340 



Scientific Intelligence. [No. 10, new series. 



Earthquakes in Southern India. 

 (Communicated by Government.) 

 Letters fromT. J. Knox, Esq., Officiating Collector of Salem, dated 

 20th December 1859, No. 174, and 27th January 1860, No. 11. 

 " I have the honor to report for the information of Government, 



• Dated 17th December 1859. * at 1 reCeiVed a re P OTt * fl ' 0m m 7 



Head Assistant Collector, Mr. Boswell, 



that at Tripatore between 5 and 6 a. m., on the morning of the 17th 

 December 1859, there was a distinct and palpable shock of an earth- 

 quake very generally felt. It forcibly shook the house where the 

 Head Assistant Collector resides, the doors being jerked somewhat 

 violently and plaster fell from the roof. The shock was a single 

 one, and not repeated, but the rumbling sound which accompanied 

 it lasted for 30 seconds and appeared to the ear to move straight 

 away unlike the sound of thunder. 



" 2. Mr. Boswell also mentions that a similar sound as of an 

 earthquake was distinctly heard there about 5 p. m. on 30th No- 

 vember, which might be compared with the roll of a heavy train of 

 Artillery passing. On both these occasions the sky was clear and 

 fair. 



" 3. No damage of any kind appears to have occurred." 



" I have the honor to inform you that 3 shocks of an earthquake 

 were felt at Salem and Peddinaickenpolliem on the night of the 

 17th instant, Tuesday ; the first shock was felt at 10 p. m., the 

 second at 12 p. m., and the last one at 4 a. i. I have heard of no 

 accident having occurred. 



" 2. Peddinaickenpolliem is 24 miles distant from Salem to the 

 Eastward, I have not received a very particular account, but should 

 I hear any interesting facts connected with this natural phenome- 

 non, I will duly report them " 



Letter from J. D. Robinson, Esq., Acting Collector of North Arcot, 

 dated Mahendravadi, 7th February 1860, No. 31. 

 " I have the honor to append free translations of two native re- 

 ports just received. The shock therein described appears to have 

 been very partial, as nothing of the kind was noticed in the Palar 



