Geology. 



Ill 



In the valley of San Inez, to the south and west of Santa Barbara, the 

 rains now known as the " Mission Viejo," were then produced ; the dis- 

 tance between Capistrano and San Inez being about 1*70 miles. The 

 shock which destroyed this building occurred about one hour after the 

 former, and the inhabitants had left the building but a few minutes 

 before it fell, service having closed. The first shock felt here prostrated 

 the building, as in the preceding case. 



A Spanish ship which lay at anchor off San Buenaventura, 38 miles 

 from Santa Barbara, was much injured by the shock, and leaked to that 

 extent that it became necessary to beach her and remove the most of 

 her cargo. 



It is an interesting fact, and at the same time somewhat remarkable, 

 that the time which elapsed between the occurrence of the shocks at 

 Capistrano and San Inez is widely different from what we should look for, 

 when the distance apart and velocity of motion in earthquakes are taken 

 into consideration. 



The effect of this earthquake on the sea, in the bay of Santa Barbara, 

 is described as follows : " The sea was observed to recede from the shore 

 during the continuance of the shocks, and left the latter dry for a consid- 

 erable distance, when it returned in five or six heavy rollers, which over- 

 flowed the plain on which Santa Barbara is built. The inhabitants saw 

 the recesssion of the sea, and being aware of the danger on its return, 

 fletl to the adjoining hills near the town to escape the probable deluge. 



The sea on its return flowed inland little more than half a mile, and 

 reached the lower part of the town, doing but trifling damage, destroying 

 trrree small adobe buildings. 



Very little damage was done to the houses in town from the effects of 

 the shocks, while the Mission at the San Inez was prostrated almost in- 

 stantly. There is no evidence that I can find, that this earthquake was 

 felt in San Luis Obispo, though such has been the report. 



Prior to 1812 I have not been able to learn of the occurrence of 

 earthquakes that were particularly severe or destructive. There is evi- 

 dence against any heavy shakings in the fact that from the foundation of 

 the first Mission at San Diego in 1769, a period of eighty-six years has 

 passed, during which time, but one, and that the above, finds a place 

 either in their history or the memory of those now living. 



From the date of the above to the year 1850, we have no record of 

 the occurrence of these phenomena, other than the fact that light and 

 repeated shocks were common in the country. 



During 1850 the following shocks were recorded, but it is probable 

 that several were not noted, as we find their frequency bears no relation 

 to those which have occurred during subsequent years. 



1850. March 12. — A light shock was felt in San Jose. 



May 13. — A light shock in San Francisco. An eruption of Mauna 

 Loa, Hawaii, on the same day. 



June 28. — A light shock in San Francisco. 



August 4. — A smart shock was felt in Stockton and Sacramento. 



Sept. 14. — Smart shock at San Francisco and San Jose. Total num- 

 ber recorded in 1850, five. 



