Notable examples were the Philipse and Livingston Manors, the titles to which came directly from the crown. Gradually these extensive tracts were sub-divided, leaving still, however, large areas in the possession of single individuals. Many of these smaller estates have undergone a process of improvement and embellishment, until the lordly mansions on the Hudson have become famed on both sides of the Atlantic for their beauty and picturesque surroundings. . . . Art has done its share to add to the charms of the landscape. Here are the residences of many leading New Yorkers, -- elegant, comfortable homes, surrounded with tastefully ornamented grounds, and presenting all the evidences of that domestic enjoyment which is, after all, the sun of human happiness."

Following the course of the Hudson within the boundaries of Westchester County, we pass in succes-

1 Tlie Growth of New York, New York, 1865, p. 42.

- Description and Map of Castle Sidge, Tarrytuwn.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY AT THE PRESENT DAY.

sion through many noted localities. The first point of interest is High Bridge, now within the corporate limits of New York, winch carries the waters of the Croton Reservoir across the valley of tiic Harlem River at an elevation of one hundred feet, and is one of the noted engineering triumphs of the world.

The hamlet of King's Bridge is charmingly located in a beautiful valley, near the point where the Harlem flows into the Hudson. High, rolling liiils encompass it, on the crests of which are fortifications and finegrowtiis of timber.* The locality was first selected by the Dutch as the site of their projected city. New Amsterdam, but afterwards abandoned.