Green, then controller of the Park Department and afterwards of New York City, commenting upon it, said, '' It needs but a short look into the future to see this river busy with the craft that are to supply the thriving population on both its banks. As a water-way for commerce this estuary has the advantages of the Thames and the Seine." He pointed out that the improvements must be undertaken by public instead of private enterprise, and forecasted the course of legislation which has placed under governmental control the improvement of the river.

As a consequence of this continual agitation and suggestion, Congress, in 1874, passed an act directing an examination and survey to be made, and in February, 1876, General Newton made a report favoring the establishment of an open water-route between the Hudson and the Sound by way of Spuyten Duyvil Creek, a cut through Dykman's meadows, and thence to the Harlem Kiver. He estimated the cost at three million three hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars. Proceedings for the acquisition of the right of way are nearly complete, and before long, in a few months, perhaps, the work of construction will be begun.*

BRIDGES OVER HARLEM RIVER.

King's Bridge. -- In another part of this volume is noted the ferries at Harlem and 8i)uyten Duyvil kept by Johannes Verveelen. In 1712, Frederick Philipse, of Yonkers, was authorized to construct the present bridge at King's Bridge, and it was ever afterwards the principal passage to the mainland.

Farmers' Bridge. -- The origin of the Hadley or Farmers' or Dyckman's bridge is, to a certain extent, unknown. Perhaps it is the "causey" or "causeway " mentioned in the early history of Fordham. It is said to have been in existence before the Revolution. It is shown on many of the old military maps of the vicinity, published during 1776, and is supposed to have been built by the proprietors or people of the Manor of Fordham, to enable the inhabitants of that place to obtain more ready access to the city and save them a detour to get upon the State road, leading to Yonkers and Albany, via King's Bridge.