The New York herald., 1875-12-03

face totally different in color from the tumutuous
cataract and its seething base which are white and TO
the casual observer pure. The bosom of Croton Lake
wears and stagnant look not un-
like that borne by ponds in the city, and
those so frequent higher up above EKaonah. just
the aqueduc and dam tho lake, through green Is
partially clear and good water but its shores sedge
grown and undoubtedly marshy. aved by little rivuets
and streams that drip speak, down the LOFTY hill
sides from barns outhouses hog pens and farm yards
muddy and nlth- stained Weeds and greenish stuff
abound and the torrent strong in the river prn
cipa feeder above is not visible bere that boat
might lie upon this portion Of the lake for hours with
out materially changing its position provided IL did
not get into the line Of suction Immediately north OF
the dam over which y would undoubtedly then be
drawn TO tho right and left inside the beach curves,
abrupt and numerous NJ this point, IL might re-
main all day unaffected by the tow and clogged by tho
water grasses so thick and abundant not many rods
from ''the fall"
cRoroN LAKE.
The condition Of Croson Lake at this season Of the
year is such afford the spectator fair opportunity
or forming az glance partially just estimate or the
water's character and cleanliness Indeed the use OF
the latter term In this connection s the verest sar
casm, for assuredy no sheet of water in tho
rural districts OF the State, unless it be
Lake Gleneida has more nthy ooundares;
dsputaton within the reach OF the people who though
residing around the lake, not bound likely 70
drink its waters Not one OF the inhabitants could
be induced TO do So They regard the liquid
dirty II not poisonous. Scarce one person could be
found in the neighborhood who would be willing to
the water even for ordinary cooking purposes The
hy shores cut and intersected by drains which
into the lake continually the washing suds refuse
sewerage OF the kitchens and barn yards along the
beach and roadsides from the dam TO the Nelson farm
or Kip lands Al certain spots, on the western or
what might properly be called the northern
boundary, the country folk complain OF malaria, with
fever and ague, from which whole families have suf
Tered during the recent summer months, and stories
arc told OF the severe penalties individuals have paid
Tor having foolishly chosen TO summer IN the pestien
tial region
To form fair idea Of Croton Lake and It's surround
ings ono must travel over ts shores where the soil
VIII permit or the lakes surface by boat.
At the very outset almost insurmount-
able difficulty presents itself in the for
nation Of the former and the paucty OF the scows
and shallops at this season In the summer when the
dotted at even tide with hight craft OF every descrp
lion occupied by pleasure parties; but in November
these houses are closed securely fastened and do.
serted, and the boats nowhere be found unless
one oe fortunate enough 70 be acquainted with the
damkeeper Mr.. Wood, or one OF the denizens OF
difhcult TO hire a skin There arc only two roads
that can be travelled decently. One is that which
skrting the lake leads from Palmers Hotel northwest
OF the aqueduct TO Nelson Brothers land where Il
diverges inland and dives, 70 speak, be.
tween the hills into the heart of the
country and turns It's back upon the waters
Ii crosses Woodbridge at the iuncture or Cross
River and Croton River the principal feeders OF Croton
Lake. The other starts from the aqueduct on the
southeastern shore and mounting the hills winds
toward Mount Kisco and Muscoot hilL On its way to
Kaonah and leaving the dam, the first which is met
is a rivulet. whose source is IN Turkey Mountain
whence II courses downward through the hilocks and