Does a hyphen (-), not dash (–), really make a difference?
We checked the National Geographic Style Manual and discovered a poignant example of how complex the English language is. The “bottom line,” as it were, reads:
“Place-names with hyphens follow the style in the NG atlas, then the Board on Geographic Names. If the place-name is not in the atlas, omit hyphens both on page maps and in text except in French-Canadian and French names: Stratford upon Avon, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Trois-Rivières.”
So, we searched for the NG atlas on the Web and were asked to create an account. We didn’t, and so resorted to the DELORME Atlas and Gazetter hard-copy for the State of Ohio. The Index of Placenames shows “Put-in-Bay 22 D3.”
That settled it. We will now resume our coverage of the weather . . .
