The emancipation of the slave in Westchester County was iiiidoubtedly less a blessing to him than to his owner. Whatever may be the experience now in the more genial climate of the South, as to the elevation. happine.ss and increase of the colored race, after the recovery of its freedom, the result here was most disastrous. It was not, however, to the disadvantage of the master, for certain is it that the Westchester agriculturalist found himself called to more intelligent and remunerative tillage when relieved of the scarcely profitable help of his bondman. Such is the universal testimony.

What a .-ight must have presented itself as over our three great thoroughfares, not only the farmers of the county, but often, as when the river and sound were ice-bound, those of the regions beyond passed into the city with their heavy loads of produce. There were hours of the day when the roads, it is said, were fairly blocked by the heavy traffic upon them, and eye witnesses declare that at night even the floors of the bar and sitting-rooms of the taverns were spread over with the sleepers tarrying to rest themselves and their teams for a few hours on the way.

The activity thus apparent was accompanied with such improvements in the several neighborhoods as readily to attract the attention of travelers. The care taken of the highways and of the various public buildings may be seen in the town and church records. A reference to some of the private accounts shows in the repair of houses and estates a careful and yet liberal expenditure.