WORK OF THE BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES 223 
Summarizing a discussion which took place before the National 
Geographic Society on the subject of geographic names, the same 
author says : 
“Only the last named among the four speakers has a word to say in 
behalf of the original forms of the nomenclature introduced by discovery 
and explorers, or received from the Indians; but his chain pionshi]) is timid 
and surrounded by wide reservation. Nowhere do we find the principle 
laid down that the original forms of names, esiiecially Indian names, 
which are so true to life, are to be preserved as much as possible. A 
board of names hasmo easy task. It has not merely to give ‘decisions,’ 
but also to base these decisions on thorough study, and to inform the 
public, so far as necessary, of the grounds on which they are made. AVe 
wish to know from what variations the form selected has been picked out ; 
and this statement will serve to show the amount of knowledge of litera- 
ture possessed and the scientific principle followed, and will itself win for 
the decision the confidence of the interested circles. Only this method 
turns out solid work ; any other procedure merely replaces private caprice 
by otficial caprice. This official caprice is able to turn a ‘ Golfo Triste ’ 
(sad bay) into a ‘ Gulf of Triste,’ thus manufacturing a personal name or 
place name, Triste, alter which the bay must have been named. It is 
well known that this feature is the arm of the sea between the Orinoco 
and Trinidad, to which the Dragon’s gorge forms the northern entrance, 
a passage which was deserted and feared even in the time of Columbus, 
because ships, driving with spread sails under brisk west wind against the 
mighty current of the Orinoco, are exposed to danger. The above-men- 
tioned decision of the board of names has masked the physical fact and 
formally falsified an expressive geographic name.” 
With regard to tliis ca.se, it may be stated that the hoard has 
made no decision whatever. It has not come before it. 
“ In the United States and elsewhere there are undoubtedly an infinity 
of names and places of obscure origin, and for which a decision has to be 
made without giving i-easons. Be it so. We recognize the necessity 
where it exists ; but just as positively must we demand that the decision 
be made on scientific grounds whenever possible.” 
Dr Egli, the writer of this article, is well known as one of the 
leading geographers of Europe and one who has given mucli 
attentifm to this subject of geographic names. It seems to me 
clear, however, and in that view I know that I share the opinion 
of the other members of the hoard, that he is radically wrong in 
the views he here presents, lie states the exact fact when he 
says that “We mi.ss tlie prineii>le that the original form of the 
name, the meaning, tlie etymology of tlie name, the motive for 
naming, is to he considered, and considered /f'rs^ ixnd foroiirntP 
It is true that the hoard attaches little importance to these 
