The beautiful striped bass (Labrax Lineatus, Cuvier,) abounds in these waters. The fishing season usually commences in May, and reaches perfection in the months of September and October. The baits preferred (although they vary according to location) are the soft crab, shrimp and squid, or common cuttle fish. The bass is well known to bean anadromous, living in the salt water, but generally spawning in the fresh. These fish sometimes attain to a large size.

The favorite station of the angler is the New Bridge. The present tavern at King's Bridge occupies the site of the old Dyckman Hotel, in which its landlords were wont to entertain the ancient aldermen of the Manhattans.

The residence of the late Robert Macomb, Esq., now occupied by his widow, lies beautifully embosomed in shrubbery, commanding fine views of the bridge, creek, New York island, and neighbouring hills. Among the latter stands prominent Tetard's Height, with its powder house, and Fort Independence. From this hill the continental army retreated, on the approach of General Knyphausen, in 1776. The pleasure grounds around the Macomb mansion, are tastily laid out in shrubberies and walks, while the beautiful waters of the " Miiscoota^^ add variety to the scenery.

In one of the rooms we noticed a beautiful painting, by Waldo, of Major Gen. Alexander Macomb. This family is descended from the MacCombie's of Ireland, an ancient and honorable stock who removed to that country from Scotland. The grandfather

» This name frequentlj' applies to the Haarlem River in the Albany and County Records.