HISTORICAL NOTICES. 
enlarged and improved a few years since, from the designs 
of Upjohn, is one of the largest and most admirable in all 
respects, to be found in the country, and the pleasure- 
grounds in the rear of the house are tasteful and beau- 
tiful. 
Beaverwyck, a little north of Albany, on the opposite 
bank of the river, was formerly the seat of Win. P. Yan 
Rensselaer, Esq. The wdiole estate is ten or twelve miles 
square, including the village of Bath on the river shore, 
and a large farming district. The home residence em- 
braces several hundred 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 adjoining conservatory 
—is perhaps the most splendid in the Union. The grounds 
are yet newly laid out, but with much judgment ; 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 
seeing the near and distant views to the best advantage. 
At Tarry town, is the cottage residence of Washington 
Irving, which is, in location and accessories, almost the 
beau ideal of a cottage ornee. The charming manner in 
which the wild foot-paths, in the neighborhood of this cot- 
* 
tage,are conducted among the picturesque dells and banks, 
is precisely what one would look for here. A little below, , 
Mr. Sheldon’s cottage (now Mr. Hoag’s), with its pretty 
lawn and its charming brook, is one of the best specimens 
