282 Principal Nurseries and private Gardens 



"which name still predominates in that quarter. The mansion 

 of John Swift Livingston, Esq., is situated in one of the most 

 beautiful locations on the Hudson. Attached to the splendid 

 brick mansion of R. L. Livingston, Esq., is a large hot-house, 

 well stocked with choice plants. Captain Brown, of the 

 United States' army, has also a neat delightful residence in 

 this vicinity ; there is a small grove in front, which is deco- 

 rated with a beautiful arbour; and a number of rustic seats 

 are placed around the trees in the ground. 



There is an immense number of gentlemen's seats situated 

 on the banks of this beautiful river ; but, as it respects gar- 

 dening, every thing about them is on a confined scale, for the 

 reasons stated at the beginning of this article ; and although 

 the remains of the possessions of the old aristocracy were 

 visible, yet the ancient manor houses were falling to decay ; 

 the trees of the parks and pleasure grounds were all neglected ; 

 and rank grass and weeds covered the walks, &c, 



Hyde Parle, on the Hudson. — As an exception to this forlorn 

 state of former greatness, or rather former extent, I can, with 

 the greatest propriety, mention the splendid mansion and seat 

 of Dr. David Hosack, a gentleman well known in the literary 

 and scientific world [the Sir Joseph Banks of America]. 

 The doctor has lately retired from business and the city, to 

 this delightful spot, Hyde Park. Our Hyde Park, on this 

 side the water, can bear no comparison with its namesake on 

 the other side of the Atlantic ; its natural capacity for im- 

 provement has been taken advantage of in a very judicious 

 manner ; every circumstance has been laid hold of, and acted 

 upon, which could tend to beautify or adorn it. The park is 

 extensive \ the rides numerous; and the variety of delightful 

 distant views, embracing every kind of scenery, surpasses any 

 thing I have ever seen in that or in any other country. I 

 had the pleasure of riding round the whole with its most 

 amiable owner, than whom a more condescending and affable 

 gentleman is not in existence. The pleasure grounds are laid 

 out on just -principles, and in a most judicious manner; there 

 is an excellent range of hot-houses, with a collection of rare 

 plants ; remarkable for their variety, their cleanliness, and 

 their handsome growth. The whole of this department 

 is under the care of Mr. Hobbs, an English gardener, who 

 well understands his business; and it was most gratifying to 

 me to find Dr. Hosack so justly appreciating his merits. The 

 farm buildings have been recently erected; and their con- 

 struction and arrangement deserve the strongest praise; but 

 in fact, every thing connected with Hyde Park is performed 

 in a manner unparalleled in America; at least, as far as my 

 observations extended. 



