MAJOR, (1) in nucric, a term applied to imperfect concords, but chiefly to the interval of the third. It also denotes that one of the two modern modes in which the third is four semitones above the tonic or key note. (2) In military science, the major is a field officer ranking next below a lieutenant-colonel and above a captain. He has generally the com mand of a battalion, the exercises of which he superintends, and in action or on parade carries into effects the orders of his superior officer. The term in the French service has been super seded by that of chef d' batailion. A brigade major is an officer who performs for a brigade, or in garrison, the duties ordinarily discharged by a major in a regiment or battalion. A major-general ranks next above a lieutenant general. In other cases, the term major, when applied as an epithet to the several denomina tions of men in an army, signifies the superior of the department; as sergeant-major, the chief non-commissioned officer in a regiment, who assists the adjutant; drum major, the chief of the drum corps, etc.
MAJORCA, (Spanish Mallorca; Latin, Balearis Major), Spain, an island in the Mediterranean, the largest of the Balearic group; area, 1,330 square miles. It is about 120 miles distant from Spain. It is very irregular in shape, and deeply indented, particularly in the northeast. The scenery is picturesque, the cli mate mild and agreeable, and in many of the valley regions vegetation is luxuriant. There are quarries of marble of various grades; lead and iron have been obtained, and coal to a con siderable amount is mined. The olive and vine are extensively cultivated and there are large orchards of figs and oranges. The principal exports are bricks, lime, plaster, olive oil, light wines, brandy, wool and silk. There is .a wire less station with a 500-mile range located at Soller, not only for ship and shore traffic, but also for international service. The capital is Palma. Pop. of island, 264,231.