Within the fertile valley of the Nepera, a few miles east of Beeckmantown, stands the county poor house, an incorporated and endowed institution for the afiiicted and indigent. Its officers consist of three superintendants, (who are nominated by the board of county supervisors,) a keeper, a physician and teacher. Religious services are maintained weekly, by the voluntary aid of the neighboring clergy. The buildings are extensive, and principally constructed of stone. Its inmates at present, number one hundred and eighty-four. There are accommodations for three hundred, if necessary. To the

• Acts of Colonial Assembly, G4.

>> Haventj« irt the diiDiniilive of IJ;iven and means a little haven or harbor.

COUNTY OF WESTCPIESTER. 349

south east of the poor house, lies the Paulding farm, now occupied by John Paulding.^

The surrounding neighborhood is rendered pecuUarly attractive, from the contiguity of high hills rising to bold heights, crowned with rich hanging woods.

The road leading north from the county house, passes near the celebrated Raven Rock, around which cluster a thousand strange stories and superstitions. The rock is said to have derived its name from the fact, that it was once the favorite haunt of that ominous bird, whose hoarse croakings were believed to prognosticate approaching ill. The ferocious wife of Macbeth, on being advised of the approach of Duncan, whose death she had conspired, is made to say in the language of the poet, '' The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements." -- Macbeth, Act 1. scene 5. This ill omened bird, once, very numerous on our coasts, has long since retired with the wild game into the interior.