“The next morning they threaded their way through the forest, and along the shore to the extreme west end of the island, where fort Hamilton now stands.  They passed through a large plantation, of the Najack Indians, which was waving with corn.  A noise of pounding drew them to a place where a very aged Indian woman was beating beans out of the pods with a stick, which she did with amazing dexterity.  Near by was the little cluster of houses of the dwindling tribe.  The village consisted of seven or eight huts, occupied by between twenty and thirty Indians, men, women and children.

“These huts were about sixty feet long and fifteen wide.  The floor was of earth.  The posts were large limbs of trees, planted firmly in the ground.  The sides were of reeds and the bark of trees.  An open space, about six inches wide, ran along the whole length of the roof, for the passage of smoke.  On the sides the roof was so low that a man could not stand under it.

“They build their fire in the middle of the floor, according to the number of families which live in the hut; not only the families themselves, but each Indian alone, according as he is hungry, at all hours morning, noon and night.  They lie upon mats with their feet towards the fire.  All in one house, are generally of one stock, as father and mother, with their offspring.  Their bread is maize, pounded by a stone, which is mixed with water and baked under the hot ashes.

“They gave us a small piece when we entered; and although the grains were not ripe, and it was half-baked and coarse grains, we nevertheless had to eat it, or at least not throw it away before them, which they would have regarded as a great sin, or a great affront.  We chewed a little of it with long teeth, and managed to hide it so that they did not see it.

“On Wednesday a farmer harnessed his horse to a wagon and carried them back to the city.  The road led through the forest and over very rough and stony hills, making the ride quite uncomfortable.  Passing again through the little village of Breukelen, they crossed the ferry and reached home about noon.  On Friday they took an exploring tour through the island of Manhattan.  Their pleasant description is worth transcribing.

“This island is about seven hours distance in length, but it is not a full hour broad.  The sides are indented with bays, coves and creeks.  It is almost entirely taken up, that is the land is held by private owners, but not half of it is cultivated.  Much of it is good woodland.  The west end, on which the city lies, is entirely cleared, for more than an hour’s distance, though that is the poorest ground; the best being on the east and north side.  There are many brooks of fresh water running through it, pleasant and proper for man and beast to drink; as well as agreeable to behold, affording cool