How the Approach of an Earthquake may be Known

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Hitherto no means have been pointed out for indicating the approach of an earthquake, as we, by means of the barometer, derive indication of the approach of a storm. This desideratum would, however, now appear to have been supplied. M. Rati-Menton, a gentleman connected with the French diplomatic corps in the Argentine Republic, has recently communicated to the Paris Academy of Sciences, by letter, addressed to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, a means of learning the approach of an earthquake. According to this gentleman, the earthquake indicator is nothing more than a magnet, to which is suspended by magnetic attraction a little fragment of iron. Shortly before the occurrence of an earthquake, the magnet temporarily loses its power, and hence the uon falls. According to M. Rati-Menton, the accuracy of this indicative sign has been thoroughly tested by a highly educated Argentine officer, Colonel Espinosa, during a residence ol many years at Ariquipa—a region where earthquakes are very frequent. In 1853; 584,200,500 lbs, of cotton were used in england.

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