Kneeland.] 186 | [May 15, 
First shock followed at intervals of a few minutes by sharp concus- 
sions, each attended by gentle undulations, and by occasional smooth 
rumbling sounds from deep in the mountains, in a northern direetion, 
not always readily distinguishable from the heavy sounds formed at 
the foot of the Upper Yosemite. Second well defined shock about an 
hour after first, followed by another rock avalanche from the region 
of Eagle Rock. A third severe shock, a few minutes after sunrise, 
in which the movements were less sharp and quick, and a few lateral 
and vertical joltings, followed bya series of short undulations or 
quiverings, causing the light-branched and leafless oaks to whip their 
upper branches as if struck by a powerful force near the ground: 
Rocks of size of thirty feet in diameter downward, coming to rest 
at a long rough slope at the foot of the vertical wall, covering a por- 
tion of a larger slope made centuries ago, destroyed a great num- 
ber of trees, firs, pines, spruces, maples, laurels, etc., filling the air 
with a balsamic fragrance from their bruised trunks and branches: — 
Trees four feet in diameter broken clear across in lengths of ten to 
fifteen feet, and cast in drifts like straws; others battered and flat- 
tened like crushed sugar canes; some had their tops cut smoothly off 
seventy to one hundred feet from the ground by large fragments 
bounding above the main avalanche like the spray of a water fall. 
Other avalanches occurred in Indian Cajion, on the west side of 
the Cap of Liberty, and in IIlilouette Cafion. The walls were not 
more changed by this earthquake than Mirror Lake by a passing 
storm. Only visible changes, a few whitish, fresh rock patches on 
the dark walls, and a new small rock front, capped with spires, where 
Eagle Rock fell. The day following was cool and calm and bright; 
animate nature appeared the same; some two or three were fright- 
ened out of the valley. Innumerable shocks during the 26th to 27th, 
but not more than fifty were noticeable, unless by persons watching for 
them. 
First shock by far the most severe. Watched the movements of a — 
pail of water for hours. Noticed vibrations of considerable regular- 
ity in a north and south direction, seeming to be produced by im- 
pulses from the north acting horizontally, with the velocity of a blow. 
North and south vibrations constantly interrupted by impulses which 
seemed to proceed mostly from an easterly direction. A few circular, 
twisting motions were noticed; the surface of the water also at times 
dimpled and trembled as if receiving a succession of sharp blows from 
below. The rumbling under-mountain sounds were distinctly heard 
by everybody in the valley, and always as coming from the north. 
