The low ground east of Bronx dale, is called Bear swamp. The general "surface of Westchester is rolling, and in some places hilly; soil, clay loam, mostly susceptible of high cultivation." " The lands produce all kinds of grain, but they are best adapted to grass and pasturage. Almost every variety of fruit trees flourish here. The principal growth of wood is oak of all sorts, chesnut and hickory, &c. It is freely watered in every part by springs and rivulets," . : ,

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

WEST FARMS.

Tins township which is situated at the south west extremity of the county, was separated fiom the ancient town of Westchester ;a and, incorporated on the 13ih of May, 1S46,1j by an act of the legislature. It is bounded on the north by Yonkers, east by the Bronx, south by the East river, and west by the Harlem river, or county of New- York. It is distant sixteen miles south of the village of White Plains, and about one hundred and forty-one miles from Albany. " Kings bridge, across Harlem river, is just within the line, at the north-west corner of this town."

Our intention is to take up separately the three former divisions of the present town, viz., West Farms, Morrisania and Fordham.

From the following patent, it appears that the proprietors of the lands subsequently called the West Far?7is, in 1666, were Edwiird Jessup and John Richardson, of Westchester.

PATENT OP WEST FARMS.

" Richard Nicolls, Esq., governor general under las royal highness, James Duke of York and Albany, &.c. &c., ofall his terriloryes in America, to all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting : whereas, there is a cer-