The scenery about the fall is extremely fine, embracing a lovely view of the Hudson river. The old Van Weert mill has been transformed into a Swiss cottage and boat house. The Van Weert family were the first occupants of this estate under the Philipses, and subsequently became its possessors in fee. In 1698 there appears to have been three married brothers of this ancient family living in Philipsburgh, who claimed descent from the illustrious house of Van Weert in Holland, viz. Joacham Van Weert and Christyntje his wife, Gerredit Van Weert and Cathalyna his wife, Jacob Van Weert and Bieltitje his wife.

Gerredit Van Weert left issue, Jan Van Weert, father of Isaac, who sold this property to Mr. Sheldon. The village of Tarrytown is pleasantly situated in the lap of the Green-

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF 'WESTCHESTER.

burgh hills, overlooking the Hudson at the widest point of the Tappan Zee, which is here nearly three miles across.

Tarwe town, the old orthography of the Dutch word tarwe, (wheat) " the wheat town," probably so called from the abundant culture of that grain in this vicinity.

Here was an Indian village in 1659,0 styled by the aborigines Alipconck, that is the place of elms. It seems more than probable that this ancient settlement occupied a hill at the south end of the present village. This opinion is somewhat confirmed by the circumstance that the whole ground is covered with shells, in some places to the depth of two or three feet. It is presumed that these '.' shell beds" generally indicate the site of Indian habitations.