USA > New York > Geography of the state of New York. Embracing its physical features, climate, geology, mineralogy, botany, zoology, history, pursuits of the people, government, education, internal improvements &c. With statistical tables, and a separate description and map of each county > Part 4
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).
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Anemone, Ranunculus, and Violets, often before the snow has en- tirely disappeared, put forth their blossoms in every sheltered nook of wood and meadow. These, with the cowslip ( Caltha palustris), the woodbine (Aquilegia), bloodroot ( Sanguinaria), and many of that wide spread tribe, the Cruciferae, or crosslike plants, serve to mark the opening spring. As the season advances, nature assumes much gayer colors. The beautiful blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Desmodiums, and the wild Sensitive plant (Cassia nictitans), whose leaves close together, when touched by the hand, are frequent on sandy soile.
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Common in our swamps and boggy ground, is the Side Saddle flower, or Hunter's cup ( Sarracenia), bearing a single, nodding, dark red flower, a wonder by itself, but more so, when viewed in connection with the singular structure of its leaves. These are not flat, as in other plants, but hollow, and somewhat pitcher shaped, arranged in a circle around the base of the stem, their open mouths turned upwards to catch the falling rains. At the orifice of each leaf is a broad lip, furnished with short stiff hairs pointing downwards, and forming a trap, for numerous insects, that seek the water, always contained in them. A luckless fly once entered, it is impossible for him to return ; and he is forced to go onwards, until dropping, he periabes in the water beneath. . Of what use, in the economy of the plant, these dead insects are (the cup being often half filled with
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them) is not, as yet, well known; but possibly they serve in some degree as nutriment.
Another plant well worthy of notice for its elegance and exquisite fragrance, is the white Pond Lily (Nymphaa odorata). The roots, which are rough and knotty, creep along the muddy bottoms of ponds and slow-flowing streams ; while the large round leaves, of a bright and glossy green, cover the water above, in many instances for acres, contrasting well with the pure white flowers. Like the primrose and wonderful four o'clock, which almost serve to mark the hour, Nymphæa expands its buds early in the morning, and whether the day be clear or cloudy, before noon, regularly closes, and sinks beneath the surface. The leaf stalks are long and flexile, varying with the depth of water, and forming, as every wandering school boy knows, a secure retreat for fish.
Spatter Dock, or Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar adsena), is common in every ditch, but an allied genus (Nelumbium), or Sacred Bean, is rare ; Big Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario, is the only known locality in the state.
In shallow water, along the Hudson, above the Highlands, and through the western counties, is the Vatlisneris or Tape Grass, re- markable for the peculiar spiral form of its stems, which always per- mit the flower to float upon the surface whatever may be the rise of tide.
Besides those just mentioned, the more frequent plants of low grounde and margins of streams are the Iris, Sweet Flag, or Calamus root ( Acorus calamus), Yellow Lily, (Lilium Canadense), Forget- me-not (Myosotis), whose bright blue flowers continue from early spring till frost, Arrow leaf ( Sagittaria), Cat-tail flag ( Typhe pa- lustris), with numerous varieties of Rush (Juncus), and Sedges (Carex), the last sometimes eaten by cattle, for want of more nutri- tious food. Virgin's bower (Clematis Virginiana), a handsome in- digenous vine creeping over bushes and fences is often cultivated for its quick growth and abundant blossoms.
In the Lobelia tribe, we have the Cardinal Flower (L. Cardinalis), noted for the splendor of its scarlet blossoms ; Indian Tobacco (L. Inflata), the grand panacea of the Thompsonians; the L. Syphi- litica, also used by them; Water Gladiole (L. Dortmanni), much less common than either of the preceding, and L. Nuttallii, con- fined to the sandy swamps of Long Island.
In the deep recesses of woods and swamps, the Arum and the Orchis tribes are met with. Of the former, Indian Turnip .(Arum triphyllum), well known for its acrid root, and Water Arum (Calla palustris), are good examples.
The Orchids, from the strange forms and brilliant colors of their contorted flowers, are well worth the trouble it takes to cultivate them. Platanthera grandiflora, or tall purple Orchis, is one of the most beautiful, although Arethusa, Pogonia, our three spe- cies of Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium), and the graceful White Lady's Tress, are not less deserving a place in the garden.
Plants of the great group Composite, to which the Asters and Golden- rods belong, forming one ninth of our entire flora, are characteristic of the autumnal vegetation. Some Asters are fine garden plants, but, like the whole class, chiefly interesting for their gorgeous appear-
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ance: From the sweet scented golden-rod ( Bolidago odora), a fra- grant volatile oil, sometimes used in medicine, is distilled. Yarrow (Achillea), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare), and some few others are medicinal; most of the order, however, are but weeds, as every farmer who has had his lands over- run with Canada thistle and pigweed, can testify. The seeds of the Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus) yield, under pressure, an oil similar in quality and uses to that of linseed. Jerusalem Artichokes are the tuberous roots of the Helianthus tuberosus. They are too watery to be used as food. Neither of the two last are natives of the state, but they are occasionally found in waste places near habitations.
Angelica, Sweet Cicely ( Osmorrhiza), Sanicle ( Sanicula), Cicuta (Cicuta maculata), types of the order of umbelliferous plants are well known ; Wild Carrot ( Daucus carota), poisonous in its wild state, is, when cultivated, the esculent carrot of the garden.
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Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), by a draught of which Socrates is related to have died, with some other introduced and native plants, as the Milkweed (Asclepias), Plantain, Canada Thistle, Poke weed ( Phytolacca decandra), Thorn Apple (Datura Stramo- nium), Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum), and Dandelion (Leonto- don), belong to a class that might be named "wayside plants," from their commonly occupying a position beside the roads and fences.
Plantain (Plantago major) has been called by the Indians " white man's footstep," because it is found wherever he has placed his dwelling; and with a faithfulness not equalled in the human race, is constantly in his path. The more it is trodden down the wider does it spread, and the more luxuriantly does it grow.
The Eglantine or Sweet Brier (Rosa Rubiginosa), such a general favorite with the old and young, is a member of the large family Rosacea, of which our state can boast many representatives. Among these are the Rose, seven or eight species of Blackberry (Rubus), Strawberry (Fragaria), Fivefinger (Potentilla), (one species of which (P. tridentata) is a little Alpine plant found only on the summits of the mountains), Thornbush ( Crategus), Service berry or Shad bush (Amelanchier), Wild Plum and lofty Wild Cherry. The last is used in cabinet work, being as dark and heavy as some infe- rior kinds of mahogany.
Of Labiata or the mint tribe, Spearmint, or Julep weed (Mentha Viridis), Peppermint (M. Piperita), Penny Royal, Catnep, -Balm, (Melissa) and Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum incanum), are very generally known.
A few of the Nightshade tribe ( Solanacea), are natives of the state, such as Bittersweet ( Solanum dulcamara), deadly Nightshade (S. Migrum), and Winter Cherry (Physalis), which are all of suspi- cious appearance, and reputed poisonous.
Buckwheat is one of the Polygonacea ; and of the same order are the common Serrel (Rumex acetosella), Water Dock (R. crispus), and Smart weed (Polygonum).
Shrubby plants are numerous; many species are highly ornamental; ethers, from their virtues, are admitted into the Pharmacopteas; others, again, are poisonous. Of this latter class are some of the species of Sumach (Rhus); the most virulent of these, is the Swamp Sumach (Rhus venenata), simple contact with which, or mere exposure to its
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effluvium, being sufficient in many cases to cause a most painful erup- tion on the skin. Mercury, or Poison Oak, is less active than the pro- ceding, but sufficiently so, to cause all those who are easily affected by vegetable poisons to shun its neighborhood. The leaves of the com- mon Sumach (R. glabra), are used in the manufacture of morocco.
The large flowering Rose bay ( Rhododendron maximum) is a shrub from six to twelve feet in height, with broad and thick leaves, growing in tufts from the extremities of the branches; and large showy flowers, in dense terminal clusters. It is said to be the most beautiful flowering shrub in the United States, and is sometimes cultivated in lawns and door-yards.
The wild upright Honeysuckle (Azalea, or Rhododendron nudifto- rum), and the broad leaved Laurel ( Kalmia latifolia) make the woods gay by the profusion of their purple blossoms. The dwarf Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), known also by the names sheep-poison and lamb-kill, is a pretty little bush, but has a bad reputation, the leaves being said to poison sheep. . The last two are common in the southern counties, while in the west the glaucous Kalmia takes their place.
The Elder ( Sambucus Canadensis) and the Hazel ( Corylus Amer- icanus), prized for its nuts, which, though sweeter, do not equal in size, the filbert of Europe, are to be seen in every coppice. Whortie- berries are the product of several species of Vaccinium. The ear- liest in the market is the dwarf blue Whortleberry (V. Pennsylva- nica), growing in sandy woods, and on hill sides and summits of the mountains. The Bilberry (V. corymbosum) is frequent in swamps and wet shady woods. The agreeably acid Cranberry, an almost indispensable article of food, is the fruit of two species of Vaccinium, (V. oxycoccus and V. macrocarpon). The former abounds in the northern and western parts of the state, and the latter, which is the common American cranberry seen in the market, is most frequent in the south.
The banks of every stream and rivulet are fringed with the Willow (Salix), Alder (Alnus), and Spice wood (Laurus Benzoin). This last is a shrub easily recognized, by its smooth brittle branches and glossy foliage. The bark has an agreeably spicy taste; and a de- coction of the young twigs is often used, as a medicinal drink, in the spring of the year. In the moist thickets, conspicuous from its red fruit, is the Winter berry (Prinos), once used for the cure of fever and ague; but, for this purpose, it is much inferior to the Dogwood ( Cor- nus florida), which possesses many of the peculiar properties of Pe- ruvian Bark.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginica) is, in the eyes of the super- stitious, a most notable shrub, because, in the moment of parting with its foliage, it puts forth a profusion of gaudy yellow blossoms, giving to November, the counterfeited appearance of spring.
The most important vegetable productions of the state are un- doubtedly the forest trees, of which we can boast numerous species. The cone bearers (Coniferae), which are nearly all evergreen trees, are well represented in our Flora. We have no less than nine species of Pinen. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) forms nearly all the woodland of Long Island, and covers a great extent of barren country, west of Albany ; it is serviceable for little else than fuel and making charcoal. White, or Weymouth pine (P. strobus) is met with in most parts of
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the state, but chiefly on the head waters of the Hudson, Delaware, Allegany, and rivers entering into Lake Ontario: indeed nearly all the western counties were once covered with dense forests of this noble tree, nor can we wonder that it is rapidly disappearing beneath the axe, when 65,000 acres must be annually cleared, to meet the demand for lumber, 650,000,000 feet of which are obtained from New York alone. Hemlock Spruce (P. Canadensis) affords an inferior kind of timber, lasting well if protected from the weather; but in exposed situations it warpa, splits and soon decays. The bark is extensively employed in tanning, and although inferior to oak, it makes very good leather. Balm of Gilead, or Balsam Fir (P. Bal- samea), is not found lower than the Catskill mountains ; but is abund- ant in the northern counties, especially among the Essex mountains. The turpentine, sold under the name of Canada Balsam, is ob- tained by opening the blisters which form beneath the bark. Black Spruce (P. nigra) is employed principally for the yards and lighter spars of vessels, for which purpose it is admirably fitted by its light- ness and strength. White Spruce (P. alba) is a small tree found in swamps, and on the sides of the northern mountains, rarely south of Catskill. The Indians split the small tough roots into fibres for sewing their bark canoes. Tamarack (P. Pendula) differs from all other pines, in its leaves, which fall at the approach of winter.
Belonging to the same natural family ( Conifere) are the Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), noted for its great durability ; White cedar Cupressus Thuyoides) constituting the cedar swamps of Long Island ; Arbor Vitae (Thuya occidentalis), conspicuous along the banks of the Hudson for its cone like growth ; although it is sometimes found in swampy places, and then is known by the name of White cedar. We have also the Yew ( Taxus Canadensis), which is very different from the yew tree of Europe, though identical in Botanical character-with us it is a shrub of humble growth, trailing over rocks, and found in woods, beneath the shelter of taller evergreens.
The Oaks are almost, if not quite, equal in value to the Pines, and much more numerous, as regards species. White Oak ( Quercus alba) is always considered one of our most valuable timber trees. The wood is of great strength and durability, and is used when these qualities are required, as in ship building and heavy frame work for machinery. When sawed into plank, the wheelwright, the wagon- maker, and indeed, almost every mechanic, uses it more or less in his labor. Black Oak (Q. tinctoria) furnishes Quercitron bark, an article of export, and used in dyeing ; Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), and Black Chestnut Oak (Q. montana), are much prized by the tanner. Other species are Willow Oak (Q. phellos), with narrow leaves; Chinquapin (Q. prinos), a dwarf species bearing edible acorns ; Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor); Mossy Cup Oak (Q. olivaformis); Pin Oak (Q. palustris) and Black Jack (Q. nigra); the last is indi- genous to Long Island only.
The White Elm ( Ulmus Americana) is a most graceful species, and when growing in moist rich soil one of the largest of our forest trees. The Slippery Elm (U. fulva), a smaller tree, growing on higher ground, is well known for the mucilaginous properties of its inner bark. Thomas' Elm ( U. racemosa), so named from the per-
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son who first described it, is rather frequent on river banks in the middle and western parts of the state.
Of the Ash (Frarinus), we have only three species, the White, Black and Grey, White Ash (F. Americana) has elastic, tough wood, and is used in the manufacture of carriages, agricultural im- plements, &c. From its splitting freely, it is much employed by the cooper for hoops.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a large and handsome tree, well known as furnishing the maple sugar which is obtained, by boiling down the sap, procured from the trees, during the months of February and March-Birdseye and Curled Maple are accidental varieties in the wood of this species. Red Maple (A. rubrum), White or Silver leaved Maple (A. dasycarpum), Mountain Maple, or Moose wood (.A. Spicatum and A. Pennsylvanicum), are the only other species.
The Walnut tribe are valuable, both for food and timber. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), and Butternut (J. cinerea), occur in most parts of the state. Shell bark Hickory (Carya alba) bears the com- mon white walnut, so pleasant to crack by the winter fireside. The bark of this tree separates in long flat scales, with loose, detached ends, giving the trunk a ragged appearance; Moker-nut (C. tomentosa), Pig-nut (C. porcina) and Bitter-nut (C. amara) are the only remain- ing New York species.
The Beech ( Fagus) and Chestnut ( Castanea) are both noble grow- ing trees. The wood of the Beech is heavy and compact, but not durable. Chestnut, on the contrary, though light and open grained, bears exposure, for a great length of time, without decay. The Amer- ican Chestnut is considered a variety of the European, differing only in its smaller and sweeter nuts.
The Canoe Birch is the Betula papyracea. From the bark of this species, which readily peels off in long thin sheets, and slips of cedar, the Indians manufacture their canoes. The wood of the Black Birch (Betula lenta), is considerably used in cabinet making. The Dwarf Birch ( Betula nana) is an Alpine shrub, found only on the high mountains of Essex county. The Sycamore ( Platanus), the Poplars, and the Willows, are of little value, except as shade trees. Not so the Locust ( Robinia pseudo-acacia), a tree of rapid growth and grace- ful form. Its wood is exceedingly hard and nearly indestructible, and is mostly used for trenails, and gate posts, and in ship-building. It is not a native of the state, but is cultivated for sale, and as an ornamental tree.
The Tulip tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera) is the pride of our northern forests for its majestic growth, symmetrical form, and hand- some foliage. It not unfrequently rises to the height of seventy feet without a branch, and is covered in May or June with innumerable tulip shaped flowers. The Magnolia (Magnolia glauca) is found only in the swamps of Long Island, and there but sparingly. Its flowers exhale a heavy, but not unpleasant, perfume. One other spe -. cies, the Cucumber tree (M. acuminata), is not uncommon in the western parts of the state, and is thus named from the appearance of the seed cone.
Of vast importance, as furnishing directly or indirectly the food of man and animals, are the grasses; and'no class of plants is so widely
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distributed as this. They form the principal portion of the herbage of the earth, giving to the hills and plains their lovely green.
Though our Flora contains many native species, only a small num- ber are of value, our meadow grasses being, with few exceptions, of foreign origin. The principal of these are, Timothy ( Phleum pra- tense), making the best of hay ; Sweet Vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), which, when half withered, gives out a pleasant odor of vanilla ; Meadow grass (Poa pratensis), Blue grass (P. compressa) and Rough grass (P. trivialis), most of which have spread over all our pasture grounds. Wheat ( Triticum), Rye ( Secale) and Oats (Avena), are extensively cultivated in all parts of the state. Zizania aquatica, or wild rice, a favorite food of the Indians, and affording sustenance to myriads of wild fowl, is a native of the northern coun- ties.
The Wild Oat and Chess (Bromus), into which our farmers wrongly believe that wheat and rye degenerate, are common. Phrag- mites, the largest grass of the northern states, looking at a distance like broom corn, grows by the river side, and borders of swamps and ponds.
Some grasses are peculiar to the sands; their matted roots, form- ing a thick sod, prevent the loose soil from being carried away, by the water or wind. Many others, by their annual decay, aid in fertili- zing the soil, that would otherwise be arid and unproductive.
Ferns and Fernlike plants occupy a wide extent of territory. Most common of all is the Brake (Pteris), under cover of which the sportsman is sure to find the rabbit, or the partridge. Maiden Hair (Adiantum), a delicate fern, with dark brown polished stems, is not uncommon. The Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) is re- markable for striking root from the extremities of the fronds. The Climbing Fern (Lygodium) is the only species of the tribe, with a twining stem, found in so high a latitude. The tall Osmunda (O. cin- namomea) grows in large bunches, in damp woods and low grounds ; sometimes attaining the height of a man.
Club Moss (Lycopodium), a creeping evergreen, is in great request at Christmas time, to form festoons and wreaths.
The Scouring Rush (Equisetum) is used for polishing wood and metals.
In the report of the recent Geological and Botanical survey, ordered by the legislature, the whole number of species of flowering plants, in the state, is said to be about 1450. Of these, 1200 are herbaceous, and 150 may be regarded as ornamental. Of woody plants there are 250 species, including about 80 that attain to the stature of trees. Of plants that are reputed medicinal, we have (native and natural- ized) 160 species. The naturalized plants exceed 160 species.
We must bere leave this short notice of New York plants, though we have, by no means, exhausted the materials, nor even touched upon many, that are most frequently met with, in a morning walk. Those who would pursue the study must seek their information in two large volumes, written by Dr. Torrey, which form the Botanical part of the Natural History of New York.
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ZOOLOGY.
III. ZOOLOGY. Class I. Mammalia.
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By mammalia are meant, all those animals having warm blood, a double heart, that is, one with two auricles and two veutricles, and bringing forth their young alive and suckling them. Being, with a few exceptions, four footed animals, they are frequently called quad- rupeds. Naturalists have divided these into a number of distinct orders, of which only five are found in this state.
These are ist, Marsupiata, or pouched animals. One species, only, helonging to this order, is found in the state, viz. the opossum.
2d, Carnivora, or flesh eaters. Of these we have five species of bats; the mole and shrew mole; six species of shrews; the black bear; the raccoon ; wolverine; skunk ; fisher ; weasel, or black cat, called also Pennant's martin ; the pine martin, or American sable ; the small and the brown weasel ; the New York ermine, or ermine weasel ; the mink, or minx otter; the common otter; the dog, about thirty varieties, five of which are native; the common wolf, two va- rieties, the grey, and the black ; the panther ; the northern, or Cana -. da lynx ; the wild cat, or bay lynx ; the seal ; the hooded seal ; and perhaps, the walrus.
3d, Rodentia, or gnawers. Among these are the grey fox ; the red, striped, and flying squirrel; the woodchuck, or Maryland marmot ; the deer mouse, or Labrador rat; the beaver; the mus- quash, or muskrat; the porcupine; the Norway, or brown rat; two species of black rat; the common mouse; the .jumping mouse ; six species of meadow mice ; the grey rabbit ; and the northern, or prairie hare.
4th, Ungulata: animals whose toes are covered with a horny case, or hoof. Of these, we have the hog ; the horse; the ass ; the ox ; the goat , the sheep; the American or fallow deer; the moose ; the stag, and the reindeer.
5th, Cetacea, or the whale tribe. The only species of this or- der, known to exist in the waters of the state, are, the right whale; the sperm whale; the beaked whale, or rorqual; the broad nosed whale ; the social whale, or black whale-fish, called also the howling whale, and bottle head; the common porpoise; the grampus, or thrasher, also called the blackfish whale; and the sea porpoise.
Fossil Mammaliu. Of these, but three species, it is believed, have been found, viz, 'Ist the fossil elephant, of which but a single tooth has been discovered.
2d, The American elephant, of which several teeth have been found in Monroe county.
. 3d, The mastodon, frequently, but improperly, called mammoth. Remains of this animal, and indeed skeletons nearly entire have been discovered in some 15 or 20 localities in the state, in Orange, Ulster, Monroe, Suffolk, Livingston, Chautauque, Albany, Cattaraugus, Gen- osee, and Niagara counties,
Class II. Aves-Birds.
Six orders of birds are found in the state, viz. 1st, Accipitres, birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, vultures, and owls.
2d, Passeres, birds of passage. These include most of those"
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birds with which we are familiar, and whose departure for a more southern clime in autumn, renders winter more cheerless, as their return in spring, makes the approaching summer more joyous and delightful.
3d, Gallina, the cock tribe, including not only our domesticated fowls, but the wild turkey, grouse, prairie hen, &c.
4th, Gralla, waders. This includes all those long legged birds which obtain their subsistence on the borders of streams ; the plover, crane, heron, poke, &c.
5th, Lobipedes, lobefooted birds ; the coot, dipper, &c.
6th, Natatores, swimmers. This includes loons, gulls, gannets, wild ducks and geese, &c.
The following catalogue embraces all the birds, of these different ordera, known to exist in the state.
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