will amount to several thousand dollars. 

Many of the people here are so terrorized that they have hardly slept . 

since Sunday evening, and the slightest shock now starts many into 

the streets."

" PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA, October 14. Another lively earthquake 

shock passed through Petaluma this morning about 4:30 o'clock, and a 

much lighter one about 7. The vibrations were north to south."

"SuisuN, October 14. Shortly after 4 o'clock this morning the'people here were aroused from their slumbers by another sharp, severe 

shock of earthquake. It was not as severe as the first one that occurred 

on Sunday night."

"SAN RAFAEL, October 14. Quite a severe earthquake shock was 

felt here this morning at 4:25 o'clock. The shock lasted about ten * 

seconds. The vibrations were from west to east."

Prof. Keep reports that the seismograph at Mills College indicated 

an actual displacement of the earth in an east and west direction 

amounting to 1 mm.

October 27. MOUNT HAMILTON, G:35:43±ls. (Prof. Holden). Intensity I or II on Eossi-Forel scale. Prof. Barnard reports this as " a 

decided shock," occurring at 6:35:44. <

November 8. ASHLAND, OREGON. Following is the newspaper 

account: "The first time an earthquake shock has been felt in Ashland 

for years was last night about 8 o'clock, when a distinct shock, though 

light and lasting only a very few seconds, caused a general rattling of 

window panes in many buildings in town. Though the shock was not 

heavy enough to cause even timid people any alarm, many unused to 

such occurrences did not realize what the disturbance was at the time."

November 29. SEATTLE. At 3:21 o'clock this afternoon two 

shocks of earthquake, lasting about five seconds each, were felt here. 

No damage was done.

The direction of the vibrations was southeast to northwest. One 

building swayed so much that the elevator bumped against the side of > 

the shaft and could not move until the shock was over. Lake Washington, on the east side of town, Avas lashed into a foam, and the water 

rolled on to the beach 2 feet above the mark of the highest water and 

3 feet above the present stage.

Eeports from Snohomish and Belliugham Bay towns say the shock 

was plainly felt there.

PORT TOWNSEND, November 29. A distinct shock of earthquake 

was felt here at 3:14 this afternoon. The shock continued fully twenty 

seconds. Buildings shook, windows rattled, and many persons rushed 

out of their houses. There was no damage done.

TACOMA, November 29. A slight earthquake was felt all over the 

city at 3:1C this afternoon. No damage was done. Dispatches say 

there was a severe shock but no damage done at Olympia.
HOLDBN.] CHRONOLOGICAL EECOKD, 1691. 29

MENDOCINO, November 29. Two shocks of earthquake were felt last 

night at 10:45 o'clock, preceded by a rumbling noise. There were twominute intervals.

December 16. MOUNT HAMILTON, 8:28:12 a. m. Prof. Schaebarle 

estimates the intensity at I on the Kossi-Forel scale.

December 21. MOUNT HAMILTON, 6:15: 41 -JL p. m. (Prof. IIolrton). Intensity II on Kossi-Forel scale.

December 29. MOUNT HAMILTON, 3:2G: 50 ± 3s. a. m. Intensity 

I to II on Kossi-Forel scale.
N
INDEX TO PLACES.

Cedar City.....................

Mnynekl.......................

Mcndocino. ....................

Mills College ..................

Mount Hamilton .12, 14, 19, 20, 22 

Kaua .................... .....

Page. 

............ 28

............ 18

............ 10

............ 15

........ 1-1, 22, 23

............ 21

............ 15

............ 19

............ 16,22

............ 24

............ 10

............ 12,14

............ 13

............ 19

............ 22

............ 15,16

............ 20

............ 18

25

St. Helena..............

Snn Pfidrn ..-....---....

....14.15,18,19,21 : San Kafivol . .............

17 39 22 24 j Sniitn, Ann.

]5 24 Santa Barbara, ..........

............ 21 Seattle..................

19 Sminnin, . . . . .......

1 3

............ 15,20

............ 16,24

............ 29 

.............19,21

.......14,18,23,27

21

Susanville . .''. ...........

TTkiah . . .......

.... 24 Visnlin,

23, 24, 25. 27, 28, 29 

.......12,16,20.27 Winters ................

Pago.

.................12,14,25

no

...........17,18,21,26,28

................... 1C

................... 13

................... 24

99

...............:... 10,21

25

................... 27

................... 24

................... 15, 20

................... 13, 19

................... 13

................... 23

...........15.17,22,25,27

...........12,15,16,21,25

................... 21

................... 13

..............21,23,27,28

1 Tl

................... 12

.................16,17,20

................... 17,27

................... 28

1 3

9P»

................... 21, 26

................... 21

on ya

................... 23 

................... 28

................... 13

................... 14

................... 24

................... 23

................... 10

................... 25

31

O