My impression is that this is all nonsense; but I should like to test it with a list of the shocks that have been felt, if such a thing were to be had.

It does not follow that, because the Mexicans have such frequent opportunities of trying the question, they should therefore have done so.

In fact, experience as to popular beliefs in similar matters rather points the other way.

I recollect that in the earthquake districts of southern Italy, when shocks were of almost daily occurrence, people believed that they were more frequent in the middle four hours of the night, from ten to two, than at other times.

Of course, this proved on examination to be quite without foundation.