12 THE MOHAWK LANGUAGE. 



There are a few exceptions where the animate form is applied to 

 inanimates, and we may be able, after a more extended observation, 

 to point out the rules that govern these exceptions. 



With this brief introduction we leave our subject for some future 

 occasion, and shall close by translating one or two words whose 

 signification may interest you. 



The name Oh-nya-ka-ra, " on or at the neck," is applied to the 

 whole stream of water between Lakes Erie and Ontario, and is 

 derived from 0-nya-ra, " neck," or contraction between head and 

 trunk. 



The Mohawks applied this name to the neck-like contraction 

 between the two lakes, and hence we have Niagara. 



In one of the excursions of the Mohawks, they are reported to 

 have found themselves in the Bay of Toronto. Casting their eyes 

 round, they saw as it were, in every direction, trees standing in the 

 water, hence they called the place Ka-ron-to, " trees standing in 

 water," from which, doubtless, you get your Toronto^; while Ontario 

 is supposed to be from Ken-ta-ri-yoh, " placid sheet of water." 



* For a reconciliation of the two meanings commonly assigned to "Toronto," viz., "Place 

 of Concourse," i. e. populous region, and " Trees standing out of the water," see pp. 74, 75 of 

 " Toronto of Old." " Toronto " as a local name was first applied to the populous region round 

 the lake now known as Lake Siincoe. At p. 76 of the work just named wiU be found the 

 interpretation of " Sen-aga" and "Mo-aga," according to Pownall, Governor of Massachusetts 

 in 1763, an intelligent investigator in such matters. — [Ed. Canadian Journal.] 



