254 EAKTHQUAKES. 



The above periods were called by Perrey critical epochs, 

 because as a general result of his researches be found that 

 at such periods there was a greater frequency of earth- 

 quakes. Fuchs, quoting from Kluge's tables, extending 

 from 1850-1857, tells us that the recorded earthquakes 

 occurred as follows : — 



In the Northern Hemisphere — 



Equinoxes ..... 1324 

 Solstices 1202 



In the Southern Hemisphere — 



Equinoxes . .... 301 

 Solstices ...... 261 



Earthquakes are, therefore, more frequent- at the equi- 

 noxes, and this especially at the autumnal equinox. In 

 the northern hemisphere, at the solstices, the greater 

 number of shocks occur about the winter solstices, whilst 

 in the southern hemisphere, about the summer solstices. 



Exceptions, however, are found in Central America 

 and the West Indies, in the Caucasus, and the ^gean 

 Sea. 



The idea that earthquakes had a periodicity dependent 

 upon the position of the heavenly bodies is by no means 

 confined to Europe. In a Japanese work called ' Jishin 

 Setsu ' (an opinion about earthquakes) by a priest called 

 Tensho, it is stated that the relative positions and move- 

 ments of the twenty-eight constellations with respect to 

 the moon cause earthquakes. This Tensho asserts after 

 careful calculation, and Falb tells us that all future earth- 

 quakes can be predicted. 



In the Kuriles and Kamschatka, Sicily, and in parts of 

 South America, it is said that the equinoxes are regarded 

 as dangerous seasons. 



Frequency of earthquakes in relation to the seasons 

 and months, — What is here said respecting the relative 



