NOTES ON THE JAMAICA EARTHQUAKE 703 
of the shock it slowly settled, covering everything with a thick white 
mantle of fine calcareous silt. 
EFFECT ON INHABITANTS, ETC. 
Behavior during earthquake.—The greater part of the inhabitants 
of the island of Jamaica are negroes or mulattoes, although a very 
considerable number of whites reside in the cities, especially in Kings- 
ton and Port Royal. The negroes, although Christianized, retain 
Fic. 3.—Wreckage in area of severe disturbance. In places the ruin was so 
complete that streets could be traced only with difficulty. (Photo by Cleary’s Studio, 
Kingston.) 
many of their superstitions and are very demonstrative, a fact which 
had an important bearing on their behavior and attitude during and 
subsequent to the earthquake. ‘The very first shock threw them 
into the greatest fright, but it was far from a paralyzing fright either 
as regards speech or motion, for the majority fled precipitately from 
their houses into the streets and open places as a howling mob, 
alternately screaming and praying, sometimes, it is said, both at once. 
Even after the vibrations had ceased the excitement and noise con- 
tinued for some time, and the greatest confusion prevailed. The 
police and troops were soon out, however. and the wrecked district 
