1844.] Memoir on Indian Earthquakes. 975 



temperature is an almost invariable accompaniment of such shocks. 

 Parts I and II, present many examples; but a few of the principal 

 only need be stated in illustration of the point under notice. During 

 the great shock of June, 1819, it is stated that " the heat for the last 

 two or three days has been excessive. " Relative to the weather preceding 

 the Jellalabad shock of the 19th February 1842, Captain Eyre remarks, 

 " On the 6th we had a heavy fall of rain since which the weather has 

 become exceedingly close, this morning (the 19th), it was observed that 

 an unusual degree of heat and stillness pervaded the air." An interesting 

 notice occurs regarding another Jellalabad shock under date the 21st 

 July 1842, it is as follows: ft a severe shock of an earthquake was ex- 

 perienced at Jellalabad on the 21st at a little past 9 p. m., a reduction 

 of temperature followed it." The Calcutta earthquake of the 11th 

 November 1 842, was also preceded by very hot weather, as were those 

 of the 21st and 23d May of the same year. A specific statement of the 

 condition of the Thermometer at Calcutta during the great Chittagong 

 earthquake of April 1762, is given by the Rev. Mr. Hirst whore- 

 marks, " the heights of the Thermometer on Farenheit's scaie was 

 then at Calcutta, 95.30," much higher than it had been observed to be 

 during the whole month. The preceding will suffice to shew that 

 great heat is a characteristic of the weather accompanying earthquakes 

 in this country, the high temperature seems to precede the shock, a 

 decrease to follow it. 



It has formerly been remarked that the largest portion of shocks 

 occur, during the months between May and October, or the hot and 

 rainy seasons of our year. May, usually the hottest month of the year, 

 shews the largest number of shocks, a number indeed as may be seen 

 on referring to the table of distribution of shocks throughout the year, 

 very much greater than any of the rest. The inference from par- 

 ticular cases of earthquakes is therefore confirmed by the result of 

 the general examination of the whole number recorded. 



c. Pluviometric. Heavy rain although certainly not an invariable, 

 is a very frequent accompaniment of earthquakes in India; the 

 rain in some instances follows, in others precedes the shocks. The 

 Nepaul earthquake of August 1833, is an instance of the former, it 

 being noted, " that torrents of rain fell in the valley, washing down 

 the walls that had formerly only been shaken." Relative to the 



