were then, to say the least, as happy as they are now.  Food was abundant, and New York was far-famed for its cordial hospitality.  Days of recreation were more abundant than now.  The principal social festivals were “quilting,” “apple paring” and “husking.”  Birthdays, christenings, and marriage anniversaries were also celebrated with much festivity.  Upon most of these occasions there was abundant feasting.  Dancing was the favorite amusement, with which the evening was almost invariably terminated.  In this busy community the repose of the night was necessary to prepare for the labors of the ensuing day.  The ringing of the nine o’clock bell was the signal for all to retire.

A mild form of negro slavery existed in those days.  The slaves danced to the music of their rude instruments in the markets.  The young men and maidens often met on the Bowling green and danced around the May pole.  Turkey shooting was a favorite amusement, which usually took place on the Common.  New Year’s Day was devoted to the interchange of visits.  Every door was thrown open, and all guests were welcome, friends as well as strangers, as at a Presidential levee.  This custom of olden time has passed down to us from our worthy Dutch predecessors.  Dinner parties were unknown.  But tea-parties, with the ladies, were very common.

“To take tea out,” writes Mr. William L. Stone, in his interesting History of New York,

“was a Dutch institution, and one of great importance.  The matrons, arrayed in their best petticoats and linsey jackets, home-spun by their own wheels, would proceed on the intended afternoon visit.  They wore capacious pockets, with scissors, pin-cushion and keys hanging from their girdle, outside of their dress; and reaching the neighbor’s house the visitors industriously used knitting needles and tongues at the same time.  The village gossip was talked over; neighbors’ affairs settled, and the stockings finished by tea-time, when the important meal appeared on the table, precisely at six o’clock.

“This was always the occasion for the display of the family plate, with the Lilliputian cups, of rare old family china, out of which the guests sipped the fragrant herb.  A large lump of loaf sugar invariably accompanied each cup, on a little plate, and the delightful beverage was sweetened by an occasional nibble, amid the more solid articles of waffles and Dutch doughnuts.  The pleasant visit finished, the visitors donning cloaks and hoods, as bonnets were unknown, proceeded homeward in time for milking and other necessary household duties.

“The kitchen fire-places were of immense size large enough to roast a whole sheep.  The hooks and trammels sustained large iron pots and kettles.  In the spacious chimney-corners the children and negroes gathered, telling stories and cracking nuts by the blazing pine-knots, while the industrious vrows turned the merry spinning-wheel, and their lords, the worthy