340 



Scientific Intelligence. [No. 10, new series. 



Earthquakes in Southern India. 

 (Communicated by Government.) 

 Letters from T. 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. 1 ^ IeCeived * r6 P 0rt * fr0m m >' 



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 hojjbr 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. m. 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 acccunt,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 



