The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-08-02
Unknown New York.

The placid Harlem River, tho delight OF
oarsmen. naturalists. engaged couples. and
bridge builders, divides New York city into
two equal parts. Territorially speaking. 1t
is in the middle Of New York. There Is
as much Of the town on one side as on
the other. The beautiful but shallow
stream, OF which all true New Workers.
should be proud which ought to be filled
up, and which romantic tourists do not see
without admiring, makes an impartial.
even-handed, exact division OF the city:
$4,000 acres north OF the north bank. and
$4,000 acres south Of the south bank. Here.
however. the resemblance ends. for Manhat-
tan Island and the district annexed from
Westchester in 1874. are totally dissimilar
except. as we have said. in respect OF area.
The island half Of the city is devoted
to the purposes Of trade and the require
ments Of domicile; while the mainland half
is stretch OF lovely country. the sylvan
charms Of which are little known and still
less appreciated. by the inhabitants Of the
town. Although this latter region has been
officially Incorporated into New York for
nearly twenty years; although 1t is i'd
mirably suited for residences: although
public improvements have been prosecuted
there on huge scale and with enlightened
judgment and sound foresight; and al
though the means of intercommunication
has been multiplied enormously. the popu-
lation of that full half Of New York is
less than that OF one ward OF the lower
town. say the Seventeenth. lying between
Fourteenth street and Stanton, and the
Bowery and Avenue B.
We have remarked OF late an increased
appreciation Of the beauties Of the district
beyond the Harlem. Reporters are sent
there. as to Africa. Greenland. or the Ural
Mountains. and they return to town. after
an expenditure OF dime for a round trip
on trolley car. delighted with all they
have seen. and surprised at their own igno-
rance and prowess. Illustrations. too, OF
the Bronx. Pelham Bay. the Van Cort-
landt and Riverdale territories. supplement
their published narratives. as evidences of
great enterprise and originality. Occasion
ally some amiable but venturous spirit,
surprised at the extent Of his own discover
les. proclaims. How to Reach East Hun
dred and SEVENTEEN Street." THE Hidden
Natural Beauties of North Third Avenue"
The Region Beyond the Bridge" New
York Growing Northward." Historical
hooks in East Hundred and Fortieth
Street," and SO on.
These frank and ingenious tributes to
the unexplored regions OF Present New
York. have their value as indicating a
greater possible diffusion OF knowledge
its beauties and attractions.
There is probably no lovelier month in the |
year than August for study of shady |
streams, meadow lands. and forest park |
ways; and we have them all near at hand, |
not only at the doors Of New York, but |
within the city itself.
1t Is a region Of the town which will re-
pay the visit Of the well-disposed and in |
telligent down-towner We should advise |
him not to leave home with less than dime |
n his pocket for each adult or infant men,
Der OF the exploring party; to take with
him, for their guidance. a pocket map OF
New York city: to select fair day for the
rip; to cross the Harlem by bridge and not
oy ford: TO proceed at once to his woodland
without stopping at any OF the
or lager beer shops which abound
n Morrisania; and. withal. to keep his eyes
Ind ears open. In order that he may miss
lone OF the enjoyment. New York is
yreat town. admirably suited to all tastes
md temperaments. and its unexplored ru-
al portion Is we'll worth visit at this period
II the year. Go early and avoid the rush!