CALIFORNIA, 329 
strata older than cretaceous, tertiary and cretaceous rocks being in 
the whole of that examined by the Geological Survey, and by 
private parties so far. 
Both of the formations more or less metamorphosed, and much 
distorted since their deposition. Volcanic and granitic rocks occur; 
but neither forms a conspicuous part of the system as a whole. 
The system, believed by many, does not extend farther south 
than 33°, nor farther north than 42°, or almost entirely within a 
length of 550 miles. On either side of this they are feebly 
represented, and apparently die out at these limits. In breadth 
remarkably uniform for over 800 miles; but each side of the 
middle they swell out to sixty miles or over. Changes of level 
have taken place down to very modern times. 
Hot springs are numerous, occurring along nearly the whole 
length of the chain, and in many of the ranges. 
Quicksilver found almost throughout the coast ranges in the 
metamorphic cretaceous rocks, gold being also obtained from the 
same source in the Cimiabar. 
Silver also lately found in these ranges, and with copper, tin, 
iron, sulphur, manganese, antimony, asphaltum, and mineral oils, 
will make their exploration of great value in the future. 
In an account of some geological rambles in the coast range, 
Yosemite Valley, and Sierra Nevada, the lecturer described the 
main features met with in passing from the sea to the tops of the 
Sierra Nevada, or across the mountain systems at right angles. 
In remarks on the coal found in the cretaceous system of the 
coast ranges, mention was made that the coal, like all other of a 
later geological period than the true carboniferous, contained a 
considerable amount of water (14 per cent.), which is driven off in 
drying. The analysis given was: 
Water. “ : : é Pei i 
Bituminous substances : : . 33°89 
Fixed Carbon . : . : . 46°84 
Ash é F : : : Se 20 
The sources of gold divided into three distinct classes. 
lst. Auriferous veins most frequently enclosed in metamorphic 
slates. 
2nd. Deposits of alluvial gold occupying the beds of ancient 
rivers. 
