natural growth of trees, which have been aided and connected together by judi- 

 cious additions. It has long appeared to us as one of the most satisfying country 

 places extant on this continent. 



Annandale, some twenty miles above, and near Barrytown, was commemorated 

 by Downing as Blithewood, then the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., in his Land- 

 scape Gardening, with a lover's praises. It is now the property of John Bard, 

 Esq., who has changed its name to Annandale. Numerous improvements have 

 been made by Mr. and Mrs. Bard since they came into possession, and many others 

 are in progress which must render it a very perfect example of all that is desirable 

 in a country-seat. The river is four miles wide here, with islands interspersed,* 

 and a full view of the Catskill Mountains on the opposite side, with their ever- 

 varying shadows, sunshine, and clouds. Fine groups, and masses of trees and 

 shrubbery, beautiful fountains, walks, drives, and, to this, hospitality and open- 

 handed charity added, we give to Annandale the meed of extraordinary attraction 

 and beauty. 



The great water tower here, supplied from the noble brook between Mr. Bard's 

 and Montgomery Place, is admirably contrived. 



Perhaps one of the most agreeable features at Annandale, is the great interest 

 wliich the amiable proprietors take in the moral improvement of the neighborhood. 

 With a noble and praiseworthy liberality, they have, we understand, established, 

 at their own expenditure, large and successful schools and churches, both upon 

 the estate and at the neighboring village, where the whole expense of the erection 

 of the buildings, the salaries of the clergymen and teachers, are defrayed from 

 their private purse. 



It is, we believe, the intention of Mr. Bard to erect a mansion of a size and 

 dignity commensurate to the beauty of the place. Many persons with his ample 

 means, would perhaps have done this at once, but he, with a forbearance beyond 

 all praise, preferred to render unto God before rendering unto Csesar. 



Annandale was planted by John C. Stevens, Esq., Admiral of the New York 

 Yacht Club, who is still living ; though his trees look old, he is not so, thus show- 

 ing a successful instance of planting attaining perfection in the lifetime of a single 

 individual. John C. Cruger bought it of Mr. Stevens. 



Mr. Bard is erecting fine conservatories and forcing houses ; he already pos- 

 sesses a stove, and other arrangements, for winter use. A new dwelling in every 

 respect worthy this fine property of nearly two hundred acres, is to be constructed 

 the ensuing season. 



It was here that we remarked the fine groups of artistic Milan tables and chairs 

 noticed on page 412. 



The Palisades. — Though we are not just now in the region of the Palisades, in 

 thinking over the extraordinary beauties of the Hudson, it occurs to us to remark 

 that we have never been able to find an individual who knew what was atop of 

 those wonderful formations of rock. Are these heights accessible ? What kind 

 of country lies on their immediate rear? We have often thought what magni- 

 ficent castle-looking houses might be erected there for the delectation of tourists 

 in search of the picturesque ; what fame might be bought, for a small sum, by 

 imitating a Rhine castle there. Tliink of it some of you millionaires of com- 

 merce, and give us something to "visit" and talk over, which will be entirely new, 

 and handsome, and graceful, and feudal looking. But is there anything up there 

 to eat? That is one of the greatest preliminary questions, and before concluding 

 our trip "Around New York," in the January number, we pause for a reply. 



* Upon the extreme point of one (Cruger's Island), is a fine group of ruins brought 

 I'alenciue by the late John L. Stevens, and remarkably striking in their effect. 



