256 Scientific Intelligence. 
cupy the surface, as is well seen in a crater-like depression on the south- 
west side of the narrow arm of the lake, called “ Thurston’s Lake,” which 
is partly covered by water, and surrounded on all sides by ri cliffs of 
volcanic rocks, appearing as if it might have been one of the vents from 
which the er uptive matter, obsidian, ashes and pumice, so abadaale in 
this region, were ejecte d. On the eastern side of the narrow arm of 
ting strongly a cross-fracture in this region, through which the voleanic 
agencies have made themselves SE te and which probably connects 
on the southwest with the Gey ers, thus forming a line of volcanic action 
sea if not quite across the 
ng the evidences of the Sects working of volcanic forces in this 
region, other’ is nothing more interesting and remarkable than the so- 
ealled “ Borax Lake” and its vicinity. This lake occupies a depression 
on the east side of the narrow arm of Clear Lake, from which it is sepa- 
rated by a low ridge of volcanic materials, lying loosely eo together, 
and consisting of scorize, obsidian, and pumice: The Borax Lake is of 
variable dimensions, according to the season of the year nee aha com 
ative dryness of the season. When examined (doo tet ai the 
its present level in that direction for nearly a mile. The lake is aa to 
ave been entirely dry during the summer before the great ral 
1861-62. In 1863 the water was about three feet deep. 
_ The existence of this Jake was first made known to the world by Dr. 
J. A. Veatch, who examined it in September, 1856, and detected the 
pi one orax in its waters; but it was not until some months 
_— have caused explora: rations to be made, bs ave had the w aters care- 
arge sc 
"Bh. ae eoliened fi the — Lake, in September, 1863, 48 
analyzed by G. E, Moore, contained 2401-56 grains of solid matter t0 
the pitlon of which about one-half was common salt, one-quarter cat 
bonate of soda, and the remainder chiefly borate of soda, there bein, 
281-48 grains of the anhydrous biborate, equal to 535-08 of crystalli 
borax to the gallon. ‘Traces of iodids and bromids were also d ‘ 
from the interior of a coffer-dam sunk in the 
lpi 
te OS ees 
