16. SOUTH SIDE OF ERIE: Cattaraugus creek to Pennsylvania line, fifty miles. Two to four miles apart—some half a mile. Some contain five acres. Wall and breast-works of earth. Appearance of ancient beds of creeks. [Note the geological change.] Lake Erie retired from two to five miles. 17. FURTHER SOUTH: A chain of parallel forts. Two table grounds. Recession of lake. All these vestiges denote long periods of time, and probably different eras of occupation. Who preceded the Iroquois? Who preceded their predecessors? Do these vestiges tell the story? How shall we study them? By antiquities; by language; by comparison with other races of America, Asia, Africa, Europe. * * * * * ALBANY, _July 5th_.—Examine the site of ancient Mohawk residence in 1609, on the island and its vicinity at the mouth of Norman’s Kill. Look for their ancient burial places. Bones, pieces of pottery, and other objects of art may tell something bearing on their history. Is the Oasis opposite the turnpike gate, the site of their ancient burial-ground? Is this the spot denoted by their name of Tawasentha, or is it to be sought in other places, at the mouth, or up the valley of this stream? * * * * * UTICA.—The Mohawk valley appears to have no monumental, or other evidences of its having been occupied by races prior to the Mohawks. * * * * * VERNON.—Who were the original race that first set foot in Oneida county? When did the Oneidas come? Where did they originate, and how? They are said to be the youngest of the Six Nations. L. Hitchcock Esq. says that he was present, when a boy, some forty years ago, when the last executions for witchcraft among the Oneidas took place. The suspected persons were two females. The executioner was Hon Yost. They were dispatched unawares, by the tomahawk. Sachan, a strong wind, or tempest, was the Oneida name for Col. L. S. The principal tributary to the Oneida creek which traverses this rich grazing town, is called after the noted chief, (to adopt the common pronunciation,) SCANADO. It means a deer. The old orthography, for this word is Skenandoah. Mr. Tracy, of Utica, whose authority on this point is good, gives Tegesoken, as the Indian name of Fish creek. It means, _between the months_. Cowassalon creek, _i. e._, bushes hanging over the water. Canastota. One pitch pine tree. Aontagillon. Brook of the pointed rock. Kunyonskota. White creek (on Dean’s patent.) Kanaghtarageara. Place of washing the penis. This is a dark ravine. This word appears to be Mohawk. Sa-da-quoit. Smooth pebbles in the bed of the stream—creek at New-Hartford. All these are in Oneida county. * * * * * Ot, Judge J. says, means water in the Oneida tongue.