In the year 1705, (to prevent, if possible, their entire destruction,) it was enacted by the governor, council, and general assembly, " that whosoever within the County of Westchester, Christian or Indian, freeman or slave, after the first day of January, which will be in the year of our Lord, 1705, shall kill or destroy any buck, doe or fawn, or any sort of deer whatsoever, at any time of the year, except only between the first day of August and the first day of January, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings lawful money of New York, or in default thereof, suffer imprisonment for the time and space of twenty days without bail or mainprise ; and all dogs also found chasing deer, to be shot during those times."6

These special enactments were, doubtless, procured through the influence of the Philipses and Van Cortlandts, whose families were both represented in the governor's council at that period, especially, as the lord of the manor of Cortlandt was ranger within the forests of Cortlandt. The manorial proprietors of Philipsburg and Cortlandt, had a charter of free warren, e., an exclusive right of pursuing and 'killing game throughout their respective patents, a privilege which they previously conceded to their tenantry. This beautifully wooded region contains many wild and picturesque scenes, united with charming prospects of the river.

In the immediate vicinity, and bordering the shores of the Hudson, are located several fine residences, among which may be enumerated

a Legend of Sleepy Hollow.