Lodge, who has had a long experience in the nursery gardening business, is extensively employed in ornamental horticulture.

Vol. II. 40

314 HISTORY OF THE

appears to have been ix fording place between the two shores ; for, upon the 11th of October, 1666, Governor Nicolls granted " certain saw mills to Thomas Delaval, John Vervelen and Daniel Turner, &c., lying over against Verchers or Hogg island, in the Sound, where a passage hath been made to ford over from this island to the maineT^

Governor Dongan's patent for Haarlem, in 1CS6, recites the following : " and whereas, the town lies very commodious for a ferry to and from the maine, which may redowned to the particular benefit of the itihabitants as well as to general good. The freeholders and inhabitants of said town should, in consideration of the benefits and privileges therein granted, as also for what advantage might accrue thereby, be enjoyned and obliged, at their proper costs and charge, to build and provide one or more boats fit for the transportation of men, horse or cattle, for which, a certain allowance was to be given by each particular person," &c.b

In the vicinity of Harlem bridge is situated, the well known country residence of the late Hon. Governeur Morris, which is highly spoken of by travellers, and other persons of taste. Its location is very fine, just on the south-west angle of the township of West Farms, nearly opposite to the beautiful scenery of Hurlgate, and eight miles from New York. It commands extensive views of the surrounding country and the adjacent waters. " Here he passed the latter years of his life exercising an elegant and munificent hospitality, reviewing the studies of liis early days, and carrying on a very interesting correspondence with statesmen and literati in Europe and America.''^ Among his principal guests were Louis Philipe Le Due d'Orleans, (the present king of the French) aud John Victor Moreau, one of the most celebrated of modern French generals.