The Haarlem river (Muscoota,) which forms the western boundar)' of the towm, is one of the sweetest, streams that ever gave a charm to land- ' scape. On the Westchester shore high woods cover the sides of undulating hills, while here and there rich meadows form a gradual and beautiful descent to the water's edge. The opposite banks are abruptly terminated with rocky declivities, and present by their greater boldness a fine contrast. These waters aftbrd an agreeable haunt to the kiri^ fisher, "the most cel-brated and besung of all other birds," savs Aldrovand, likewise to the heron andy/jV^ haii-'k.

530 HISTORY OF THE COUNTV OF WESTCHESTER.

On the East site of the Harlem Railroad contiguous to the village • i Fordham, oa an eminence called Rose Hill, is situated St. John's Colicv-. a Roman Catholic institution. This place enjoys all the advant.Tj-.- peculiar to the country, a pure and vigorous air and retirement v,'hii-ii y., feo favorable to the formation and grovv-th of studious habits ; while :.: the same time its proximity to the city, by means of the railroad. i> .; great converiience. This institution, the only one of its kind in tl-.c State, was first opened for the reception of students on the 24th of Juti ■. 1841." It was incorporated by an act of the Legislature passed Aj r.\ loth, 1S46. The following is an extract from their rules and regulations : " The system of government will be mild and paternal, yet fin:* in enforc'ng the observance of established discipline. The utmost attention will be paid not only to the intellectual, but also to the moral education of the pupils. As to their domestic comfort, every thi.".^; which parental affection can desire vriW be found and supplied in the assiduous attention and skilful management of the Sislers of Charity, to whom the charge of this important and highly responsible departmonl is mainly confided." The college, which contains the rooms of the various professors, library, &:c., is a large, elegant, and commodious edifice.