Underhill who is the present proprietor of the Point proper, a grand-son of Robert Underhill, Esq., fifth in de-

THE TOWN OF* CORTLANDT.

I97

scent from the famous Capt. John Underbill, High Constable of the North Riding of Yorkshire, upon Long Island.

The woods of Teller's Point afford a safe retreat for thousands of crows, (corvus corone Linn.) which here, unmolested and unwatched by the cruel farmer and gunner, have from time immemorial enjoyed an extensive "roost."

The canting, living crow

Whoso birth was in their tops, grew old and died, Among the branches, till at last they stood As here they stood, mossy, tall and dark, Fit shrine for humble worshipper to hold Communion with his maker. -- Bryant.

Daily towards sunset, may be seen approaching this sylvan abode,

"The blackening train of crows to their repose."

-- Burns.

When the Croton dam gave way in the fall of 1 840, the wild, hurrying torrent -- as it approached nearer and nearer -- is said to have sent a savage roar through these woods, causing the very watch-dogs to howl with fear.

A large fish pond lying east of Dr. Underbill's residence, is conjectured to have originally formed the bed of the Croton river, from the fact that trunks of trees have been discovered four or five feet beneath its muddy sediment.

The southern declivities of the Point towards the Croton Bay are covered with extensive vineyards of Catawba and Isabella. The table land also embraces luxuriant orchards and vineyards. The whole of the latter cover nearly an area of forty acres.