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.

By the royal patent to Stephanus van Cortlandt in 1697, it will be seen that he enjoyed the sole right of hunting deer within llie forests of Cortlandt, a privilege usually conceded to the Ranger of the county.^

N. Y. Hist. Collect. 2d series, vol. i. t See Cortlandt town, vol. i. 4G.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 133

The deep seclusion of tlie woods bordering Plumb brook afforded an agreeable haunt to the beaver, and here these industrious animals had constructed an extensive dam which long survived their existence.

Upon the partition of the manor of Cortlandt among the heirs of the Hon. Stephanus van Cortlandt in the year 1734, the following allotments were made in this town ; north lot, No. 5, Mrs. Margaret Bayard ; ditto No. 6, Philip van Cortlandt ; ditto, No. 7, Andrew .Johnston ; part of north lot No. 8, Mr. Miller; south lot, No. 5, Stephen de Lancey ; ditto No. 6, Stephen van Cortlandt ; ditto half of lot No. 7, Stephen van Cortlandt ; part of south lot No. 9, Mrs. Susannah Warren ; ditto, No. 10, Stephen de Lancey ; this lot has since been annexed to the town of New Castle by an act of the legislature, passed in 1846. Subsequent to the above division, we find the heirs of Stephanus van Cortlandt disposing of their respective rights in the same.