100 [Assembly 



It is not extravagant to estimate that the seventy paupers, em- 

 ployed on Randall's Island, have thus far maintained themselves, and 

 produced a surplus which would be equal to over $4,000 per annum. 

 If then, the whole 500 could be engaged in agricultural labor, with 

 corresponding advantage, together with the occasional labor of the 

 children, in addition to their own maintenance they would produce 

 to the city a revenue of $30,000 per annum. 



Two of the Messrs. Randalls having been present on the occa- 

 sion of this visit, we have obtained from them some reminiscences 

 worthy of record. The Island, formerly called Montezone, was pur- 

 chased by this family in 1784, from Col. Ogden, of New- Jersey, for 

 $6,000. It was then in a very neglected state, nearly destitute of 

 trees, fences, &c. The excellent fruit which has been produced here 

 to some extent, has resulted from the labor and enterprise of this fa- 

 mily. Peaches were formerly one of the products in great abun- 

 dance, and of the very best quality; but about forty years ago the 

 crop failed, and the trees gradually decayed, since which very few 

 have been produced on the Island. This was the case, also, in. the 

 adjacent country, and was generally attributed to a change in the cli- 

 mate, as no other assignable cause seemed to present ilsellj the dis- 

 ease called ihe '' yellows," and the peach borer were subsequently 

 found to be the cause. 



The Virgalieu pear was produced in great abundance, and perfec- 

 tion, until about twenty years ago, when the crop failed; the trees 

 have since yielded no fruit worth gathering. They put forth their 

 blossoms and foliage in the spring, and appear to be vigorous, but 

 the fruit, after attaining about half its usual size, turns to a dark co- 

 lor, cracks and dries up. Some specimens of it are herewith pre- 

 sented to the club. These trees may be resuscitated by proper cul- 

 ture. 



Cherries have been very abundant on the Island; there are several 

 varieties, and the quality excellent; the Blackhearts are most nume- 

 rous. The celebrated Dyckman cherry, or Black Tartarian, was first 

 grown in America on this Island, about forty years ago. The New- 

 town pippin flourished on the Island, one thousand barrels of which 

 have been obtained in a season. In all, there are about twenty acres 

 of fruit trees. 



In 1820 the receipts for produce, sold off the Island, was ,<^6,0C0, 

 independent of the supply of the family. The produce sold consist- 



