TuTTLE: First ATTEMPT TO SETTLE STATEN ISLAND 21 
A distinction is made between a-plantation and a farm or bou- 
werie. According to Van Winkle the plantations were generally 
only a few acres in size, rarely exceeding five, and indian corn or 
tobacco were the crops raised, tobacco for the market and maize 
for the food of man and beast. (C. D. 1: 367.) Farms or bou- 
weries were much larger, and a greater variety of agricultural 
products were grown. A colonie was made up of families settled 
on contiguous plantations or bouweries and the founder was usu- 
ally acknowledged A parmroons; (CG, ID, 28 TKO, isi.) 
Those interested in the beginning of Staten Island should read 
DeVries’ account. (N. N. N. 181.) He tells of six voyages, 
three of which were to New Netherland. After bringing his 
settlers to Staten Island, DeVries remained in New Netherland for 
several years. He believed in a friendly policy toward the Indians 
and blamed Director Kieft for the many difficulties with them. 
Kieft was very aggressive in his policy toward the red men, and 
committed a great blunder in 1639 when he demanded tribute from 
them in maize, furs, or service, on the ground that the Dutch had 
defended them against their enemies. (C. D. 1: 150, 197.) There 
were a number of other sources of irritation, among which was the 
damage done to the Indian corn fields by stray cattle of the 
colonists. After numerous complaints, the Indians retaliated by 
killing some of the cattle. (C. D. 1: 150.) Kieft was much 
alarmed when one of his men was murdered by an Indian, and 
wishing to shift the responsibility for the consequences of his 
policy upon the settlers, he summoned all masters and heads of 
families to meet at Fort Amsterdam and submitted to them the 
question of the punishment of the Indians. 
Twelve selectmen were chosen to consider the matter in August 
1641 and DeVries was made president. They answered on Au- 
gust 29, 1641, that the murderer should be punished and that the 
punitive expedition should be led by Kieft. (C.D.1: 415.) The 
twelve men also took the opportunity to ask for reforms in admin- 
istration and asserted a right to share in the government. (C. D. 
