HISTORICAL NOTICES. 35 



enlarged and improved a few years since, from the designs 

 of Upjohn, is one of the largest and most admirable in all 

 respects, to be found in the country, and the pleasure- 

 grounds in the rear of the house are tasteful and beau- 

 tiful. 



Beaverwyck, a little north of Albany, on the opposite 

 bank of the river, was formerly the seat of Win. P. Yan 

 Rensselaer, Esq. The whole estate is ten or twelve miles 

 square, including the village of Bath on the river shore, 

 and a large farming district. The home residence em- 

 braces several hundred acres, with a large level lawn, 

 bordered by highly varied surface of hill and dale. The 

 mansion, one of the first class, is newly erected from the 

 plans of Mr. Diaper, and in its interior its hall with 

 mosaic floor of polished woods, its marble staircase, 

 frescoed apartments, and spacious adjoining conservatory 

 is perhaps the most splendid in the Union. The grounds 

 are yet newly laid out, but with much judgment ; and six 

 or seven miles of winding gravelled roads and walks have 

 been formed their boundaries now leading over level 

 meadows, and now winding through woody dells. The 

 drives thus afforded, are almost unrivalled in extent and 

 variety, and give the stranger or guest, an opportunity of 

 seeing the near and distant views to the best advantage. 



At Tarrytown, is the cottage residence of Washington 

 Irving, which is, in location and accessories, almost the 

 beau ideal of a cottage ornee. The charming manner in 

 which the wild foot-paths, in the neighborhood of this cot- 

 tage, are conducted among the picturesque dells and banks, 

 is precisely what one would look for here. A little below, 

 Mr. Sheldon's cottage (now Mr. Hoag's), with its pretty 

 lawn and its charming brook, is one of the best specimens 



