128 The East Anglian Earthquake.
when he was rolled " first one way and then back again
several times." A town councillor, also in bed, had the same
experience.
Mr. Albert H. Waters, of Mill Road, reports that he was
looking at a shallow aquarium at about 9.20, and observed
the vessel tilted to such an extent that the sand at the
shallow end was exposed. This effect would be the result of
tilting the table up to the extent of an inch in a direction E.
and W. The oscillation of the house was felt, but not
violently, " much like being on ship-board." A sensation of
giddiness was experienced (' Nature,' May 1st, 1884, p. 19).
Mr. H. Todd, writing from the Cambridge Observatory,
states that at the time of the earthquake, observations for the
determination of the level of the transit instrument were in
progress, and the mercury was so disturbed that the observer
had to wait some time, thinking that it arose from some
waggon passing along the road.
Ely.—The Rev. F. W. Joy, Minor Canon of Ely, reports
that he was sitting reading in his dining-room in a position
facing due W., and heard some plates rattle against the
cabinet supporting them ; at the same time he experienced a
gentle oscillation of his chair, and saw the bell-ropes swinging
to and fro against the wall. The time (by the Cathedral
clock) was 9.18 ; Mr. Joy is under the impression that the
oscillation of his house (the college) was E. and W. A
heavy hailstorm fell a few minutes previous to the shock.
Wisbeach.—Slight shock; said to have occurred about
9.15 (?).
Hertfordshire.
Ashwell, near Baldock.—Shock felt at the " Bury " by Mr.
E. King Fordham.
Barley, near Royston.—Shock felt slightly but distinctly
about 9.20 ; chiefly on the S. side of the village on the high
ground.
Bishops Stortford.—Oscillation distinctly felt in many
buildings, house bells rung and furniture disturbed; time
about 9.21 (?).