chart of 1855 the shallow bottoms east of Randall's Island are designated as Sunken Meadows.
The
presence of springs on Manhattan Island is well established, all due
to surface pressure and the saturation of superficial beds of rocks or
earth. The ancient source of pure water to the inhabitants of this city
was one of the springs which fed the fresh-water pond known as the
Calch-hoock, Kolch, or Collect, which marked the site now occupied by
Centre Street. This Pond was surrounded by high hills, bordered by a
marsh, and was popularly reported to have a depth of fabulous extent,
though in reality its greatest depth did not exceed fifty feet. It was
in its earliest fame celebrated for its fish, but when from protracted
invasions by anglers these declined, it was positively emptied by a
destructive assault with nets.
The
Old Tea-Water Pump was erected over a spring situated in a glade or
hollow near the present juncture of Chatham and Roosevelt Streets. We
are told a brook crossed the road at that place, over which was a
bridge which was doubtless of very sweet significance to the young
people of the olden days, for the bridge was known as " Kissing
Bridge," and the explanation of this sobriquet is given in this quaint
narrative from a reporter of 1755, the Rev. Mr. Barnaby. He says: " The
amusements are balls and sleighing parties in the winter, and in the
summer going in parties upon the water and fishing, or making
excursions into the country. There are several houses pleasantly
situated up the East River, near New York, where it is common to have
turtle feasts. These happen once or twice a week. Thirty or forty
gentlemen and ladies meet and dine together, drink tea' in the
afternoon, fish and amuse themselves till evening, and then return home
in Italian chaises (the fashionable carriage in this and most parts of
America, Virginia excepted, where they chiefly make use of coaches, and
these commonly drawn by six horses), a gentleman and lady in each
chaise. Just before you enter the
