The interest and labor of modern local observers such as Austin, Armbruster, and Dove, in exploring and recording the position and condition of native occupied sites, together with the slender references in existing histories, have resulted in locating probably all of the chief places of residence of the one-time owners of the county. What is lacking, however, in regard to the native stations, is compensated by the existence of considerable definite information on the subject of native pathways. Records fortunately exist, by which the main Indian trails are identified with the King's highways and

INDIAN NOTES

KINGS COUNTY

other old roadways which became the successors of native paths, so that their actual course is now traceable, and their systematic purpose becomes recognizable.

The ingenious selection of their routes, their adaptation to topographical contours, and the connection they provided between the various native communities, are readily perceived on a study of the accompanying maps. Equally marked is the influence of these humble trails on the after-development of the great borough, as the progenitors of those arteries of traffic by reason of which old Brooklyn and its neighbors grew up together and ultimately became united in one great community.

From far eastern regions the Long Island natives made their way along the Rockaway path to Brooklyn, and were joined by the Canarsee and the Nayack, converging by several byways along ancient paths, and uniting at the present Fulton ferry, where a short crossing of the East river brought them to Manhattan.

The strategic importance of the south end of that island is well illustrated by the