680 [ASSEMBI.T 



been understood by the great numbers of people who have been so 

 much surprised at the barren and sterile appearance of that part of 

 Long Island, and which is undoubtedly the true cause of its present 

 waste and neglected condition; it is the title, or rather its want of 

 title, it being held by the town as commons. 



The following brief account may not be unacceptable to those in- 

 terested in the prosperity of the Island, and may serve to explain in 

 some degree, why nothing but wild grass grows upon the plains: 



Mr. Thompson says, in his very interesting history of Long Island, 

 vol. 2, page 48: "In April, 1808, a bill in chancery was filed by 

 Samuel Denton, and others, to obtain their right to, and possession 

 of the plains, &c., as heirs of, or purchasers from, the original pa- 

 tentets," the Dutch patent of ]640, probably. After a long and 

 learned argument, the chancellor dismissed the bill; and upon an ap- 

 peal, the court of errors affirmed his decision. Another bill was sub- 

 sequently filed by the parties who claimed to be the legal representa- 

 tives of those who contributed to the expenses of obtaining the pa- 

 tent of 1685, from Gen. Dongan, and this was also carried to the 

 court of errors, and decided against the claimants, in 1818. Jan. 10, 

 1821, another bill was filed by the town of North Hempstead against 

 the town of Hempstead. This case was also carried to the court of 

 errors, and there decided against the complainants, (for the particu- 

 lars of these law suits, see the history of Long Island as above quo- 

 ted.) 



Thus it will be seen that there are reasons why this land is so un- 

 productive, besides the qut.lity of the soil; it cannot be sold but by 

 a popular vote of the town. Several plans, at various times, have 

 been proposed, by which these golden acres, (for such they are in 

 truth,) can be placed within the reach of those who would cultivate 

 them, but none as yet has been approved by the inhaibitants of the 

 town. 



The railroad passes through the middle of this plain to Hicksville. 

 The summit level of the road at this place, distant 27 miles from 

 New-York, is 142 feet; the distance from the shore is about seven 

 miles; from Hicksville to Farmingdale, is five miles; and very little 

 cultivation is seen along the road. 



From Farmingdale to Riverhead, nearly 40 miles, at the opening 

 of the road was an entire wilderness, now many small clearings have 



