EARTHQUAKES ON THE PACIFIC COAST 155 



P:ARTHQUAKES on the PAGIPIC coast, 1891. 

 1891. Jannary 2. 



Generally felt throughout the State. 



1801. liick Observatory (3Ioiiiit Hamilton), January 2; 12Ii. Om. 18«. 



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. No damage 

 was done to the instruments. The earthquake registers indicate 

 by far the severest shock since 1868 in northern California. Its 

 intensity was VII on the Rossi-Forel scale. The pen of the duplex 

 seismometer was thrown completely off the glass plate. Some 

 definite idea of the force may be had w^hen 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 miantel were overthrown. The large 

 telescope is secured to its base by four holding-down bolts, and 

 it is as safe as it can be made. (Professor Holden.) 



San Francisco was visited by two distinct shocks of earthquake 

 at noon yesterday (Jan. 2). 



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. Long, roll- 

 ing shock, duration 33 sec. — T. T. 



1891. Santa Crnz, January 2. 



There was a heavy earthquake here at 12.02 this afternoon. The 

 shock, which passed from southwest to northeast, lasted ten sec- 

 onds, and was the heaviest felt here in years. Only ver3^ slight 

 damage was done, but the people were greatly frightened (VII). 



1891. Salinas, January 2. 



A very severe shock at 12 o'clock noon to-day. The vibrations were 

 from north to south. 



1891. El Verano, January 2, 



A severe shock at 12.20 o'clock. It moved from southeast to north- 

 west. Houses were shaken up. 



1891. liOS Gatos, January 2. 



A sharp shock was preceded by a rumbling sound at 12.01 o'clock 

 this afternoon. The duration of the shock was fifteen seconds. 



1 23s. later than at Mount Hamilton. 



