Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 14

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 14

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The Equisetace@ or Horsetails, (Rushes), an order of vegetables growing in wet grounds, on river banks and borders of moist woods, are represented in the county by Equisetum liyemale, Scouring rush, E. arvense, Field horsetail ; E. limosum, Pipes and E. sylvaticum, Wood horsetail.

Of the Lycopodiaceae or Club mosses, we have Ly- copodium clavatum, Common club moss ; L. com- planatum, Ground pine, L. Dendroideum, Tree club moss ; Selaginella rupestris, Rock club moss.

NATURAL HISTORY.

QUADRUPEDS .- Two hundred and seventy-five years ago, in ascending the noble river that bears his name, Henry Hudson saw upon its banks a race of people clad in rude garments and armed with the ancient bow and arrows. They were na- tives of the forest; and, like the animals about them, wild, fierce and savage. The early immi- grants to this country met the same wandering na- tives of the woods, and with them the wild beasts that roamed both hill and valley, a terror and dread by day and by night. Where are they now? The laws of civilization, the ax and the plow, have wonderfully interfered with their rights and des- troyed their freedom of domain. No more is heard in our county of the savage war-whoop of the Indian, the ferocious bark of the wolf, the piercing cry of the wild cat, the growl of the bear, or the plaintive bleat of the deer. These animals, once common in the county and familiar to the

early settlers, have disappeared. No longer does the beaver afford profit or amusement to the hunter. The otter, too, has gone, and with it the hedge-hog and the porcupine. Two years ago, near the farm of Hon. Erastus Corning, a porcu- pine was shot, which is preserved as a specimen in the Museum of Natural History, at Albany. The noble bison and elk, monarchs of the forest, if they once roamed our forests in freedom, as some believe, have sought more secure and favored retreats.

Among the primitive quadrupeds yet to be found in the county are the fox, raccoon, woodchuck, skunk, grey and white rabbit, muskrat, mink, weasel, grey and red squirrel, striped and flying squirrel, mole, mice of several kinds; all insig- nificant as compared with those proud occupants of our old forests.

BIRDS .- The birds form no small part of the natural history of the county. Many of them, with their joyous songs, are welcome harbingers of spring, assuring us that the icy fetters of winter are broken, that the mild rays of the vernal sun will soon warm the earth. The husbandman is made glad when he hears the first note of the blue- bird, the rapturous music of the robin, or the mellow call of the whip-poor-will.

Among our rapacious birds are the great hen- hawk, goshawk, pigeon-hawk, shrike or butcher- bird, the grey, horned and barn owl, crow, great blue heron, small heron, bittern and kingfisher. But few game birds are found in the county, and these are protected by stringent laws. During the few months in which they can be legally killed, the huntsmen seem to have no thought for the future, but are so reckless that few remain for the next season's reproduction. Partridge, woodcock, snipe, plover and, rarely, a quail, with an occa- sional meadow lark, comprise the list.

Among the song birds are the robin, golden and orchard oriole, brown and wood thrush, cat-bird, bobolink, bluebird, grey and hedge sparrow, chirp and yellow bird, titmouse, red and black- winged phœbe, bluejay, kingbird, blackbird, barn, chimney and mason swallows, several kinds of woodpeckers, crested tit, house wren, cuckoo, dove, whip-poor-will, night-hawk and several vari- eties of the humming-birds, and the cedar or cherry bird. The habits of these birds are as various as the classes they represent. The greater number are migratory, arriving here during the spring months. The first to leave is the bobo- link ; others follow at irregular intervals. Almost the last to leave for a more genial clime is the

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

robin. The indiscriminate and wanton destruction of our harmless birds by the ruthless sportsmen is having a marked effect upon the increase of insects and worms, injurious to vegetation.

FISHES. - The creeks running through the county, as well as the Hudson, early abounded in fish. Pike and sturgeon were caught even in Fox Creek, now filled up or used as a covered sewer. A sturgeon was sold for a knife in that early day. Salmon has rarely been found in our river, the fish preferring clearer, rocky rivers, like the Connecticut and Kennebec. Herring once made Saratoga Lake their grand rendezvous, and were in plenty. The dams have turned them away. Shad and bass are not plentiful so far up stream as our county for lack of suitable accommodations ; but they are abundant in the river, as are also the usual variety of small fish. Trout was once very abundant in the clear streams of the county.

The sharp-nosed sturgeon, caught in the Hud- son, is from four to eight feet in length, and varies in weight from 100 to 450 pounds. A few years ago one was caught weighing 486 pounds. The annual catch commences in April and continues into the autumn. This fish is caught in most of the. fishing places from New York bay to Troy, and is a great favorite in the river towns. It is sometimes called "Albany beef." Its oil is used for the same purpose as sperm oil, and in the treat- ment of cuts and bruises. A favorite place for spawning was once at the bottom of Cohoes Falls. Its roes or eggs furnish one of the most alluring bates to the angler, as bass and many other fish delight in them for food.

REPTILES. - Of snakes there are very few, and of the poisonous class none. The rattlesnake, once so common in the county, is no more to be dreaded.

The list comprises the black-snake and chaser, milk, water, garter and green snakes. Some lizards, newts and toads of several varieties are found.

ENTOMOLOGY .- Varied as are the subjects con- nected with the Natural History of Albany County, that of entomology is not the least. Many insects are known to be injurious to trees, shrubs and plants under cultivation ; many are destructive to domestic fabrics, and in many ways are pests in the house, in the garden, and in the field and for- est. A knowledge of their history, habits, charac- ter, propagation and natural enemies, with practical suggestions for their control, and the best means and remedies for their destruction, should be of much interest and value.

The Entomological History of New York State was under the supervision of Dr. Fitch for many years, who made very extensive collections in Albany and Washington counties. For ten years after Dr. Fitch's death no work was done by the State in that branch of natural history, and much valuable time was lost.

In 1870, the work was resumed by Dr. J. A. Lintner, who was appointed State Entomologist. For the last fifteen years, large and extensive col- lections have been made by him and his associates for the State collection, for private cabinets, and for distribution in various parts of the United States and in Europe.

Albany County has a favorite insect-collecting ground at the "Center, " on the N. Y. Central R. R., a few miles North West from Albany. This also affords many plants for the botanist not obtained anywhere else. The Scientific American says, "The butterflies-Lepidoptera -collected in this place are more extensive than in any other locality." This is one of the localities in the State where the 17 year locusts, Cicada-Septemdecim, will appear in 1885.

Dr. Lintner has given special attention to the many injurious species, in order to counteract their ravages and confine their area of depredations by proper remedies, and to the best means for their eradication. The subject is one of great interest to the farmer and the cultivator of every species of plant-life. Flies, beetles, moths, worms, etc., are the bane of the progressive agriculturist, who is con- stantly subjected to the ravages of these pests. Our space allows only a brief notice of a few of the more injurious pests that are common in the county.

The wheat-midge, Diplosis tritici, was formerly very destructive, but of late years its effect upon the wheat crop has not been perceptible. The apple-tree borer, Saperda candida, and the peach- tree borer, Ægeria exitiosa, are so common to the orchardist that they need no special description. Unless they meet with constant warfare, the trees in time succumb to their work. In May and October every tree should be carefully examined, and if any bark-dust or gnawings are seen at the foot of the tree, use a sharp knife and destroy the grub ; or, with a wire, follow the channel made, and put an end to further progress.

To prevent eggs being deposited, a shield of tin or tarred paper may encircle the tree for 18 inches in height.

The injuries of the currant worm, Nematus ven- tricosus, have been quite severe with the currant and gooseberry crop; but it has had a vigorous attack

NATURAL HISTORY.

made upon it by a minute parasite, which oviposits in its eggs and destroys them, and has thereby done very much towards arresting its ravages. Among the remedies most potent for the destruction of the currant worm is Persian insect powder, or Pyre- thrum, and powdered Hellebore dusted upon the leaves when moist with dew or rain. The Helle- bore may be used mixed with water, and sprinkled from a water-pot having a fine rose.

The Colorado potato-beetle, Doryophora 10-lin- cata, made its appearance in Albany County in 1874, since which time it has been a plague to the farmer. With perseverance and occasional application of Paris-green incorporated with ground plaster, or thoroughly mixed with water, the ravages of the grub can be controlled. It has many enemies ; nearly 30 other insects prey upon it.

The carpet beetle, Anthrenus scrophularie, re- ceived its first scientific notice in this country by Dr. Lintner, of Albany, in the year 1876. From examples taken in Schenectady, its true character was first ascertained, and its habits and life- history established. It has been very abundant and destructive in Schenectady and Albany, in the latter city abounding in the early summer upon umbelliferous plants in Washington Park. Its dis- tribution through the State and other States is rapidly extending. Every effort should be made to arrest its spread by the free use of benzine in its haunts.

The white-marked tussock moth, Orgyia leucos- tigma, has been a great pest in Albany and Schen- ectady for a number of years, having, at times, almost defoliated the elms and horse-chestnuts of our streets, and the plum-trees of our gardens. It is believed that the great increase of this pest in recent years is due to the introduction of the Eng- lish sparrow, which makes war upon and drives away the few birds that feed upon the hairy cater- pillars, of which the Orgyia is one.

Another pest that has been quite destructive of late years, is the rose-bug, or Macrodactylus subspin- osus.

The cabbage worm-larva of a butterfly, order Lepidoptera-was first noticed in Albany County by Dr. Lintner, in July, 1870. It was introduced into this country about 1857. It came to Albany and vicinity in July 1870. This butterfly is the bane of every cabbage grower, and its larva is the dread of every cook. It is a voracious eater, and great numbers of worms are often found in a single head of cabbage. The natural enemy of the chrysalides is the larva of a minute parasitic fly, known as Pteromalus puparum. Another parasite of the cab- bage worm is known as Apanteles congregata.

Another parasite is the larva of a two-winged fly, belonging to the genus Tachina. This Tachina has been bred in considerable numbers by Dr. Lintner.

The following remedies for the cabbage worm are used: hot water, 130º Fahrenheit, the water to be boiling hot, when put in the watering-pot ; Pyrethrum, or Persian insect-powder, half-ounce, with two gallons water, or half an ounce mixed with some dry substance, and sprinkled on the cabbage.

There are many hedges of spruce in Albany County, and the tree is extensively planted for shade and ornament; therefore, it may be well to notice an enemy, recently discovered, which has proved to be very destructive to the spruce and fir trees. It is called elsewhere the Spruce-bud Tortrix Fumiferana. Besides climatic causes, the spruce is likely to meet with the ravages of this new enemy ; and if once introduced, our hedges will be at their mercy. It has appeared in the State already. The defoliation of spruce-trees is sufficient either to kill the trees outright, or so weaken them, that bark- boring beetles can complete the work of destruction. Trees attacked by these caterpillars look as if a light fire had passed through them. It feeds upon the leaves or needles of the terminal shoots, and while at its work scarcely alters the appearance of the tree, and its presence is known only when the worms are abundant enough to defoliate the trees.

The imported elm-leaf beetle, Gallerucella Xan- thomelana .- The depredations of this pest have become widely extended throughout the North eastern States, preying upon the elms. The eggs are deposited in an upright position upon the under side of the leaves, generally in two, more or less irregular rows. The eggs are close together and firmly fastened to the leaf; they vary in number from four or five to twenty-five ; in shape, oblong, oval, obtusely pointed at the tip, and of a straw- yellow color. The duration of the egg-state is about one week. The larvæ are destructive,to the foliage from May to August, and have about two weeks of active life between the" egg and pupa state. During this time they devour the leaves, which become skeletonized. The beetle assists the worms in its destructive work, but the worms do the most damage. In the month of September the beetles prepare for hibernation, seeking shelter in hollow trees, in the ground, under old leaves, and remain dormant until the following spring. The remedies recommended are many-such as tarring the trees, oil and tar gutters around the base of the tree, hot water and tobacco juice, arsenical preparations, Paris-green, London purple, in pro-

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

portion, one-half pound, flour three quarts, and water 40 gallons.

In the wide range of insect life few forms possess a greater vitality than is found among the bark-lice, and none are more readily transported upon plants from place to place, and from one country to another. Among the remedies the following is one which was proved in practice useful when a moderate quantity of emulsion is required :

Kerosene two gallons, common soap or whale- oil soap one-half pound, water one gallon. Heat the solution of soap and add it boiling hot to the kerosene. Churn the mixture thoroughly, which, when cool, forms a thick cream ; dilute, before using, one part of the mixture with nine parts of cold water. The above gives three gallons of emulsion, and makes, when diluted, 30 gallons of wash. The percentage of oil can be considerably increased, as can also the amount of soap, without danger to most trees or plants. Kerosene differs from most other remedial agents in being entirely harmless to tender young growths, blossom buds and young fruit, if properly diluted. It may therefore be applied to bearing trees at seasons when other insectcides would cause more or less loss of growth and of fruit. The most favorable season for applying kerosene washes is, undoubtedly, early spring, as soon or as all danger of frost is past.

The reports of Prof. Riley, of the Department of Agriculture, and of Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist, have been very helpful in the prepara- tion of this section. Much more might be added, if our space would allow.

METEOROLOGY.

The principal timber or trees yet growing upon the hills and in the small patches of forest are pines, white, yellow and pitch ; oaks, several vari- eties ; maples, birch, beech, elm, hemlock, chest- nut and hickory ; on the sandy regions, dwarf species of evergreen trees. Red cedar grows to a limited extent in several localities, particularly

upon rocky wastes. The law of demand has asserted its prerogative in the general physical characteristics of the county, which is well illus- trated by the rapid denudation and recent destruction of forests for the requirements of modern progress and internal improvements. While these add largely to the wealth of the country, agriculture is in a measure deprived of its greatest need, an abundant rainfall. The one thing essential to fertility is a constant supply of water, and this is supplied by condensation from the atmosphere, which appears in the form of snow or rain, depending upon the temperature and surrounding physical condition of the locality. When we estimate the number of acres of forest that are required for fuel and building material, and the almost unlimited demand made to supply the railroads, we can readily see how, in a few years, the whole character of the climate and productions of a region may be changed by the destruction of its forests. Trees, with forest vegetation, perform an important function in the great economy of nature. They furnish natural barriers against sudden floods; their roots permeate the soil, and thus prevent torrents from sweeping away the soil and conveying the accumulated debris in heaps upon the cultivated land. The foliage of the trees, which present such an immense surface, condenses the atmospheric moisture, which would otherwise be taken on the aerial currents and carried away. Physical geography demonstrates this fact, that the destruction of forest growth diminishes the amount of rainfall in that region. In accordance with natural laws, the fertility depends, in a great degree, upon this. Therefore, to destroy the forests is to diminish one of the great sources of productiveness of the soil. It is clear, therefore, that the destruction of the forests has a direct influence upon agriculture, by diminishing the quantity of rainfall, inducing drouth by uninterrupted rays of the sun, and by the wind currents which meet with no obstructions and cause less deposit of moisture.

Under this head other facts of interest will be given in the history of the City of Albany.

METEOROLOGY.

Table showing monthly rainfall and mean temperature, for each month of the year, from 1874 to 1884, inclusive, as obtained from the records of the "United States Signal Service," at Albany, kept by Major John O. Barnes.

RAINFALL.

1874.

1875.

1876.

1877.

1878.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

Inches.

January

3.61

2.14

1.57

1.95

4.45

2.54

2.96

2,86

2.64

2.43

2.98

February.

2.90

1.65

4.09

0.36

4.12

2.80

2.67

2.50

3.31

3.00

3.85

March

1.97

3.27

4.28

3.33

2.18

3.79

2.17

3.80

1.79

1.77

4.00

April.

4.97

3.36

3.51

1.42

3.99

3.17

2.75

1.54

1.27

2.65

2.09

May.

2.32

2.57

2.96

2.77

3.65

0.89

3.38

3.90

4.15

3.20

2.79

June

4.71

3-98

4.40

4.60

4.54

4.62

2.21

3.76

3.98

6.30

1.80

July .

6.78

2.46

4.97

4.00

5.52

5.10

3.78

2.22

3.97

5.96

5.04

August.

1.94

6.55

0.53

4.57

3.37

4.25

2.84

2.07

1. 38

3.69

5.27

September

4.01

2.63

5.17

1.82

3.20

3.47

2.86

2.38

7.79

3.19

1.80

October.

1.77

5-97

1.64

7.86

3.37

1.24

2.45

3.19

0.27

3.49

2.64

November.

2.19

2.29

2.65

2.70

4.43

2.56

2.49

3.44

0.97

1.14

3.44

December

0.76

1.II

2.42

0.71

6.16

4.23

2.01

4.88

2.24

2.55

3.20

Total for year

37.93

38 25

38.19

36.09

49.37

38.56

32.54

36.32

33-76

39.37

38.90

The greatest rainfall for any year was in 1878. The least rainfall in 1880. The greatest rainfall for any month was October, 1877. The least for any one month was October, 1882. The total rainfall for the full ten years was 380. 38 inches, and the average yearly rainfall for 10 years was 38.038 inches.

TABLE OF MEAN TEMPERATURE AS RECORDED AT ALBANY BY U. S. S. S.

1874.

1875.

1876.

1877.

1878.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1884.

Degs.

January

28.2

14.5

29.2

17.1

23.1

17.9

30.8

19.8

27.4

23.3

23.6

February

22.2

15.3

24.8

28.8

24.3

19.3

28.3

27.2

32.6

28.7

33.0

March.

32.2

26.4

29.9

30.4

38.4

30.5

32.7

38.8

30.1

35.8

April.

36.6

39.1

42.9

46.3

51.5

42.0

49.7

47.0

47.3

47.8

May

56.5

57.3

57.1

57-5

56.5

60.8

66.4

65.3

55.9

59.1

June.

66.9

71.5

68.2

65.0

66.0

71.8

65.1

69.0

72.0

72.5

July

69.9

69.8

73-7

71 8

73.6

71.1

74.9

73.9

73.8

72.8

70.7

August.

66.8

70.7

72.7

71.8

70.2

67.

70.9

73.5

73.0

69.9

72.6

September

63.1

58.5

59.1

63.8

63.7

59.6

64.9

71.7

65.1

61.2

67.5

October.

48.8

46.4

46.0

49.5

52.4

58.9

51.4

55.1

56.4

50.9

51.3

November

36.4

31 8

39.5

40.4

37.8

37-3

37.8

43 .5

41.4

44.0

38.4

December.

28.0

26.8

17.2

31 3

27.7

28.6

25.2

38.7

31.2

31.0

27.8

Average for each year.

46.3

43.6

46.9

48.1

48.7

46.7

50.4

51.4

51.0

49.2

50.3

Highest in the

year.

92.2

Lowest

8.5

15.9

Average temperature for ten years, 48.23 degrees. The highest temperature for any year was 1881, and the lowest, 1875. The coldest month was January, 1875. The coldest days were in 1875 and 1878. The hottest month was July, 1880. The hottest day was in 1881.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

THE IROQUOIS INDIANS.

The early history of Albany County, like that of every section of our country, is more or less in- timately connected with that of the aboriginal In- dian. When the Half-moon first entered the "great river" which gives, "as long as water runs," immortality to the name of Hudson, it met hostility and murder from the savages that dwelt around its lower waters. Sailing up the river, a few days later, with the same ship and crew, it is recorded of the savages that "we found very loving people and very old men, where we were well used." These Indians belonged to two great families. The former were of the Algonquins or Adirondacks, of which the Manhattan and the Delaware tribes occupied the territory about New York City and the valley of the Delaware River. With these the early settlers upon Manhattan and Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley had much trouble, involving destruction of property and barbarian devastation and murder. The lat- ter were called Iroquois by the French ; Five, afterward Six Nations, by the English ; and, by themselves, Aquanuschioni, signifying a united people, or Ongue-houwe, a superior people. These were divided into tribes, under the separate names of Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas, to which were added later the Tuscaroras.

At the time the early traders came up the Hud- son, these tribes claimed most of the territory now constituting the State of New York and a portion of Pennsylvania, as their hunting grounds. Here they had their villages, and the lands they claimed as their own. No one could tell how they came here or when. They were distinguished above all other Indians of North America for intelligence, eloquence, endurance and cruelty. But they re- ceived the early Dutch traders in the most friendly manner, and for a great many years retained with them most peaceful relations in trade, even while carrying on war with others in a spirit of inplacable revenge, with all the varieties of torture and bar- barity of which the race was capable.

A firm and lasting treaty of alliance and peace, it is said, was made between the great confederacy of the Five Nations and the Dutch, in 1618, as be- fore suggested, on the hill Tawasagunshee, near the banks of the Tawalsontha Creek, now Norman's Kill, just south of Albany. There was no love be- tween these contracting parties, any more than is usual between nations who make politic treaties of amity and commerce. It was a contract of selfish- ness and shrewdness. And as long as it was mutually advantageous it was unbroken.

Let us explain the circumstances. The Dutch came here for money-making. They saw a rich mine in the fur trade. The Indians knew the places of the beaver and the otter, and how to place their furs in the hands of these eager traders. They, in turn, desired the European trinkets, the white man's fire-water, and his fearfully destructive fire-arms. These mutual interests would best be secured by mutual peace and helpfulness.

These Five Nations-made Six Nations by the ac- cession of the Tuscaroras in 1714-had formed a confederacy of tribes long before this date. The Mohawks were the most powerful ; the Onondagas kept the great council fire ever burning, near where now is the City of Syracuse. They all had their villages and patches of ground, where dwelt their squaws, who cultivated corn, peas, beans, po- tatoes, melons, and cared for the infant papooses. They also had rude castles, made with palisades and brush work. <. The Mohawks, as told to us, had five castles in 1630, viz. : Moenemines Castle, situated on Haver Island, at the mouth of the Mohawk River; one at Schenectady; one at Fort Hunter, at the outlet of Schoharie Creek, called Ticonderoga ; one in the present town of Mohawk, called Caughnawaga; one, the great castle, in the present town of Danube, called Cana- joharie. At this time they numbered about 600 warriors. While their castles were on or near the Mohawk, their ownership in the soil extended, on the west side of the Hudson, as far south as the Catskills,' north to the Canadas, and west includ- ing the present counties of Saratoga, Schenectady, Montgomery, Herkimer, Schoharie, Otsego, Greene and Albany. The Oneidas and Cayugas were understood to be the younger members of the con- federacy. The Senecas dwelt farthest west, and were remarkable for their fierce and implacable nature. When first known to Europeans, they were unitedly engaged in war with nearly all the surrounding tribes.

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 14

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452