126 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
There are doubtless many inaccuracies in the present grammar, as it 
is a first attempt to reduce the language to writing. I hope, however, 
there may be something in it that will afford pleasure and be of interest 
both to the student and the philologist. The principal object in writing 
this grammar is to afford assistance to my successors in mission work 
amongst the Haidas, and to those who may desire to gain a knowledge of 
the language in order to benefit these Indians both temporally and 
spiritually. 
PERSONAL NAMES. 
Before Christianity was introduced amongst the Haidas, a single 
name was sufficient for each person, and all such names were taken from 
nature. Now the Christian name is regarded with honour, and is the 
only one by which some desire to be known. 1 have, however, retained 
their old Haida names as the surnames, and have only given each person 
one Christian name. 
The names taken from nature, art, etc., are such as : 
Chishalgas, Darkness. 
Duan, So, or Let it be so. 
Edinso, A waterfall. 
Giatlins, Standing. 
Güshoujingwas, A long speech. 
Itilkingan, Like us. 
Khungila, Eusily, Quickly. 
Kintanget, A rudder. 
Kwie, Dust. 
Nakadzit, A fox. 
Quaigastins, A fleecy cloud. 
Ski, A louse. 
Skoual, A shellfish like the clam. 
Stlakingäu, A musical instrument played by hand. 
Stlantanget, Soapy, Slippery. 
Yetlth-yüans, À large river. 
TrRiBpaL NAMES. 
Names of tribes were also taken from natural objects, and some are 
as follows : 
Stastas.— This tribe was so numerous and powerful that they were 
compared to “maggots on a rotten carcass,” and accordingly named 
Stastas, as they were supposed to be as numerous as the maggots, and to 
be found everywhere. 
Shongalth Lennas.—Shonga is the name of a large diver which makes 
a great noise when eating. KEdenshaw’s people were very numerous 
formerly, and they also “ made a great noise when feasting,” hence they 
were called Shongalth Lennas. 
