EARTHQUAKE WAVES.
On the 7th of November, 1837, there was an earthquake in Chile, and a sea wave started by it was felt at the Hawaiian Islands ; also at Tutuila in the Samoan group. The phenomena observed at Hilo are thus described by Rev. Titus Coan : At about 7 P. M. the sea at Hilo was observed to retire far below its usual low-water mark. In a few moments afterwards the water returned in a gigantic wave, rushing to the shore with great velocity, and breaking upon the beach with a noise like a peal of thunder. All the low grounds in the neighbor hood of the beach were instantly submerged, and a large num ber of houses were swept away. So sudden and unexpected was the catastrophe, that many of the inhabitants were en gulphed in the flood, and compelled to struggle for their lives. The sea remained upon the land about fifteen minutes, when it retired beyond the line of low water, and after a short in terval returned again, but with less violence. It afterwards continued to vibrate for a time, gradually decreasing at each oscillation, until it attained its usual level.
The scene of distress which this phenomenon produced was great. Hundreds of natives were at a meeting near the sea shore, when the wave rushed upon them and left them strug gling amidst the wreck of their worldly effects. Some of them
were carried to sea, while others were dashed upon the shore, surrounded by the fragments of their houses, which had been broken to pieces, together with the timbers, frames, cala bashes, etc.
Cries of distress came from all sides, as well from those who were struggling for life, as those who had come down to their relief. Parents were rushing to and fro, looking for their chil dren, husbands for their wives, children for their parents, each inquiring for the other, with wailings and The whole, combined with the roar of the sea, rendered the scene one of thrilling interest. Fortunately an English whaler, the Admiral Cockburn, of which James Lawrence was commander, was lying in the bay at the time. He in a most praiseworthy manner lowered his boats, and kept them cruising about the bay, in search of the natives, many of whom were picked up, wearied and exhausted, and by this timely aid their lives were preserved. Not a canoe was left on the shore to assist in this work. Mr. Lawrence affirms that the water ran past his ship at the rate of eight knots an hour, and that the soundings were reduced from five to three and a half fathoms, which left a great part of the bay dry.