REPORT OF BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES. 
21 
consists of more than one word the words should be combined if 
practicable. 
The multiplication of names for different parts of the same feature, 
such as a river or mountain range, should be avoided. Only one name 
should be applied to a stream or mountain range throughout its entire 
length; in the case of a river the name should follow up its longest 
branch. 
The naming of forks, prongs, branches, etc., as “East Fork” or 
“North Prong” of a river, should be avoided unless there is a special 
reason for it. In most cases, independent names should be given to a 
river’s branches. 
That spelling and pronunciation which is sanctioned by local usage 
should, in general, be adopted. 
Where names have been changed or corrupted, and such changes or 
corruptions have become established by local usage, it is not usually 
advisable to attempt to restore the original form. 
In cases where what was evidently originally the same word appears 
with various spellings sanctioned by local usage, when applied to 
various features, these various spellings should be regarded as in 
effect different names, and, as a rule, it is inadvisable to attempt to 
produce uniformity. 
Where a choice is offered between two or more names for the same 
place or locality, all sanctioned by local usage, that which is most 
appropriate and euphonious should be adopted. 
The possessive form should be avoided whenever it can be done 
without destroying the euphonj' of the name or changing its descrip¬ 
tive application. 
In names ending in “burgh” the final “h” should be dropped. 
Names ending in “ borough” should be abbreviated to “boro.” 
The word “center,” as a part of a name, should be spelled as above, 
and not “centre.” 
The use of hyphens in connecting parts of names should be dis 
continued. 
The letters “C. II.” (Court-House) appended to the names of county 
seats should be omitted. 
In the case of names consisting of more than one word it is some¬ 
times desirable to combine them into one word. 
It is desirable to avoid the use of diacritic characters. 
It is desirable to avoid the use of the words city and town as parts 
of names. 
PRINCIPLES FOR SPECIAL APPLICATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 
(1) Geographic names in countries that use Roman characters should 
be rendered in the form adopted by the country having jurisdiction, 
except where there are English equivalents already fixed by usage. 
In cases where the English equivalent is so different from the local 
