120 PROCEEDINGS OP THE CALIFORNIA 



under Maj. Daniel G. Major, who had correctly determined the in- 

 tersection of the 42d parallel of latitude with the 120th degree of 

 longitude. Major's party were unable to find the monument 

 erected by the party which had previously, by order of Nevada and 

 Cahfornia, established the boundary between those States. The line 

 run by this party was about two miles to the eastward. It was 

 probably accurate enough for the purpose of the State survey, which 

 was mainly prosecuted to determine on which side of the boundary 

 Honey Lake Valley was located ; but it would not serve for an ex- 

 act boundary. In connection with this subject, Professor Whitney 

 said that Goose Lake, adjoining the northeastern boundary, had 

 materially increased its volume of late. It had formerly no out- 

 let, but is now pouring a large volume of water into Pit River, and 

 some apprehensions are felt lest its flooding may do damage. 

 All the lakes in that region have increased their volume within a 

 few years, and are still rising. The subject was one worthy of 

 special inquiry, and when the Geological Survey reached the 

 region he said he would endeavor to collect accurate information 

 concerning it. 



The subject of earthquake shocks was briefly discussed, and Prof. 

 Whitney moved the appointment of a committee to inquire as to the 

 best instrument for recording such phenomena, and the proper place 

 to fix it. He thought the Academy might make some very useful 

 observations, with a good instrument. 



Dr. Gibbons and Mr. Williams described several simple and in- 

 expensive methods of recording earthquake shocks, but Prof. Whit- 

 ney contended they were not exact enough for scientific purposes. 



The motion was finally adopted, and the Chair appointed Prof. 

 Whitney, Dr. Gibbons, Prof. Davidson and Col. Williamson a com- 

 mittee to carry out its object. 



Dr. Cooper made some interesting remarks in regard to the con- 

 nection of earthquake phenomena with the dry climatic zones, and 

 the destruction of ancient cities in Asia. 



Mr. Hanks stated that he was engaged in the analysis of some 

 water obtained from a spring near this city, which contained so 

 much iodine that, without condensing, it gave a strong reaction 

 when the proper test was applied. A full statement of the analysis 

 will be made to the Academy. 



