elevation of 75. or 80 feet, and then spreading out into a beautiful sandy plateau of twenty (jr. thirty The hill side is covered with the original forest, and acres.

reaching,

it

broken up into what seem to be artificial mounds. On the edge of the plain overlooking the creek, the fort was situated, and the wigwams a little distance below. To the north, along the kil,

flat of moderate dimensions but on the oppo some of the finest lowlands in Ulster county. Here

extends a

site side are

;

the Indians planted their maize, and one spot is yet distinguished as Basha's

cornfield.

The

plateau is covered

with

flints

and

arrow-heads, which every ploughing turns up to the hands of From this village a pathway, yet pre those who prize them. served, led across the mountains to Wawarsingand the KerhonkThis was the son settlement, just twelve miles to the north.

Wawarsing trail, so well known to all the early inhabitants of Shawangunk and Rochester. Another trail bore off to the traps,

And yet a third passed Montgomery and New Wind

and through the clove to Marbletown. eastward to the Hudson, through

sor, and branching, near the Wallkill, to the south, gave access

from the Esopus clans, to the wigwams of the Haverstraws and Hackinsacks."

That

the

valley of the Wallkill

was thickly peopled at the

time of the discovery, there is no question. Along its banks and tributary streams imperfect but conclusive evidence is found

of occupation both by permanent and temporary villages, and in the old patents are many names of localities which investiga