518 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



lakes, like Ronkonkoma, and, indeed, almost the entire surface of 

 the island, is adapted to these purposes, and should be occupied 

 by country seats, and pleasure grounds, and the varied embellish- 

 ments of wealth and taste. The same balmy atmosphere envelops 

 the whole island, it is characterized by the same bland and equa- 

 ble climate, and is, in all its sections, easily accessible by railroad 

 and steamers from New- York and Brooklyn. 



Long Island is one of the most lovely and delightful regions of 

 the earth; and it is among the mysteries of human caprices that 

 these qualities have not rendered its whole territoiy the abode of 

 elegance and affluence. A strange fallacy has consigned thou- 

 sands of acres to desolation and waste, almost in sight of Trinity 

 steeple, which are capable of the highest culture, and might be 

 converted into remunerative farms and gardens, as well as most 

 attractive residences. 



Upon the word of a geologist, and the experience of a farmer 

 and gardener, as well as the evidences afforded by practical re- 

 sults, I aver that nearly the whole area embraced in the territory 

 known as " the barrens," or " plains," is equally adapted to high 

 and profitable culture as the fertile tracts which, for about two 

 centuries, have been the garden spots of the State. The earth is 

 warm and dry, the soil is adapted to improvement; while nature, 

 by the gravelly formation which constitutes the substratum of the 

 whole island, has created a system of under drainage that would 

 require millions of dollars to so thoroughly and efficiently form 

 by art. Besides these attractions, the fact is worthy of considera- 

 tion, that a small freehold may be purchased on the island at a 

 price which would scarcely command the title of a rocky knoll 

 upon the banks of the Hudson. 



It is not the sphere of the Home Journal to discuss this subject 

 in the striking aspect of its political economy, and in reference to 

 the vast importance to your sister cities, of converting these wilds 

 into fruit and vegetable gardens, for the ready and cheap supply 

 of their markets ;' but it is within your province to urge upon 

 your intellectual and refined readers the allurements of this island 

 as a charming retreat from " the heat and dust of Rome." 



