[FN] The specific tribe called Algonquins by the French, were seated, in 1738, near Montreal, and described as a remnant of "A nation the most warlike, the most polished, and the most attached to the French." Their armorial bearing, or totem, was an evergreen oak. (Doc. Hist. N. Y., i, 16.) It is claimed that they were principally Ottawas, residing on the Ottawa River. (Schoolcraft.) The primary location of the language is only measurably involved in the first application of the name, the honor being claimed for the Chippewa, the Cree, and the Lenni-Lenape. The Eastern Algonquins substituted for the Iroquois Adirondacks, _Mihtukméchaick_ (Williams) with the same meaning.
[FN-2] The bark of the chestnut, the walnut, and of other trees was dried, macerated, and rolled in the fat of bears or other animals, and probably formed a palatable and a healthful diet. Presumably the eating of the bark of trees was not confined to a particular tribe.
[FN-3] "_Coughsaghrage,_ or the Beaver-Hunting Country of the Confederate Indians. The Confederates, called by the French Iroquois, surrendered this country to the English at Albany, on the 19th day of July, 1701; and their action was confirmed the 14th of September, 1724. It belongs to New York, and is full of Swamps, Lakes, Rivers, Drowned Lands; a Long Chain of Snowy Mountains which are seen. Lake Champlain runs thro' the whole tract. North and South. This country is not only uninhabited, but even unknown except towards the South where several grants have been made since the Peace."
So wrote Governor Pownal on his map of 1775. There is no question that Coughsaghraga means "Winter." It may also mean "At the Beaver-dam," or "In the country of Beaver-dams." _Kohseraka_ may be a form of _Hochelaga_ or _Ochseraga._ _Osera_ means "Beaver-dam" as well as "Winter," wrote Horatio Hale. (See Saratoga.) In explanation of _Canagariachio_ Mr. Hale wrote: "_Kanagariarchio_ is a slightly corrupted form of the Iroquois word _Kanna'kari-kario,_ which means simply 'Beaver.' It is a descriptive term compounded of _Kannagare,_ 'Stick' or club, _Kakarien,_ To bite,' and _Kario,_ 'Wild animal.' It is not the most common Iroquois word for Beaver, which, in the Mohawk dialect is _Tsionuito,_ or _Djonuito._ That the word should be understood to mean 'The Beaver-Hunting Country,' is in accordance with Indian usage."