[Frederic Shonnard & W.W. Spooner (1900)] Gate presented a natural obstacle to convenient intercourse with the shores of the Sound, and consequently to advantageous settlement m the entire trans-Harlem country. But if the Manhattan Island col-ony had been animated by any noticeable spirit of progress, it would not have allowed sixteen years to pass without finding access to this region, either from the northern extremity of Manhattan Is and or from the Long Island side. The truth is, there was no general devel-opment by the Dutch even of Manhattan Island during the period m question/ Only its southern end was occupied by any regular aggre-gation of settlers, and this aggregation still existed mainly for the business of bartering with the Indians and sending to Holland " beav-er skins minks, and other furs," the only products which, as declared in the " Report of 1638 on the Condition of New Netherland, were afforded by the province. To review the comparative situation in 1610, while the English had steadilv and systematically advanced as an earnest and practical col-onizing people, covering the land from Plymouth Rock to the Sound with organized settlements which sought the immediate development of all its available resources, the Dutch had remained stationary, with only a single settlement worthy of consideration.