Under the fostering care of the Philipse and Van Courtlandt families, the settlement of the lands along the Hudson rapidly progressed. English families mingled with the Dutch to a considerable extent, but the Holland emigrants greatly, outnumbered them, so that, in the people and their habits, customs and character, the settlements along the Hudson were active with the occupations and reflected the quiet scenes of the homes that had been left behind the dykes that inclosed the mouths of the Rhine and shut out the Nortli Sea.

The Dutch settlers in Westchester County brought hither many of the best qualities that contribute to good citizenship. They were an industrious race, and the situation of their country at home had compelled them to keep their native industry in constant exercise. Their frugality equaled their industry. No one lived beyond his means, and each year something was added to the accumulated capital. The individual was self-reliant, and yet knew the advan-

1 Tlie regulations of tlie manoi-s and tlieir history will be given in a siibseiiuent chapter, prepared by Edward F. de Lancey.

THE DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT.

tages of concerted action for the common good. Their honesty was proverbial. They were thoroughly imbued with the democratic spirit that, with the freedom of the individual, respected fully both the natural and the acquired rights of others. They valued education. In Holland their free-school system was the best in Europe. Women occupied an exceptionally honorable position, both in society and in the management of afiairs, so that they ably assisted in the business of the family in training their children to usefulness and in contributing to the welfare of the community. The Dutch were steadfast in their religious faith, and had a high regard for morality.