The north-west corner is considerably broken by the south-eastern border of the Highlands, of a mountain character; and a range of hills of moderate height extends from York Island toward the north-east extremity, on which are

» Name changed to Ossin-ing in 1846. See Sess. Laws, chap. 30, sec. 5. b Part of Somers annexed to Newcastle. See Laws of 1846, chap. 249. * West Farms erected from part of Westchester. See Sess. Laws, 184, chap. 279.

xiv INTRODUCTION.

situated the heights and hills much known in the Revolutionary war, particularly in the year 1776. Besides Harlem, Hudson and East Rivers, forming the boundaries, there are several small streams that afford many mill seats. Peekskill Creek and Croton River, which rise in Dutchess and Putnam counties, run south-westward across the north-western part of Westchester County to the Hudson. Saw Mill River runs from Mount Pleasant to the Hudson at Yonkers ; and Bronx River, the largest, Hutchinson's and Mamaroneck Rivers run south into the East River. Byram River runs from Westchester, principally in Connecticut, and forms two miles of the state boundary from its mouth in East River, which receives some other small streams from the south-east angle of Westchester County, direct across the south-west angle of Connecticut."

*' The soil of this County admits of no general character, except that its tillage is productive to the agriculturist. The style of its agriculture is in the first order, if we except Dutchess. The lower part has considerable of ornamental farming and gardening, where are the seats of men of opulence, cultivated with niuch taste." The manufactures are numerous. White Plains and Bedford are the half shire towns. "Tarrytown, Sing Sing, and some others, are charming positions on the Hudson, where are small villages and landings, with considerable trade. Tappan Bay, a wide place in the Hudson, is here three miles in width, where crowds of shipping are constantly seen passing in opposite directions, exhibiting a most elegant display of commercial activity.''^