PREVIOUS NOTICES. 3? 



that such elevations and depressions were in every instance only the 

 secondary results of the earth -motion, their very existence depending on 

 peculiar conditions of structure. 



Dr. F. Stoliczka pointed out how easily this throwing up of sand 

 and water, which had been also noticed in previous earthquakes, could 

 be explained if there existed a distinct stratum of sand below the 

 layer of surface clay or soil. As soon as the fissures were formed, the 

 slightest undulating motion would shift and force up the loosened sand, 

 the force with whieh it was brought to the surface depending upon 

 the local pressure under which the sand and water stood. 



Mr, H» F. Blanford noticed the contradictory nature of the re- 

 ports. He was quite unable to form a correct idea as to the velocity 

 with which the wave had travelled. In one case he was informed that 

 the water, which came up through one of the fissures, was 9° higher 

 in temperature than the annual mean temperature of the locality. This 

 increase was more likely the result of chemical agencies, decomposition 

 of organic substances, &c, than due to the great depth from which 

 it was supposed to have come up. 



At the same meeting, and in fact giving rise to the preceding verbal 

 notices, a paper was read by Captain Godwin-Austen, who, in charge 

 of a party of the Topographical Survey of India, was at the time of 

 the earthquake encamped near Assaloo, in North Cachar. He notices 

 that the shock came without the least warning, a sound or rumbling, 

 more or less loud, being generally heard for a few seconds before. The 

 elevation above sea-level of his camp \vas about 3,000 feet near the base 

 of a range with peaks rising to 6,000 feet. He alludes to the state of the 

 weather, and states that there was nothing unusual or peculiar about the 

 appearance of either the sky or the weather, but notices a rapid clearino« 

 off of great haziness toward the west which had just before prevented 

 his seeing the hills in that direction. 



Captain Godwin-Austen states that the earthquake was ushered 

 in by one or two long waves of motion, succeeded in about 20 seconds 

 "by others much higher and following in rapid succession, followed 



( 37 ) 



