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Show AUTHOE DISCOVEES EEMAINS OF A MASTODON. 249 cal combinations and the results obtained by their healing qualities in all those diseases for which the chaly-beates are reported to cure. In making geological examinations on Domingues' land, I had the curiosity to dig into a mound of earth raised up several feet from the surface, and not fifty yards from the dwelling-house. I found several pieces of large size petrified bone, too colossal for horses or oxen. Procuring a pick-axe, I penetrated further, and was gratified in exhuming portions of a mastodon. I collected four perfect teeth; the largest weighed six pounds. I destroyed several with my axe, before I realized their value. Portions of the tibia I also got out perfect. These interesting antediluvian relics I took with me to Los Angeles, where I met Mr. Trask, the State geologist of California. At his request I presented two specimens of the teeth to the State Geological Society, the rest Mr. Trask took charge of for me, to deliver in California. I have never seen a report of my present to the society, and when I met Mr. Trask at San Francisco, they had not yet been shipped from Los Angeles. I regret very much that I allowed them to leave my own possession, as I promised one of the teeth to Col? Fremont, and, in consequence, have not been able to fulfill it. These huge animals are granivorous, and must have consumed trees on the mountains; around Los Angeles there is no sign of a tree, and on the vast plains in the centre of which I found these petrified remains, there is nothing but short grass and mustard. Query, how came the mastodon in the place I found it? did it die there? or was it washed down from the mountains ? I leave this interesting investigation to more scientific minds. 11* |