SIXTH REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR ICJOO, 221 



The several versions of the legend concerning the origin of this 

 nation all agree in locating this event in the region about the south 

 end of Canandaigua lake. 



To those who are acquainted with the topography of this region 

 it would not be an overtax on credulity to believe that a band of 

 Indians wishing or compelled to emigrate from their home on the 

 Seneca river, and finding their way toward the west barred, possi- 

 bly by hostile tribes, should take their course toward the southwest, 

 through the West river valley and on arriving at this rich and 

 spacious but sheltered and secluded intervale among the great hills, 

 should actually make their first settlement and form their first 

 village here. 



And it is entirely reasonable to believe that, dwelling here in 

 peace and plenty, their numbers would increase as the years passed, 

 until having extended their occupancy down the lake shores and 

 into the many warm valleys among the hills, the chief men among 

 them should assemble on beautiful Genundewa, light their first 

 council fire and bring into life a new nation with the significant and 

 appropriate name Nun-da-wa-o-no, the People of the Great Hills. 



