The green sward, sloping gradually to the Hudson, is here and there dotted with fine ■specimens of ornamental trees ; this, during the occupancy of the Philipse's, was emparked and stocked with deer. Among other exotics (which seem to thrive here,) we noticed on the edge of the river the EngUshyew; judging from its appearance and the exposed situation ■which it occupies, we should say it was quite hardy enough to endure our coldest winters. We should be glad to see this beautiful tree, whose dark verdure never fails, naturalized in the gardens of Westchester.<»

In this mansion the lords of the manor, on the great rent days, feasted their tenantr}'. Some idea may be formed of this establishment which maintained thirty white and twenty colored servants. There appears to liave been two rent days yearly for the manor of Phillipsborough. One in January, held at Yonkers, for the convenience of the lower tenantry; another a few days subsequent, at Sleepy Hollow, for the upper.

In lieu of rent, was frequently received a couple of fat hens, a day's work, or a trifling sum amounting to three or four pounds. The farmers bordering the river ha\-ing greater privileges, paid higher rents. The Courts Leet and Baron were held yearly at the house of John Cockles, the site of the present Nap-pec-ka mak tavern. This court took cog- ■nizance of all criminal matters, and sometimes inflicted punishments that were even capital. In the administration of justice the baronial lord presided, either in his own jierson or that cf his steward.