The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-08-13
MIR. Van Buren, mt Home.


We take the following account Of day passed
with Mr.. Van Buren,, at Lindenwald, from the
Cultvator," an agricultural paper published at
Albany:
We lately passed beautiful summers day in the
vicinity OF Undertook. Among other places Of
interest, we visited Lindenwad, the seat OF ex-
President Van Buren,.
Lindenwala, formerly the residence Of Judge
Van Ness, is pleasantly retired, and commands a
very agreeable landscape view, the prominent
features OF which the Catskill mountains
whose elevated submits are often yelled by the
We found Mr.. Van Buren, at home, and accom-
panied him IN a walk over the farm. When he
entered on the occupancy Of this place, on his re-
trement from the Presidency, three years since, it
rented for 20 years. and been under cultivation for
the period Of l6O years. Several OF the buildings
had become poor, the fences were old and were
5ong down. and bushes and grass Of wild growth
the short time II has been under Mr. Van Buren's
management, the place has been greatly improved
and course is now fairly begun by which hand
some income may be derived fromil. The garden
and pleasure-grouRds have been enlarged and
newly laid out-hot-houses have been erected
and large number Of fruit and ornamental trees,
shrubbery, Nc, have been planted. The green
house contains collection Of exotic fruits and
plants, among which are some fine grapes just
ripenlng In the garden we noticed fine samples
OF all the fruits OF the season, and some Of the finest
melons we have ever seen ESQ early in the Year, in
this latitude.
Among the objects which give beauty and inte-
rest 10 the grounds, are two artificial ponds in the
garden They were easily made by constructing
dams across a little brook originating from springs
on the premises. Soon after they were made,
three years ago) some fish were put into Them
and they are now SO well stocked with trout, pick
erel and perch that Mr.. Van Buren, assures as thew
will afford an abundant supply tor his table. This
Is matter well worthy OF consideration. There
are many situations where such ponds may be
made, and with a trifling expense, the luxury Of
had at any time.
Several OF the fields have been enclosed with
new fences, and several buildings ere cted; among
which are very tasty farm house, and barn cal.
hay after being pressed.
But perhaps the most important improveme
which have taken place on the farm, have been
have been thoroughly reclaimed, and are covere d
with uxuriant crops OF grass or oats. Three yeai
ago this land was almost worthless. II was fist
drained by bitches. The stumps, bushes, &c. were
the land. i was afterwards sown to grass-using
mixture OF tmoiy and red.top seed-three pecks
to the acre The whole cost of recla,ming was
thirty eight dollarsper acre, and the land will now
pay the interest OF hundred to hundred and nifty
dollars per acre. In this Mr.. Van Buren, has set
good example, which we hope will be followed BY
the other farmers in the neighborhood who have
lands similarly situate.
The potato crop is one Of considerable conse-
quence on this farm, as well as on others in the
vicinity. Mr.. Van Buren, raises the variety called
Carriers, produced from the ball few years ago by
the Shakers He considers these by lar the most
profitable kind known. They yield well, and their
quality. is thought equal to any Mr.. Van Buren,
assured Us that all which could be raised would
readily command fifty cents per bushel by the guam
tlty, in New York All the crops appear to be well
managed, and are promising. Leached ashes were
tried here last season with excellent success
Great benefit has also been found from ploughing
in clover.
Mr.. Van Buren, keeps but little stock, consid-
cradle object being the sale of hay, which large
portion OF the farm well calculated to produce
the horses for carriages and farm work with yoke
OF oxen, and sufficient number Of cows 10 afford
milk and butter tor the family, comprising about
all We did not see the cows, but were informed
that they were grade Darhams, and were excellent
for thu dairy. We were shown a good three wears
old Durham bull. whose head and limbs denote
good blood, and whose mellow skin indicates that
he is thrifty animal
All the Improvements Of which we have spoken,
have been planned and executed under the imme
date supervision of Mr.. Van Buren,, who finds in
these useful enterprises salutarv exercise Tor the
faculties Of the mind and body, which seems to be
highly enjoyed In this pie asant retreat, removed
from the Of state, and the turmoil Of political
wars, he,
-" With a choice few retired,
Drinks the pure pleasures Of a rural life"