It would seem probable that the Hewlett and the Near Rockaway stations would have been connected with Hempstead by some branch trail proceeding directly south from the Southern post-road at Hempstead, possibly along che Valley Stream road.

The main path to those native settlements was doubtless by the route of the old highway from Jamaica which led direct to Rockaway neck, and was practically an extension of the Flushing road. This old road, which may well have been an ancient path, passed over the meadows south of Jamaica, crossing the creek known to the natives as Skupash, the source of which was at Beaver pond in the old town, and thence

INDIAN NOTES

BOROUGH OF QUEENS

proceeding over the broad meadow-land bordering Jamaica bay, to a crossing over Hooker creek, where later a toll-gate was placed, thus reaching Rockaway neck, from which point the long stretch of Rockaway beach would have been accessible by a branch path, while the main road proceeded east to Hewlett (55).

In this district the Rockaway natives had several settlements, including a station on Hog island (54), and not far away an important fortified station situated on Hicks neck, both having access to saltwater on Hempstead bay.

Direct communication was doubtless well established between the residents in these large settlements and those of their kinsfolk living near the waters of the Sound, by passing through Jamaica, and thence north on the line of the Flushing road, which within Flushing is now known as Jamaica avenue.