Indian lodges also occupied the higher grounds and adorned the romantic banks of the numerous streams intersecting this town. In the woods of Ray Tompkins, Esq., situated upon the east side of Angle Fly brook, are yet visible the remains of Indian habitations. The Indian burying ground lies near Wood's bridge, at the junction of Plum brook and Croton river. This beautiful portion of Westchester county, so highly diversified with hills and dales was once covered with extensive forests, abounding with every species of wild game. Deer were numerous here as late as 1780, and wolves, though rare, were not extinct at that period. The Indians, for the better purpose of hunting the large herds of deer that roamed through these forests, annually burnt the higher grounds. " This practice (says Vanderdonck,) is named by us and the Indians, '■ bushburning,'' which is done for several reasons ; first, to render hunting easier, as the bush and vegetable growth renders the walking difficult for the hunter, and the crackling of the dry Substances betrays him and frightens away the game. Secondly, to thin out and clear the woods of all dead substances and grass, which grow better the ensuing spring. Thirdly, to circumscribe and enclose the game within the lines of the fire, when it is more easily taken, and also because the game is more easily tracked over the burned parts of the woods. The bush burning presents a grand and sublime appearance. On seeing it from without, we would imagine that not only the dry leaves, vegetables and limbs would be burnt, but that the whole woods would be consumed where the fire passes, for it frequently spreads and rages with such violence, that it is awful to behold," &c.a The last burning remembered by the oldest inhabitant took place on the high ridge east of Primrose street.