A small stream running through a deep and woody glen has been obstructed in various places by rock work, and thus forms several artificial cascades. Some close walks, winding by the stream, conduct to a large fall situated at the glen's mouth. 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 vaa

198 HISTORY OF THE

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 Tarry town is pleasantly situated in the lap of the Greenbnrgh 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 ihe Dutch word tarwe, (wheat) " the wheat town," probably so called from the abundant culture of that grain in tfiis vicinity.

Here was an Indian village in 1659, ^ styled by the aborigines Alipconck, that is the place of elms. It seems more than probable that this ancient settlement occupied a hill at (he sQuth end of the present village. This opinion is son^iewhat 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.