HISTORICAL NOTICES. 
37 
These places owe almost their entire beauty to nature, as 
this wood is the native growth of the soil — just so much of 
the natural foliage having been retained, as clothes the es- 
tate with an ample garniture ; and much of the effect of the 
finest park, carefully laid out and planted in the modem 
style, is obtained, by judiciously managing the materials, of 
which nature has here been so extremely prodigal. 
The seat of Mr. Wadsworth, at Geneseo, is the first in 
the interior of this state. The park is large, on a fine 
sweeping outline of surface, and contains many oaks of 
extraordinary size and beauty. The Genesee valley is, 
itself, when seen at a distance, quite park-like, and for 
natural, sylvan beauty, there is little in the country, sur- 
passing portions of the grounds of this extensive estate. 
Beaverwyck , a little north of Albany, on the opposite bank 
of the river, is the seat of Wm. P. Van Rensselaer, Esq. 
(Fig. 3.) The whole estate is ten or twelve miles square, in- 
cluding the village of Bath on the river shore, and a large 
farming district. The home residence embraces several hun- 
dred acres, with a large level lawn, bordered by highly varied 
surface of hill and dale. The mansion, one of the first 
class, is newly erected from the plans of Mr. Diaper, and in 
its interior — its hall with mosaic floor of polished woods, 
its marble staircase, frescoed apartments, and spacious adjoin- 
ing conservatory — is perhaps the most splendid in the Union. 
The grounds are yet newly laid out, but with much judg- 
ment ; and six or seven miles of winding, gravelled roads 
and walks have been formed — their boundaries now leading 
over level meadows, and now winding through woody dells. 
The drives thus afforded, are almost unrivalled in extent and 
variety, and give the stranger or guest, an opportunity of see- 
ing the near, and distant views, to the best advantage. 
