Hence for convenience sake the Dutch traders sought the landing place of the Indians, in the sheltered North side of the Estuary of the Croton, then an open bay without the sedge flats which now nearly fill it. Here too was subsequently established the ancient ferry and ferry house, as the population, and the traffic, up and down the Hudson, began to grow and increase. The next point of settlement was about the mouth of the Peekskill Creek, and in the tract called Ryke's Patent. The method ot settlement adopted by Van Cortlandt was the same as that, which was adopted by the early Dutch

• Lib. A. of Patente, Sec. of State's Of!., 114. Lib. I., West. Co., Reg. Off., 14.i.

STlio " Von Rycken " origin of this name, given in Bolton's History, is fnnrifiil. 3 Lib. 25, Wills, N. Y. Surr. Off., 337.

colonists, and subsequently continued by the English. What it was we learn from the " Information relative to taking up Land in New Netherland in the form of Colonies, or private bonweries " written in 1650 by Secretary Tienhoven, for the information of the States- General of Holland. " Before beginning to build " he says, " 'Twill above all things be necessary to select a well located spot, either on some river'or bay, suitable for the settlement of a village or hamlet. This is previously properly surveyed and divided into lots, with good streets according to the situation of the place. This hamlet can be fenced all round with high palisades, or long boards, and closed with gates." * * " Outside the village or hamlet, other land must be laid out which can in general be fenced and prepared at the most trifling expense."