2 . HISTORY OF THE ~ ' - , - .

south of the present village of that name. On account of its natural boundaries this section of country was peculiarly adapted for the favorite Indian practice of entrapping wild game. Upon the nortli the Stony mountains formed an impassable rampart, whilst the long chain of ponds and streams on the east line of the town closed up all avenues of escape in that direction. The Indians tlierefore availing themselves of these natural barriers, constructed a palisaded pound at the southern extremity of the ponds, into which they drove the wild game from the west. Van der Donck the historian informs us, "that the Indians frequently united in conjpanics of from one to two hundred, when they have rare sport. On these occasions they drive over a large district of land and kill much game. They also make extensive fikes with palisadoes; which are narrow at the terminating angles, wherein they drive multitudes of animals and take great numbers. At a word they are expert hunters for every kind of game, and know how to practice the best methods to insure success.''^- The shouts and yells of these savage huntsmen must have reverberated in frightful echoes from the neighboring woods and hills, serving no doubt much to bewilder their prey.

Poundridge was originally included in the Indian grant made to John Turner of iXew Haven, on the 1st of July, 1640. The sale is thus recorded in the town books of Stamford.