74 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



was again purchased from the Indians by Governor Lovelace, 

 April i8th, 1670, and, from this date, the progress of the colony 

 became uninterrupted and permanent. 



" Richmond is an original County, and was organized Novem- 

 ber 1st, 1683, and divided into four towns, all of which were or- 

 ganized March 7th, 1688. It comprises Staten Island, Shooter's 

 Island, and all the Islands of meadow on the West side of Staten 

 Island. . . . The Island is based upon primitive rock, which 

 rises in the centre into a ridge, with a breadth ranging from one 

 to two miles, and running longitudinally through the Island. 

 These hills afford varying and delightful prospects. From their 

 summits may be seen on a clear day the ever growing city, with 

 its forest of masts and glistening spires ; the broad Bay, studded 

 with Islands and whitened with the canvas of coimtless ships and 

 myriads of steamboats ; Long Island with its swelling hills and 

 richly cultivated farms ; the shining beach of Coney Island ; the 

 coast of New Jersey, in a circular sweep of 40 miles, from Paulus 

 Hook to the Nevesink Hills, with Sandy Hook, and last, the 

 wide Atlantic opening between the Hook and Long Island. All 

 combine and form a view unrivaled in beauty, which it is im- 

 possible to describe, but must be seen to be appreciated. 



" Building sites on these hills are held and sold at what seeni 

 extraordinary prices, and are being rapidly built upon. In fact, 

 the North-Eastern side of the Island is one perfect garden, 

 abounding with elegant residences, and delightful drives. Among 

 the latter the Serpentine and Ocean Terrace are justly favorites. 



"The ponds, wells and springs of the Island contain a soft 

 water, holding no lime in solution. The Island contains some 

 thirty thousand inhabitants, and within its small limits has over 

 thirty churches of various denominations, each having a regular 

 pastor." 



Each of the five townships in the county also receive brief 

 descriptive mention, as for instance : 



" Castleton. Located in the North-Eastern part of the Island, 



