401 
along the above-mentioned line of weakness. Be it as it may, 
it is certainly remarkable that the greater number of earth- 
quakes in the world occur in volcanic countries, but not 
actually at voleanoes. They usually originate on or near the 
foot of a slope beneath deep water. Eighty per cent. of the 
earthquakes in Japan have such an origin. The great earth- 
quakes of South America, which are sometimes propagated to 
the shores of this colony as a series of sea waves, originate 
beneath the deep water off the western coast of that continent. 
Many of the earthquakes of New Zealand have originated 
beneath the ocean at the entrance to Cook’s Straits. 
“ Lastly, we have the earthquakes which have so recently 
been felt in Melbourne, probably originating, as pointed out 
by Captain Shortt, near to the edge of the 2,000 fathom line 
off the north east shore of Tasmania.” 
REPORTS ON THE HARTHQUAKE SHocks, 1885. 
January 1—Barque Free Trader at sea, when 80 miles to 
the Eastward of Flinders Island, experienced a severe shock 
at 2p.m., duration about 10 seconds. 
January 31.—The Superintendent of Swan Island Light 
House reports that a shock was felt at 12h. 36m. a.m. The 
Light House appeared to rock, and everything seemed to be 
on the move for several seconds. 
February 27.—9h. 35m. p.m. at Swan Island, severe shock, 
was reported as remarkable, as during several seconds, the 
iron roof on Superintendent’s dwelling house sounded as if 
it was tearing in all directions, but no damage was sustained. 
March 21. and 30.—Medium strong. 
May 13.—This shock was the heaviest experienced since 
September 19, 1884, and the great distance the shock was 
felt from the centre of disturbance shows it to be as strong 
as the very severe one of July 13th last year. Extending to 
Corrina to the Westward, Melbourne N. W.; and to the 
North to Candello, which is 258 miles South of Sydney. It 
was felt severely at Hobart and Launceston. Vessels lying 
alongside the wharves at Hobart were surging backwards and 
forwards, as if there was a ground swell moving the 
ships. 
Also at Sandridge the effect on the shipping was most 
noticeable. 
Mr. J. R. Hurst, of Moorina, in describing the shock, states: 
that he saw cats and dogs flying about the yard, in great 
alarm, and a mob of cattle grazing in a paddock in the same- 
state; dead standing trees in the clearing were moving about 
in nearly a North and South direction, and small branches. 
fallmg from them, wave-like motions were observed upon. 
the earth under foot, 
