It is said that flocks of them used to fly from the Yonkers ridge on the west side of Tippet's brook to this hill, at certain seasons of the year, for the purpose of feeding on the acorn and beech nut. The flight was always commenced by a large black cock of the woods, sunset being the signal for departure; the leader gave the well known note, and they were instantly on the wing for the opposite hills. There yet remains a fine specimen of the ancient denizens of the forests on the western edge of this hill, by the roadside leading to the village. This venerable chestnut tree, in the Fall of the year, appears to be the favorite gathering place of thousands of swallows just before they commence their migrations.

In possession of the Valentine family are numerous receipts given for rent ; formerly due tlie Lords of Philipsborough. As a specimen occurs the following : --

Op Nippera Des 20 Mars JVo. 17i27,

den 20 Mars heft Theis Valentin en syn Moeder hier gebracLt 13^ boscbel tarwe vor de hucr von land vor ye Tahr Ao 1726.

Yonckers, Januart/ ye 2S divj, 1734-5. Then received of Mr. Mattkiase Vallentinc 7^ bushels of Rent wheat on behalf of Mr. Philip.se. I said received by nic,

WILLIA3I PECK.

6o4 HISTORY OF THE COITNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

At the commencement of the Revolutionary War this hill was rented by two grand-sons of the first proprietor, Thomas and Gilbert Valentine, who occupied it through the whole course of the war. In the summer of i775> the American army threw up entrenchments on its summit, the remains of which are still visible. When his Excellency General Washington lay encamped on Valentine's hill in the Fall of 1776, it was supposed to be the design of the enemy to attack his position.