Earthquakes in California during 1864.BY DR. JOHN B. TRASK.Feb. 26th, 0 h. 40 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At 5 h. 45 m. a smart shock, having three distinct vibrations. On the day previous, an “Electric Storm” prevailed between Visalia, Tulare Co., and Los Angeles, which was very violent in its effects on the telegraph lines.On the 27th, a heavy “Norther” commenced and continued till the eve of the 28th. This earthquake was felt at San José, fifty miles south, at the same hour, and was marked by two very smart shocks following each other in quick succession.March 5th, 8 h. 49 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco. The earthquake began at the above hour. The first wave was in a direction north and south, and lasted one and three-fourths seconds. Nearly one and a half seconds elapsed before the second shock, which occurred at forty-nine minutes, three seconds past eight o’clock, and had a duration of one and one-half seconds. The motion in this shock was rotatory.Magnetism wasnotsuspended in this nor either of the other shocks, this year. The total length of time included in this earthquake, was nearly 5 seconds. These observations were made at the height of 20 feet 4 inches above the ground, but persons situated at a greater height felt the vibrations longer and more severely.We have brief details of this earthquake from Santa Rosa, at the north, to Santa Cruz at the south, and from Stockton at the east, for which we acknowledge our obligations to the Telegraph Company. At Santa Rosa it occurred at 8 h. 50 m. the shock was light. At Petaluma 8 h. 50 m., also light. At Stocktonabout9 h., shock was severe. At Santa Clara 8 h. 40 m., the shocks were very severe. The church spires waved to and fro, and the earthquake is reported to have continued over two minutes, with light vibrations between the heavier waves. At Santa Cruz no time is given.March 10th, 14 h. 8 m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco.”” 16 h. 30 m.—Another shock at San Francisco, marked by two distinct vibrations and lasting three and one-half seconds.March 20th, 23 h. 45 m.—A light shock of earthquake having four distinct tremors, and occupying a little more than three seconds.March 22d, 13 h. 0 m.—A smart shock was felt at Stockton, causing some little commotion.May 20th, 18 h. 1 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At Stockton the shock was quite severe and occurred nine minutes later. At San José it also was very sharp. At Napa the earthquake, which was quite severe atthis place, occurred at 18 h. 57 m. At Sacramento the shocks occurred at 18 h.: and was very severe. There were two distinct waves felt at this locality. This earthquake was felt as far north as Long Valley, in Mendocino County, and was followed by two loud reports like artillery, almost instantly.June 6th, 11 h. 7 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco.June 22d, 20 h. 53 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of three distinct waves and a profound low rumbling sound. Each of the shocks were marked by a peculiar abruptness, like sudden sharp jolts. They were followed by a series of lessening tremors which gradually died away.This earthquake was felt as far north as Healdsburg, (about 80 miles distant), at Napa, at Pacheco, at Stockton, and at San José, south of this city fifty-two miles, making a distance of one hundred and thirty-two miles, north and south, over which its influence was well marked.July 5th, 20 h. 3 m.—An earthquake at San Francisco, not severe; this consisted of four distinct vibrations occurring during a period of seven minutes. The second vibration and the longest lasted nineteen seconds. The shortest vibration was six seconds in length. The elapsed time between the waves varied from forty seconds to one and one-fourth minutes.July 21st, 2 h. 7 m.—A smart shock was felt at San Francisco.”” 22 h. 40 m. 38 s.—A very smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of two waves at four seconds apart. The direction of the motion was north thirteen degrees east. The displacement was one and a fourth inches, at twenty feet four inches from the ground. Pendulum suspension eighteen inches.The earthquake was experienced at San José at the same hour, and consisted of four strong shocks. At Stockton the earthquake was severe, and took place twelve minutes later than at this city. The earthquake was felt at Los Angeles, but was not very heavy. No time is given from this latter locality.July 25th, 23 h. 56 m.—A shock of earthquake at Los Angeles.Aug. 17th, 22 h. 39 m.—A light shock of earthquake at Nevada and vicinity.Aug. 18th, 5 h. 18 m.—A very strong shock of earthquake was experienced at Grass Valley and Nevada, which threw down a wall of stone and brick in the well of Dr. Fellows. This earthquake was felt at Gibsonville at the north and at Marysville to the west; at the latter locality it was twelve minutes later than at Grass Valley.Sept. 6th, 10 h. 3 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco.Sept. 20th, 11 h. 0 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San José; it was observed at the Mission Dolores.Sept. 27th, 10 h. 32 m.—A heavy shock at Mission San Juan, Monterey Co.Oct. 6th, 21 h. 9 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco.Oct. 14th, 1 h. 8 m.—Two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt at Mission San Juan, and another severe shock at 10 h. 25 m., the movement was from west to east.Dec. 11th, 20 h. 52 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco. This shock was felt at San José at 20 h. 51 m., and was evidently more severe there than at San Francisco.During 1864, we have had twenty-one days on which earthquakes have occurred, and of at number there have been two days, (March 10th and July 21st) inwhich more than one shock has taken place within the twenty-four hours of each day.TheBritish Colonist, of Victoria, Vancouver Island, furnishes the following statement:From a gentleman who has resided on Vancouver Island for 15 years, we learn that slight earthquakes have occurred annually, with one or two exceptions, during the entire period. Only on one occasion (1858) does he remember experiencing a shock at all approaching in severity that of Saturday morning, October 29th 1864. The oscillation, as on this last occasion, has almost invariably been from west to east: and he accounts for this, by supposing that the internal convulsion of the earth beneath, has to find vent in the crater of Mount Baker, situated to the east of us. This volcano has not had any visible eruption for several years. On the last occasion, it sent up a dense volume of smoke, and occasionally a bright flame was seen to issue from the fiery furnace. Another old resident informs us, that the appearance of the summit of Mount Baker has undergone a material change within late years, giving room for the conjecture that large portions have crumbled away and descended into the yawning abyss of the crater which lies between the two highest peaks.Relating to earthquakes at San Francisco and its immediate vicinity, we have an item of interesting information relating to their effects at the Farrallones Islands, situated some fifteen miles to the west of the city. It appears, upon the testimony of the lighthouse-keeper at these Islands, and who has resided there for several years, (seven or eight), that buttwoof the whole number occurring at this city, have been felt at the Islands, and of these he made an official record. The first was the shock of Dec. 23d, 1862, and that of June 22d, 1864.From 1857 to date, we have seven years, during which time twenty-five shocks have been authenticated at San Francisco, while two only of the number have been felt at the above locality west of the city.
BY DR. JOHN B. TRASK.
Feb. 26th, 0 h. 40 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At 5 h. 45 m. a smart shock, having three distinct vibrations. On the day previous, an “Electric Storm” prevailed between Visalia, Tulare Co., and Los Angeles, which was very violent in its effects on the telegraph lines.
On the 27th, a heavy “Norther” commenced and continued till the eve of the 28th. This earthquake was felt at San José, fifty miles south, at the same hour, and was marked by two very smart shocks following each other in quick succession.
March 5th, 8 h. 49 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco. The earthquake began at the above hour. The first wave was in a direction north and south, and lasted one and three-fourths seconds. Nearly one and a half seconds elapsed before the second shock, which occurred at forty-nine minutes, three seconds past eight o’clock, and had a duration of one and one-half seconds. The motion in this shock was rotatory.
Magnetism wasnotsuspended in this nor either of the other shocks, this year. The total length of time included in this earthquake, was nearly 5 seconds. These observations were made at the height of 20 feet 4 inches above the ground, but persons situated at a greater height felt the vibrations longer and more severely.
We have brief details of this earthquake from Santa Rosa, at the north, to Santa Cruz at the south, and from Stockton at the east, for which we acknowledge our obligations to the Telegraph Company. At Santa Rosa it occurred at 8 h. 50 m. the shock was light. At Petaluma 8 h. 50 m., also light. At Stocktonabout9 h., shock was severe. At Santa Clara 8 h. 40 m., the shocks were very severe. The church spires waved to and fro, and the earthquake is reported to have continued over two minutes, with light vibrations between the heavier waves. At Santa Cruz no time is given.
March 10th, 14 h. 8 m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco.
”” 16 h. 30 m.—Another shock at San Francisco, marked by two distinct vibrations and lasting three and one-half seconds.
March 20th, 23 h. 45 m.—A light shock of earthquake having four distinct tremors, and occupying a little more than three seconds.
March 22d, 13 h. 0 m.—A smart shock was felt at Stockton, causing some little commotion.
May 20th, 18 h. 1 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At Stockton the shock was quite severe and occurred nine minutes later. At San José it also was very sharp. At Napa the earthquake, which was quite severe atthis place, occurred at 18 h. 57 m. At Sacramento the shocks occurred at 18 h.: and was very severe. There were two distinct waves felt at this locality. This earthquake was felt as far north as Long Valley, in Mendocino County, and was followed by two loud reports like artillery, almost instantly.
June 6th, 11 h. 7 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco.
June 22d, 20 h. 53 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of three distinct waves and a profound low rumbling sound. Each of the shocks were marked by a peculiar abruptness, like sudden sharp jolts. They were followed by a series of lessening tremors which gradually died away.
This earthquake was felt as far north as Healdsburg, (about 80 miles distant), at Napa, at Pacheco, at Stockton, and at San José, south of this city fifty-two miles, making a distance of one hundred and thirty-two miles, north and south, over which its influence was well marked.
July 5th, 20 h. 3 m.—An earthquake at San Francisco, not severe; this consisted of four distinct vibrations occurring during a period of seven minutes. The second vibration and the longest lasted nineteen seconds. The shortest vibration was six seconds in length. The elapsed time between the waves varied from forty seconds to one and one-fourth minutes.
July 21st, 2 h. 7 m.—A smart shock was felt at San Francisco.
”” 22 h. 40 m. 38 s.—A very smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of two waves at four seconds apart. The direction of the motion was north thirteen degrees east. The displacement was one and a fourth inches, at twenty feet four inches from the ground. Pendulum suspension eighteen inches.
The earthquake was experienced at San José at the same hour, and consisted of four strong shocks. At Stockton the earthquake was severe, and took place twelve minutes later than at this city. The earthquake was felt at Los Angeles, but was not very heavy. No time is given from this latter locality.
July 25th, 23 h. 56 m.—A shock of earthquake at Los Angeles.
Aug. 17th, 22 h. 39 m.—A light shock of earthquake at Nevada and vicinity.
Aug. 18th, 5 h. 18 m.—A very strong shock of earthquake was experienced at Grass Valley and Nevada, which threw down a wall of stone and brick in the well of Dr. Fellows. This earthquake was felt at Gibsonville at the north and at Marysville to the west; at the latter locality it was twelve minutes later than at Grass Valley.
Sept. 6th, 10 h. 3 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco.
Sept. 20th, 11 h. 0 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San José; it was observed at the Mission Dolores.
Sept. 27th, 10 h. 32 m.—A heavy shock at Mission San Juan, Monterey Co.
Oct. 6th, 21 h. 9 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco.
Oct. 14th, 1 h. 8 m.—Two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt at Mission San Juan, and another severe shock at 10 h. 25 m., the movement was from west to east.
Dec. 11th, 20 h. 52 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco. This shock was felt at San José at 20 h. 51 m., and was evidently more severe there than at San Francisco.
During 1864, we have had twenty-one days on which earthquakes have occurred, and of at number there have been two days, (March 10th and July 21st) inwhich more than one shock has taken place within the twenty-four hours of each day.
TheBritish Colonist, of Victoria, Vancouver Island, furnishes the following statement:
From a gentleman who has resided on Vancouver Island for 15 years, we learn that slight earthquakes have occurred annually, with one or two exceptions, during the entire period. Only on one occasion (1858) does he remember experiencing a shock at all approaching in severity that of Saturday morning, October 29th 1864. The oscillation, as on this last occasion, has almost invariably been from west to east: and he accounts for this, by supposing that the internal convulsion of the earth beneath, has to find vent in the crater of Mount Baker, situated to the east of us. This volcano has not had any visible eruption for several years. On the last occasion, it sent up a dense volume of smoke, and occasionally a bright flame was seen to issue from the fiery furnace. Another old resident informs us, that the appearance of the summit of Mount Baker has undergone a material change within late years, giving room for the conjecture that large portions have crumbled away and descended into the yawning abyss of the crater which lies between the two highest peaks.
Relating to earthquakes at San Francisco and its immediate vicinity, we have an item of interesting information relating to their effects at the Farrallones Islands, situated some fifteen miles to the west of the city. It appears, upon the testimony of the lighthouse-keeper at these Islands, and who has resided there for several years, (seven or eight), that buttwoof the whole number occurring at this city, have been felt at the Islands, and of these he made an official record. The first was the shock of Dec. 23d, 1862, and that of June 22d, 1864.
From 1857 to date, we have seven years, during which time twenty-five shocks have been authenticated at San Francisco, while two only of the number have been felt at the above locality west of the city.
Dr. Kellogg in the chair.
Twelve members present.
Mr. Melville Attwood was elected a resident member.
A communication was read from Rev. J. M. Neri, acknowledging his election; also one from M. Le Normand.
President in the chair.
Fourteen members present.
Mr. Charles F. Hoffman was elected a resident member.
Prof. J. D. Dana, of Yale College, was elected a Corresponding member.
Prof. W. P. Blake communicated the following:
New Mineral Oil Regions in the Tulare Valley.BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.Recent examinations of prospecting parties, have added largely to the well-known oil-bearing portions of the State. A district some sixty miles in length, on the inner slopes of the Coast mountains, towards the Tulare Valley, has been found to abound in oil springs, or indications of oil. Oil exudes from the surface in large quantities, and collects rapidly in small pits sunk by prospectors. The soil about these pits is very black and saturated with oil. The gases escaping from this soil are inflammable, and many of the prospectors have been startled to see flames spreading over the ground, beyond their camp fires. In digging pits about these springs, large quantities of bones of various kinds have been thrown out, and all are wonderfully well preserved. These bones appear chiefly those of the horse, deer, and elk, though there are many others which I have not been able to recognize. The teeth of the horse, sent to me, are of unusual size, and induce the question, whether they are not of greater antiquity than the present race of horses. I am assured that the variety of bones and teeth of many kinds is very great.The oil found gives an excellent article for lubricating purposes, and must be very similar to the oil found near Zanesville, Ohio, according to the descriptions given of the latter.
BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.
Recent examinations of prospecting parties, have added largely to the well-known oil-bearing portions of the State. A district some sixty miles in length, on the inner slopes of the Coast mountains, towards the Tulare Valley, has been found to abound in oil springs, or indications of oil. Oil exudes from the surface in large quantities, and collects rapidly in small pits sunk by prospectors. The soil about these pits is very black and saturated with oil. The gases escaping from this soil are inflammable, and many of the prospectors have been startled to see flames spreading over the ground, beyond their camp fires. In digging pits about these springs, large quantities of bones of various kinds have been thrown out, and all are wonderfully well preserved. These bones appear chiefly those of the horse, deer, and elk, though there are many others which I have not been able to recognize. The teeth of the horse, sent to me, are of unusual size, and induce the question, whether they are not of greater antiquity than the present race of horses. I am assured that the variety of bones and teeth of many kinds is very great.
The oil found gives an excellent article for lubricating purposes, and must be very similar to the oil found near Zanesville, Ohio, according to the descriptions given of the latter.
Note upon the occurrence of Sphene in the Granite of the Sierra Nevada.BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.Sphene, in small hair-brown or amber-colored crystals, appears to be abundantly distributed in the granite of the Sierra Nevada. It may be found at the sources of the American River, in the exposures of granite about Slippery Ford, and other points, and upon the Mokelumne River, further south. The crystals are seldom more than the thirty second part of an inch in diameter, and are not conspicuous, but may be found in almost any specimen of the rocks.It appears, that this mineral is also of common occurrence in the granite of the British Islands. In a report to the British Association, (1863) upon the composition of the granite of Donegal, it is stated, that the rock contains, almost universally, small crystals of sphene, in some varieties so abundantly, as to induce the authors of the Report to term it “sphene granite.” It is also observed that this mineral has long been known to exist in the granite of parts of Scotland, and in that of Galway.
BY WILLIAM P. BLAKE.
Sphene, in small hair-brown or amber-colored crystals, appears to be abundantly distributed in the granite of the Sierra Nevada. It may be found at the sources of the American River, in the exposures of granite about Slippery Ford, and other points, and upon the Mokelumne River, further south. The crystals are seldom more than the thirty second part of an inch in diameter, and are not conspicuous, but may be found in almost any specimen of the rocks.
It appears, that this mineral is also of common occurrence in the granite of the British Islands. In a report to the British Association, (1863) upon the composition of the granite of Donegal, it is stated, that the rock contains, almost universally, small crystals of sphene, in some varieties so abundantly, as to induce the authors of the Report to term it “sphene granite.” It is also observed that this mineral has long been known to exist in the granite of parts of Scotland, and in that of Galway.
Dr. Kellogg in the chair.
Ten members present.
Discussion as to various matters pertaining to Natural History.
President in the chair.
Twelve members present.
William Hillebrand, M. D., of Honolulu, S. I., was elected a corresponding member.
Donations to the Cabinet: Dr. Behr, in behalf of Mr. Smith, presented a curiously formed chicken, having four legs.
President in the chair.
Twelve members present.
Mr. Otto Schmidt and Dr. E. Cohn were elected resident members.
Donations to the Library: Descriptions of new species of Birds; presented by the author, Mr. George N. Lawrence. Catalogue of the College of California, 1864-5; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, Vol. 4, No. 4; Supplementary Catalogue of the Library Company at Philadelphia; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for September and October, 1864.
Dr. Behr read the following letters from Major Preiss, ofMazatlan, as to the efficacy of theEuphorbia prostrata, as a remedy for the bite of the rattlesnake and venomous insects:
Euphorbia Prostrata as a remedy for the bite of venomous animals.BY MAJOR EDWARD PREISS.Mazatlan, January 7th, 1865....I send you herewith a sample of Gollindrinera, (Spanish,)Euphorbia prostrata, (Linn.) It is found growing in the territories of New Mexico and Arizona, in the United States, and the provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa, in Mexico. In Jalisco this plant is more scarce, and occurs mostly in a poor condition.It thrives in hard, sandy or stony soil, and therefore is most frequently found on roadsides, in the streets of villages and in house-yards. In Mazatlan I found a plant with branches, measuring two feet.It is a remedy against the bites of snakes and other venomous animals.During my voyage in New Mexico, I camped on the 5th of June, 1864, at noon, between Cubera and Pawate, near a waterhole. A Pueblo-Indian approached me, and entered into a conversation. He could read and write Spanish, and was very well versed on the map of the country. Noticing a snake in the waterhole, I asked him whether there were many rattlesnakes in those parts, to which he gave an affirmative answer. On questioning him whether Indians frequently died from snake-bites, he answered: “No, as they have an antidote against the poison.” At my request, accompanied by a gift of some cigarritos, he brought me a plant, which he gathered from the roadside, and which he called “Gollindrinera.” He told me that nobody ever died, not even from the bite of a rattlesnake, if this plant was applied in time. At the same time he told how it was used.In Mexico I also found the country people well acquainted with the property of this plant. They apply it when their domestic animals are injured by venomous amphibia or insects.The branches and roots of this plant contain a quantity of a milky sap. This is obtained by pounding and squeezing the plant, and is given to the patient in doses of about one drachm. The remaining fibres of the pressed-out plant are externally applied on the wound. The dose is repeated every hour,—or in aggravated cases, every half hour,—until the patient feels relieved; which will occur in a few hours. The external application must be frequently renewed.I ascertained from reliable authority, that two dogs, being bitten by rattlesnakes, were cured, one after four, and the other after six repetitions of the dose. The poultice was frequently changed. Both dogs were perfectly restored within twenty-four hours.Tepic, March 28th, 1865....Myself and companion arrived on the 14th of March, 1865, at 3 o’clock P. M.,at San Blas. In the evening, our faces, necks and hands were badly bitten by myriads of sandflies. The sting of these flies is exceedingly painful, and the effects of them last for several days. Every person visiting San Blas will not easily forget these insects; each sting produces a reddish swelling, which hardens after awhile, and sometimes remains for eight days and more. We left San Blas on the 15th of March, at 1.30 A. M., and arrived at 5 P. M. at Tepic. The fly-bites were excruciatingly painful. On the 16th we used liquid ammoniac to allay our suffering, but without result. In the forenoon of the 17th I found two small Gollindrinera plants in the streets of Tepic; I pulled it, roots and all, from the ground, broke them into several parts, and rubbed the milky juice over my sores. In half an hour all the pain had left. Not being able to find any more of the plants, my companion had to suffer for several days longer; which proves, however, that my relief from the tormenting pain was directly to be credited to the medical virtue of the Gollindrinera.During my lengthened stay among the natives of Australia, I observed that no black man ever died from the bite of a venomous reptile,—excepting always the dead-adder, (bothrops)—while a white man seldom escaped death. The remedy of the blacks is very simple, consisting merely in sucking out the wound, and in keeping awake the patient for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The dead adder (bothrops) of Australia is probably the most poisonous reptile. A black man, if bitten by this snake, will be abandoned to death by his friends, they being sure that help is out of the question. I witnessed once the death of a victim of the dead-adder.I read in an Australian paper, that a white boy, who was bitten in the finger by a dead-adder, had so much presence of mind, as to chop it off with his pocket-knife. The finger had afterwards to be regularly amputated, but the boy’s life was saved.
BY MAJOR EDWARD PREISS.
Mazatlan, January 7th, 1865.
...I send you herewith a sample of Gollindrinera, (Spanish,)Euphorbia prostrata, (Linn.) It is found growing in the territories of New Mexico and Arizona, in the United States, and the provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa, in Mexico. In Jalisco this plant is more scarce, and occurs mostly in a poor condition.
It thrives in hard, sandy or stony soil, and therefore is most frequently found on roadsides, in the streets of villages and in house-yards. In Mazatlan I found a plant with branches, measuring two feet.
It is a remedy against the bites of snakes and other venomous animals.
During my voyage in New Mexico, I camped on the 5th of June, 1864, at noon, between Cubera and Pawate, near a waterhole. A Pueblo-Indian approached me, and entered into a conversation. He could read and write Spanish, and was very well versed on the map of the country. Noticing a snake in the waterhole, I asked him whether there were many rattlesnakes in those parts, to which he gave an affirmative answer. On questioning him whether Indians frequently died from snake-bites, he answered: “No, as they have an antidote against the poison.” At my request, accompanied by a gift of some cigarritos, he brought me a plant, which he gathered from the roadside, and which he called “Gollindrinera.” He told me that nobody ever died, not even from the bite of a rattlesnake, if this plant was applied in time. At the same time he told how it was used.
In Mexico I also found the country people well acquainted with the property of this plant. They apply it when their domestic animals are injured by venomous amphibia or insects.
The branches and roots of this plant contain a quantity of a milky sap. This is obtained by pounding and squeezing the plant, and is given to the patient in doses of about one drachm. The remaining fibres of the pressed-out plant are externally applied on the wound. The dose is repeated every hour,—or in aggravated cases, every half hour,—until the patient feels relieved; which will occur in a few hours. The external application must be frequently renewed.
I ascertained from reliable authority, that two dogs, being bitten by rattlesnakes, were cured, one after four, and the other after six repetitions of the dose. The poultice was frequently changed. Both dogs were perfectly restored within twenty-four hours.
Tepic, March 28th, 1865.
...Myself and companion arrived on the 14th of March, 1865, at 3 o’clock P. M.,at San Blas. In the evening, our faces, necks and hands were badly bitten by myriads of sandflies. The sting of these flies is exceedingly painful, and the effects of them last for several days. Every person visiting San Blas will not easily forget these insects; each sting produces a reddish swelling, which hardens after awhile, and sometimes remains for eight days and more. We left San Blas on the 15th of March, at 1.30 A. M., and arrived at 5 P. M. at Tepic. The fly-bites were excruciatingly painful. On the 16th we used liquid ammoniac to allay our suffering, but without result. In the forenoon of the 17th I found two small Gollindrinera plants in the streets of Tepic; I pulled it, roots and all, from the ground, broke them into several parts, and rubbed the milky juice over my sores. In half an hour all the pain had left. Not being able to find any more of the plants, my companion had to suffer for several days longer; which proves, however, that my relief from the tormenting pain was directly to be credited to the medical virtue of the Gollindrinera.
During my lengthened stay among the natives of Australia, I observed that no black man ever died from the bite of a venomous reptile,—excepting always the dead-adder, (bothrops)—while a white man seldom escaped death. The remedy of the blacks is very simple, consisting merely in sucking out the wound, and in keeping awake the patient for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The dead adder (bothrops) of Australia is probably the most poisonous reptile. A black man, if bitten by this snake, will be abandoned to death by his friends, they being sure that help is out of the question. I witnessed once the death of a victim of the dead-adder.
I read in an Australian paper, that a white boy, who was bitten in the finger by a dead-adder, had so much presence of mind, as to chop it off with his pocket-knife. The finger had afterwards to be regularly amputated, but the boy’s life was saved.
An interesting discussion occurred as to the characteristics of various species of trees.
President in the chair.
Nine members present.
Donations to the Library: Col. Ransom presented a bound copy of Vols. I and II of the Society’s Proceedings.
Dr. Kellogg exhibited from the Academy’s herbarium, accompanied by a drawing and description, a new species ofPentachæta, very abundant on the dry hills of Marin County—Pentachæta purpureaof Kellogg.
Dr. Behr in the chair.
Seven members present.
Mr. Stearns made some remarks, and offered an appropriate resolution on the death of President Lincoln, which was ordered to be spread upon the Minutes, after which the meeting adjourned.
President in the chair.
Ten members present: Messrs. Kennicott, Dall and other gentlemen connected with the Russian American Telegraph Expedition as visitors.
Donations to the Cabinet: Specimens of native copper and native silver from the Copper Falls Mine, Keewenaw Point, Lake Superior, presented by Mr. Stearns.
Donations to the Library: Four volumes of the Congressional Globe: Finance Report, 1864; Report on the Foreign and Domestic Commerce of the United States; Patent Office Report, (Agriculture,) 1863; from the Hon. John Conness. Embryology of the Star Fish, by Alexander Agassiz, presented by the author; Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, Vol. III, 1860-63; Silliman’s Journal for March, 1865; Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The following was received from Prof. W. H. Brewer, in reference to the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous slates of California:
Occurrence of Fossils in the Auriferous Slates of California.BY PROF. W. H. BREWER.I find in publishedProceedings of the Academy, just received, that some remarks I made at the meeting of October 3d, 1864, were not published, that I wish recorded.In the discussion on the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous rocks of California, I stated that fossils had been found by the Geological Survey, in the rocks associated with gold, along a line nearly 300 miles in length, extending from Pitt River to the Mariposa Estate; that the associated rocks of similar age, bearing gold, had been traced upwards of 550 miles in the Sierra Nevadas, and thatJurassicfossils had been found in the “auriferous slates,” along a belt of 200 miles of this distance, and that bothJurassicandTriassicfossils had been found in considerable numbers near and in Genesee Valley, Plumas Co.
BY PROF. W. H. BREWER.
I find in publishedProceedings of the Academy, just received, that some remarks I made at the meeting of October 3d, 1864, were not published, that I wish recorded.
In the discussion on the occurrence of fossils in the auriferous rocks of California, I stated that fossils had been found by the Geological Survey, in the rocks associated with gold, along a line nearly 300 miles in length, extending from Pitt River to the Mariposa Estate; that the associated rocks of similar age, bearing gold, had been traced upwards of 550 miles in the Sierra Nevadas, and thatJurassicfossils had been found in the “auriferous slates,” along a belt of 200 miles of this distance, and that bothJurassicandTriassicfossils had been found in considerable numbers near and in Genesee Valley, Plumas Co.
President in the chair.
Eight members present.
Mr. John Klippart, of Columbus, Ohio, was elected a corresponding member.
Dr. Kellogg called the attention of the Academy to theŒnotheræ graciliflora, with a variety of the same. Mr. Bolander made some remarks upon the isolated position of the Red-woods upon the hills back of Oakland.
President in the chair.
Eleven members present. Dr. C. T. Jackson, R. Kennicott, and W. H. Dall, visitors.
Donations to the Cabinet: Marine shells from the neighborhood of Hong Kong, by Mr. Stearns.
Donations to the Library: Notes on the habits of somespecies of Humble Bees, and the Humble Bees of New England, by F. W. Putnam and A. S. Packard, Jr., presented by the authors; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for November and December, 1864.
Messrs. Kennicott and Dall made some remarks on the workings of the Essex Institute.
Dr. Jackson spoke of the progress and condition of the Boston Society of Natural History.
Dr. Jackson also mentioned the discovery by him, in the Mammoth Mining District, near Austin, Nevada, of Tungstate of manganese and Tungstate of lime.
President in the chair.
Nine members present.
Donations to the Cabinet: Specimen of coral from the Farallone Islands, by Mr. Hubbard; Specimens of silver and copper ores and cinnibar from Mexico, by the Editor ofLa Voz de Mejico; Skull of the Sea-otter, (dug out of the sand near the Cliff House,) by Mr. Daniel E. Webb; Fibrous bark from China, by Mr. C. A. McNulty.
Donations to the Library: Notes on the Genus Gundlachia and of the fossil crab of Gay Head, by Dr. Wm. Stimpson; Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences for January, February and March, 1865; Silliman’s Journal, May, 1865; Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; Report of the ninth census Of the U.S.
Mr. Hubbard presented the following paper from Mr. W. H. Pease, of Honolulu:
On the existence of an Atoll near the west coast of America, and proof of its elevation.BY W. HARPER PEASE, OF HONOLULU, H. I.Having read an interesting paper by Dr. Blake, in a late number of theProceedings California Academy, on the proofs of a recent elevation of the coastof California, it occurred to me that I had in my note book, information unpublished on the same subject. As it lies within the field occupied by your Academy, I furnish it herewith for publication. My information was gathered from a Journal kept by Lieut. Griswold,[11](a young gentleman of scientific taste, and a close and accurate observer,) during a cruise off the west coast of Mexico, in search of guano. Among the islands visited, was “Clipperton Rock,” which is the locality I refer to.Before giving any extract, I will state what was known of the island.It is situated in Lat. 10° 17’ N., Long. 109° 19’ W., and was discovered by Capt. Clipperton, in 1705. He appears to have sighted only the tall volcanic rock, which stands near the south end of the island, and passed on without learning of the existence of the island. It appears not to have been noticed again for more than a century, so that its position, and even its existence was doubted.The only published account of its having been visited since, are those by Capt. Benj. Morrell[12]and Sir Edward Belcher.[13]The former called there during a sealing voyage, in 1825, and gives a meagre account of it in a few lines, remarking, that “it produces a little shrubbery and some coarse grass, among which, I think, fresh water might be found by digging. Among the few vegetable productions of this island, we found a plant resembling sarsaparilla, which badly poisoned several of the crew who handled it.”Sir Edward Belcher, during his surveying expedition, wishing to verify the existence and position of the island, searched and found it. He did not land, but gives the result of his examination from the mast-head. With other remarks, he states that “it is a coral lagoon island, three miles long N. and S., and the same E. and W. There are two entrances, both on the weather side, which at high-water may be safe, but at the moment we passed, the surf was too heavy and the reflux showed the rocks bare. On the beach several large trees were observed, but no living trees were seen.” (May 8, 1839.)Lieutenant Griswold notes in his journal, as follows: “On the 6th of August, 1861, we lay on our oars, just outside the breakers on the N. E. side. At half past six we were ashore, shooting in on a high roller, which left us high and dry upon the beach, with a hole stove in our bow. The beach was covered with drift wood, and while the crew were collecting it, I started to examine the island.“Upon every side it is girdled by a broad barrier of coral, about fifteen feet above the level of the ocean. There is no entrance to the lagoon, neither does it communicate with the ocean by subterranean passages, as the water inside isfreshandpotable. It is slightly brackish, but will appease thirst. The ‘Rock’ is a ragged pile of volcanic formation, on the south end of the island, gray and splashed over with the deposit of the birds. It is cracked and split in every possible direction, here and there shooting into tottering pinnacles. As you wander through the caverns and clefts, with which it is perforated, there is an incessant splashing and dropping of water. On the very topmost pinnacle, whichI reached after a hard climb, I found a little basin containing a couple of buckets full. The caverns were dreary looking places, dark and wet, and echoing to the hoarse cries of the sea-birds. The rock, on its sides, is rounded and smoothed by the action of the waves, at some long past time, and in many places ‘the walls are crusted with coral.’“The highest pinnacle of the rock is about 120 feet high, and it covers, I should think, about two acres. It stands on the edge of the lagoon, or rather within it, being connected with the coral barrier only by a narrow isthmus of coral clinker. Between this rock and the sea, however, the barrier, instead of being as elsewhere, a solid platform of coral, is only a heap of fragments, piled in winrows by the waves, 250 or 300 yards in width. The lagoon is a quiet fresh water pond, two miles long and about one broad, with a long spit of mud running out into the middle of it, but elsewhere of a light green color, which seemed to indicate a considerable depth. Its shores are abrupt, the coral platform in most places projecting out over water of a considerable depth. I did not find the least sign of vegetable life upon the island.“The only plant[14]seen, grew in considerable quantities in the lagoon, which I pulled out of the water, where it was growing. There is nothing but a coral platform, coral clinker and coral sand. We found nothing to detain us and left the island on the afternoon of the day on which we landed.”Mr. Darwin, on his remarks on the geographical distribution of reef-building corals, states that he could find no evidence of their living on or near the west coast of America, and consequently discredits the statement made by Sir Edward Belcher; for after examining a Ms. chart of Clipperton Rock, at the Admiralty Office, drawn by Sir Edward, came to the conclusion that it was more of the shape of a crater. The Island is, however, a true Atoll and has been elevated at least 100 feet.It must have been closed since 1839, and the freshening of the water has probably been caused by rain.We may also add, that it stands within the limits of reef building corals, as deduced by Mr. Dana, from tables of the temperature of the sea, and consequently is confirmatory of his opinion.We might add other facts in support of Mr. Dana’s theory, but from other parts of the Pacific.[11]Lieut. Griswold was killed at the head of his regiment, gallantly leading them into action, at the battle of Antietam.[12]A narrative of four voyages to the South Seas, &c., by Capt. Benj. Morrell. N. Y., 1832, page 219.[13]Narrative of a voyage round the world in H. M. S.Sulphur, by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher. London, 1843. Vol. II, page 219.[14]Specimens of the plant referred to by Mr. Pease, were received by the Academy.
BY W. HARPER PEASE, OF HONOLULU, H. I.
Having read an interesting paper by Dr. Blake, in a late number of theProceedings California Academy, on the proofs of a recent elevation of the coastof California, it occurred to me that I had in my note book, information unpublished on the same subject. As it lies within the field occupied by your Academy, I furnish it herewith for publication. My information was gathered from a Journal kept by Lieut. Griswold,[11](a young gentleman of scientific taste, and a close and accurate observer,) during a cruise off the west coast of Mexico, in search of guano. Among the islands visited, was “Clipperton Rock,” which is the locality I refer to.
Before giving any extract, I will state what was known of the island.
It is situated in Lat. 10° 17’ N., Long. 109° 19’ W., and was discovered by Capt. Clipperton, in 1705. He appears to have sighted only the tall volcanic rock, which stands near the south end of the island, and passed on without learning of the existence of the island. It appears not to have been noticed again for more than a century, so that its position, and even its existence was doubted.
The only published account of its having been visited since, are those by Capt. Benj. Morrell[12]and Sir Edward Belcher.[13]The former called there during a sealing voyage, in 1825, and gives a meagre account of it in a few lines, remarking, that “it produces a little shrubbery and some coarse grass, among which, I think, fresh water might be found by digging. Among the few vegetable productions of this island, we found a plant resembling sarsaparilla, which badly poisoned several of the crew who handled it.”
Sir Edward Belcher, during his surveying expedition, wishing to verify the existence and position of the island, searched and found it. He did not land, but gives the result of his examination from the mast-head. With other remarks, he states that “it is a coral lagoon island, three miles long N. and S., and the same E. and W. There are two entrances, both on the weather side, which at high-water may be safe, but at the moment we passed, the surf was too heavy and the reflux showed the rocks bare. On the beach several large trees were observed, but no living trees were seen.” (May 8, 1839.)
Lieutenant Griswold notes in his journal, as follows: “On the 6th of August, 1861, we lay on our oars, just outside the breakers on the N. E. side. At half past six we were ashore, shooting in on a high roller, which left us high and dry upon the beach, with a hole stove in our bow. The beach was covered with drift wood, and while the crew were collecting it, I started to examine the island.
“Upon every side it is girdled by a broad barrier of coral, about fifteen feet above the level of the ocean. There is no entrance to the lagoon, neither does it communicate with the ocean by subterranean passages, as the water inside isfreshandpotable. It is slightly brackish, but will appease thirst. The ‘Rock’ is a ragged pile of volcanic formation, on the south end of the island, gray and splashed over with the deposit of the birds. It is cracked and split in every possible direction, here and there shooting into tottering pinnacles. As you wander through the caverns and clefts, with which it is perforated, there is an incessant splashing and dropping of water. On the very topmost pinnacle, whichI reached after a hard climb, I found a little basin containing a couple of buckets full. The caverns were dreary looking places, dark and wet, and echoing to the hoarse cries of the sea-birds. The rock, on its sides, is rounded and smoothed by the action of the waves, at some long past time, and in many places ‘the walls are crusted with coral.’
“The highest pinnacle of the rock is about 120 feet high, and it covers, I should think, about two acres. It stands on the edge of the lagoon, or rather within it, being connected with the coral barrier only by a narrow isthmus of coral clinker. Between this rock and the sea, however, the barrier, instead of being as elsewhere, a solid platform of coral, is only a heap of fragments, piled in winrows by the waves, 250 or 300 yards in width. The lagoon is a quiet fresh water pond, two miles long and about one broad, with a long spit of mud running out into the middle of it, but elsewhere of a light green color, which seemed to indicate a considerable depth. Its shores are abrupt, the coral platform in most places projecting out over water of a considerable depth. I did not find the least sign of vegetable life upon the island.
“The only plant[14]seen, grew in considerable quantities in the lagoon, which I pulled out of the water, where it was growing. There is nothing but a coral platform, coral clinker and coral sand. We found nothing to detain us and left the island on the afternoon of the day on which we landed.”
Mr. Darwin, on his remarks on the geographical distribution of reef-building corals, states that he could find no evidence of their living on or near the west coast of America, and consequently discredits the statement made by Sir Edward Belcher; for after examining a Ms. chart of Clipperton Rock, at the Admiralty Office, drawn by Sir Edward, came to the conclusion that it was more of the shape of a crater. The Island is, however, a true Atoll and has been elevated at least 100 feet.
It must have been closed since 1839, and the freshening of the water has probably been caused by rain.
We may also add, that it stands within the limits of reef building corals, as deduced by Mr. Dana, from tables of the temperature of the sea, and consequently is confirmatory of his opinion.
We might add other facts in support of Mr. Dana’s theory, but from other parts of the Pacific.
[11]Lieut. Griswold was killed at the head of his regiment, gallantly leading them into action, at the battle of Antietam.[12]A narrative of four voyages to the South Seas, &c., by Capt. Benj. Morrell. N. Y., 1832, page 219.[13]Narrative of a voyage round the world in H. M. S.Sulphur, by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher. London, 1843. Vol. II, page 219.[14]Specimens of the plant referred to by Mr. Pease, were received by the Academy.
[11]Lieut. Griswold was killed at the head of his regiment, gallantly leading them into action, at the battle of Antietam.
[11]Lieut. Griswold was killed at the head of his regiment, gallantly leading them into action, at the battle of Antietam.
[12]A narrative of four voyages to the South Seas, &c., by Capt. Benj. Morrell. N. Y., 1832, page 219.
[12]A narrative of four voyages to the South Seas, &c., by Capt. Benj. Morrell. N. Y., 1832, page 219.
[13]Narrative of a voyage round the world in H. M. S.Sulphur, by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher. London, 1843. Vol. II, page 219.
[13]Narrative of a voyage round the world in H. M. S.Sulphur, by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher. London, 1843. Vol. II, page 219.
[14]Specimens of the plant referred to by Mr. Pease, were received by the Academy.
[14]Specimens of the plant referred to by Mr. Pease, were received by the Academy.
Discussion as to the adaptation of certain semi-tropical plants to the climate of California.
President in the chair.
Eight members present. Prof. John Torrey, R. Kennicott W. H. Dall, Horace Mann, and Capt. Wright, visitors.
Donations to the Cabinet: A collection of Rocky Mountain plants, by Mr. Bolander.
General discussion as to the motions of the Flying-fish.
Remarks by Mr. Kennicott and Dr. Behr upon the relation of the Esquimaux to the North American Indians. Dr. Behr stated that the Esquimaux could be considered only as a kind of Indians, their language being of the same structure, and their different habits were owing to physical influences. He further stated, that the Esquimaux lived formerly farther south. Mr. Kennicott remarked, that from his observations and information derived from Madam Roshkin and from St. Zagoshins’ Report, he believed the natives, for some hundreds of miles up the Kvichpak or Yonkon River, were Esquimaux rather than Indians.
Dr. Torrey stated, that he found on a trip to the Yosemite Valley, a plant that he described twenty years ago, and which he had not since seen in the collections examined by him. He named the plant, finding it to be a new genusKelloggia; the plant is quite common in the valley and vicinity, and belongs to the family of Rubiaceæ; the aspect of the plant is, in regard to its ramification, much like that of aGalium, while its leaves and their arrangement resemble anEpilobium. It was first discovered by some member of Com. Wilke’s Expedition, somewhere along or near the Sacramento River.
Dr. Torrey also stated that he foundSarcodes Sanguinea, (Torrey), the Snow-plant of the Californians, to be apparently indifferent as to what plant it fixes itself or derives its nourishment from; he found its fibre penetrating into the root of aRumex, and not as has been supposed into the roots ofSequoia gigantea. He also spoke of the great beauty and fragrance of the California White Lily, (Lilium Washingtonianum,) and of its being quite common in the vicinity of the Yosemite Valley. Its habits are much like that of the common white lily, (Lilium candidum).
This evening, at 7 o’clock, a magnificent rainbow was observed, the colors of which were unusually vivid.
President in the chair.
Ten members present.
President in the chair.
Nine members present: Dr. C. T. Jackson, visitor.
Donations to the Cabinet: Three boxes of shells; Duplicate fossils of the U. S. Exploring Expedition; Types of Dana’s Geology; Fossils from the Upper Missouri; Miscellaneous fossils of the United States, received from the Smithsonian Institution; Trachytic porphyry from the “Basalt” Cliff, three miles from the Big Tree Grove, Calaveras, presented by Dr. Jackson.
Donations to the Library: Annual Report of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge, 1864; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for January, February and March, 1865; Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, June-September, 1864; Review of American Birds, by Prof. S. F. Baird; Proceedings of Albany Institute; The Law of Increase and the Structure of Man, by F. A. Liharyik; Oration and Poem delivered at the Commencement of the College of California; Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society of London; Meteorological Results, Toronto, 1860-2; Magnetical Abstracts, Toronto, 1854-60, 1856-62.
Dr. Ayres remarked the appearance of a species of Barracouta, (Sphyrena Argentea,) on the coast of California, off Point Conception.
Dr. C. T. Jackson read the following paper, relative to the Big Trees of Calaveras County.
MEASUREMENTS OF THE HEIGHT AND CIRCUMFERENCE OF TWENTY-FIVE OF THE “BIG TREES,” (SEQUOIA GIGANTEA,) IN CALAVERAS COUNTY, BY DR. CHARLES T. JACKSON AND MR. JOSEPH B. MEADER, AUGUST 2dAND 3d, 1865.Instruments made use of:—1. Sir H. Douglass’ Reflecting Semicircle; (Cary).2. A Reflecting Level; made by J. H. Temple, of Boston.3. A common Measuring Tape.The horizontal point was fixed upon each tree, and the angle measured by the Reflecting Semicircle, and protracted by it.The circumference of the trees was measured above the swell of the roots, about six feet, where the stem takes its proper form.Several measurements, originally made with too high an angle, were taken over again with a longer base, so as to avoid the error of refraction in the glasses of the mirrors.We trust, therefore, that the following measurements will be found to be correct.NAME OF TREE.HEIGHT.Feet.CIRCUM.Feet.Arbor Vitæ Queen25831Pride of the Forest26050Andrew Johnson27332Bay State28048Edward Everett26546Henry W. Beecher29145William C. Bryant30549Abraham Lincoln28144Mother of the Forest[15]30563Daniel Webster27049General Jackson32042General Scott32745General Washington28452Beauty of the Forest258—Two Sentinels315—Old Kentucky27745Mother and Son26964T. Starr King36650Trinity30848Salem Witch310—Henry Clay24144Empire State27550Vermont25944Granite State28650John Torrey, (Nobis)—50(All the above-named trees are theSequoia Gigantea.)A Sugar Pine, (P. Lambertiana)165—A Yellow Pine, (P. Engelmann)23227Another of same species22019[15]Bark off Mother of the Forest to the height of 121 feet.The stump of the “Original Big Tree” measured in six diameters, gives for mean, 23 ft. 1⅓ in., diameter inside of the bark,—which was two feet thick.
Instruments made use of:—
The horizontal point was fixed upon each tree, and the angle measured by the Reflecting Semicircle, and protracted by it.
The circumference of the trees was measured above the swell of the roots, about six feet, where the stem takes its proper form.
Several measurements, originally made with too high an angle, were taken over again with a longer base, so as to avoid the error of refraction in the glasses of the mirrors.
We trust, therefore, that the following measurements will be found to be correct.
[15]Bark off Mother of the Forest to the height of 121 feet.
[15]Bark off Mother of the Forest to the height of 121 feet.
[15]Bark off Mother of the Forest to the height of 121 feet.
The stump of the “Original Big Tree” measured in six diameters, gives for mean, 23 ft. 1⅓ in., diameter inside of the bark,—which was two feet thick.
Mr. Fisk in the chair.
Nine members present.
Donations to the Cabinet: Specimen of Chromic Iron, from Tuolumne County, by Mr. Hanks.
Mr. Bolander submitted a paper on the Grasses of Arizona, with the following remarks:
The following List of Grasses, accompanied by the very judicious and practical observations of the Corresponding Member of our Natural History Society, Mr. C. J. Croft, of the 1st Cavalry California Volunteers, was received by mail from Fort Goodwin, Arizona Territory, some little time since. From the same intelligent source, we have, from time to time, received many valuable specimens, preserved with uncommon care, and reaching us in a state quite unusual, even from localities far more favorably situated. We are very hopeful, we shall shortly be placed in possession of specimens of the seed of theWhite Layia Mexicana, for ornamental culture, as also of a species of native Potato, from the same indefatigable individual, who has also furnished us with a very interesting account of numerous species of the Cactus family, of that District.
The following List of Grasses, accompanied by the very judicious and practical observations of the Corresponding Member of our Natural History Society, Mr. C. J. Croft, of the 1st Cavalry California Volunteers, was received by mail from Fort Goodwin, Arizona Territory, some little time since. From the same intelligent source, we have, from time to time, received many valuable specimens, preserved with uncommon care, and reaching us in a state quite unusual, even from localities far more favorably situated. We are very hopeful, we shall shortly be placed in possession of specimens of the seed of theWhite Layia Mexicana, for ornamental culture, as also of a species of native Potato, from the same indefatigable individual, who has also furnished us with a very interesting account of numerous species of the Cactus family, of that District.
The Grasses of Arizona.BY C. J. CROFT, U. S. A.The grasses of this Territory, principally consist of four varieties:No. 1. (Pleuraphis Jamesii, Torr.,) is the lowland Grama which grows in great profusion along the valley of the Gila, and constitutes the principal feed for our animals, which do quite well upon it, moderately worked.No. 2. (Aristida purpurea, Nutt.) The highland Grama, growing upon the sand “mesas,” or highlands, seems to differ but little, if any, from that found in some portions of California.No. 3. (Muhlenbergia pungeus, Thurb.) Black Grama, or, “Grama China,” as vulgarly called by the natives, is the most valuable as feed; upon it animals will fatten. It grows on the highlands in sandy arid soil. I have never met any of this variety in the valley of the Colorado, and but very little in the territory of New Mexico. At this post we have had as many as 700 animals, and the scarcity of forage required us to herd our stock upon this grass during the winter. We were often obliged to make rapid and distant marches in pursuit of Indians, over a country almost impassable, yet our horses stood it well, fed only upon this grass.Our cavalry here had no grain during the entire winter. This Grama, like the other species, grows in bunches several feet apart, and the lower stalks are green during the winter season.No. 4. (Sporobolus airoides, Trin.) This grows in the valleys. A great portion of the Gila Valley is covered with it. Animals eat it readily when green; it is however a powerful diuretic. As a winter grass it is of no account.Besides these four enumerated grasses, the letter contained three others from the same locality:1.Panicum capillare, L.2.Tricuspis pulchella, Kunth.3.A Poa, much of the habitat ofPoa sudetica. Vivid green; leaves plane, rather large; spikelets four-flowered, oval; lower glume one, and the upper three nerved; lower palea distinctly three-nerved, scabrous on the Red nerve. The nerves of the glumes, as well as of the lower palea, are of a vivid green color, and exceedingly prominent. The whole aspect of the plant sent, would rather suggest that it is not indigenous to that section of the country.
BY C. J. CROFT, U. S. A.
The grasses of this Territory, principally consist of four varieties:
No. 1. (Pleuraphis Jamesii, Torr.,) is the lowland Grama which grows in great profusion along the valley of the Gila, and constitutes the principal feed for our animals, which do quite well upon it, moderately worked.
No. 2. (Aristida purpurea, Nutt.) The highland Grama, growing upon the sand “mesas,” or highlands, seems to differ but little, if any, from that found in some portions of California.
No. 3. (Muhlenbergia pungeus, Thurb.) Black Grama, or, “Grama China,” as vulgarly called by the natives, is the most valuable as feed; upon it animals will fatten. It grows on the highlands in sandy arid soil. I have never met any of this variety in the valley of the Colorado, and but very little in the territory of New Mexico. At this post we have had as many as 700 animals, and the scarcity of forage required us to herd our stock upon this grass during the winter. We were often obliged to make rapid and distant marches in pursuit of Indians, over a country almost impassable, yet our horses stood it well, fed only upon this grass.Our cavalry here had no grain during the entire winter. This Grama, like the other species, grows in bunches several feet apart, and the lower stalks are green during the winter season.
No. 4. (Sporobolus airoides, Trin.) This grows in the valleys. A great portion of the Gila Valley is covered with it. Animals eat it readily when green; it is however a powerful diuretic. As a winter grass it is of no account.
Besides these four enumerated grasses, the letter contained three others from the same locality:
1.Panicum capillare, L.
2.Tricuspis pulchella, Kunth.
3.A Poa, much of the habitat ofPoa sudetica. Vivid green; leaves plane, rather large; spikelets four-flowered, oval; lower glume one, and the upper three nerved; lower palea distinctly three-nerved, scabrous on the Red nerve. The nerves of the glumes, as well as of the lower palea, are of a vivid green color, and exceedingly prominent. The whole aspect of the plant sent, would rather suggest that it is not indigenous to that section of the country.
Mr. Minns in the Chair.
Eight members present.
Donations to the Library: A paper on the origin and formation of Prairies, by Leo Lesquereux; Report of the Vancouver Island Exploration, 1864; Review of American Birds, by Prof. S. F. Baird; Silliman’s Journal for July; Proceedings of the Essex Institute, January, February and March, 1865; Illustrated Catalogue of the Museum of Comparative Zoology of Cambridge; The Naturalists’ Directory, Part I.
Dr. Ayres presented the following paper from Prof. W. P. Blake:
Note on the abundance of Iron Ore in Northern Arizona.BY WM. P. BLAKE.In 1863 I observed an iron formation of considerable extent and interest upon and near the William’s Fork of the Colorado, near its mouth. The ore is chiefly the micaceous variety of Hematite, or “specular iron,” and occurs in thick beds and in thin sheets, in a ferruginous limestone or dolomite, evidently metamorphic, and tilted up at a high angle.It forms a belt of peculiar appearance, that may be traced by the eye for miles across the country, in a direction a few degrees south of west. This rock andiron ore is inter-stratified with chloritic and talcose slates and granite, and the series also bears copper ores and gold.From the collections made by Lieut. Whipple’s party, in 1853, in the mountains north, it would appear, that similar rocks exist in the Cerbat and Aquarius Mountains, the extreme geological antiquity of which, was commented on by me in the Pacific R. R. Reports, Vol. III, p. 59. It is possible that this ferriferous formation is connected with the extensive iron formation of the coast of Mexico, south of Acapulco, described by Mr. Manross, (Am. Journ. Sci., XXXIX, 358,) and it may be of pre-Silurian date.
BY WM. P. BLAKE.
In 1863 I observed an iron formation of considerable extent and interest upon and near the William’s Fork of the Colorado, near its mouth. The ore is chiefly the micaceous variety of Hematite, or “specular iron,” and occurs in thick beds and in thin sheets, in a ferruginous limestone or dolomite, evidently metamorphic, and tilted up at a high angle.
It forms a belt of peculiar appearance, that may be traced by the eye for miles across the country, in a direction a few degrees south of west. This rock andiron ore is inter-stratified with chloritic and talcose slates and granite, and the series also bears copper ores and gold.
From the collections made by Lieut. Whipple’s party, in 1853, in the mountains north, it would appear, that similar rocks exist in the Cerbat and Aquarius Mountains, the extreme geological antiquity of which, was commented on by me in the Pacific R. R. Reports, Vol. III, p. 59. It is possible that this ferriferous formation is connected with the extensive iron formation of the coast of Mexico, south of Acapulco, described by Mr. Manross, (Am. Journ. Sci., XXXIX, 358,) and it may be of pre-Silurian date.