38 



The wood is heavy, close, fine grained timber, in texture and color 

 resembling the apple tree, although far superior. Apparently the 

 most suitable for engraving of any native timber we have known. 

 We think it worthy of the attention of artists. 



To the turner, carver, and cabinet maker, the wood is invaluable ; 

 suitable for the finest work, it takes a beautiful polish, and is probably 

 equal, if not superior, in durability to many others of this almost inde- 

 structible family of forest trees. We have had in our possession, for 

 the last two years, a specimen from the main land, from which we 

 made an incomplete drawing ; but as the fruit was in the green half- 

 grown state, we had not deemed it proper to take public notice of it, 

 until the reception of full and complete specimens from Cerros Island, 

 from Dr. J. A. Veatch. The specimen alluded to was also furnished 

 by Dr. Veatch from the vicinity of New Idria. 



If the bark were removed, allowing the tree to stand and partially 

 season, before cutting it, with other suitable precautions, perhaps it 

 would work without warping. We hope those living in its vicinity 

 will furnish us with the results of their experience. 



Dr. J. B. Trask presented the following paper: 



Eahthquakes in California during 1858. — During the past 

 year, we have had occasion to note the occurrence of eight shocks of 

 earthquake in this State, This number is one-half less than tliat in 

 1857, and one-third less the number in 1856. The shocks, with one 

 exception, have been unmarked by anything like violence, being little 

 else than mere vibrations or tremors, not noticeable by the great ma- 

 jority of the people. They are as follows : 



Feb. 10th. — A smart shock at Kanaka Flat, Sierra Co. No time 

 noted. 



Feb. 15th. — A light shock in San Francisco at 4" 20"". Was 

 observed in the county of San Mateo ten miles south of the city. 



Aui^. 19th.— A light shock in San Francisco at 22'^ 10'". The 

 motion was east to west and was undulatory. 



Sept. 2d. — A smart shock at Santa Barbara, no time given. 



Sept, 3d. — A smart shock in San Jos6 at 0*^ 40"^. This shock was 

 felt at Santa Cruz, 25 miles west, and was evidently more marked in 

 strength at that locality. No damage. 



Sept. 12th.— A smart shock at San Francisco at 19^ 40™. The 

 motion was from north to south. There were two vibrations with undu- 

 latory movements lasting about fifteen seconds. 



Sept. 26th.— A light shock at San Francisco at 1" 26'". 



Nov. 26th. — A heavy shock at San Francisco at C' 34'". This 

 shock was by far the heaviest during the year, it awoke most people 

 from slumber and created no little alarm ; persons left their beds and 

 sought cooler situations with less attire than is usually worn. The iron 



