LONG ISLAND, an island of America, belonging to the state of New York, about 120 miles in length and from ten to twenty in breadth. It extends along the coast in the form of a crescent, and is separated from the mainland by a bay which communicates with the sea at both ends, called Long Island Sound. The southern and western parts are generally of a light soil, which, when well manured, produces excellent crops of grain, especially Indian corn. Towards the east and north the land becomes hilly, and the soil much stronger, and a large quantity of wood is there raised to supply the city of New York. A considerable portion has been laid out in orchards and nurseries, and, from the general high state of cultivation in this island, it has sometimes been called the garden of the United States. It is divided into three counties, King's, Queen's, and Suffolk, and possesses many thriving towns and villages, the principal of which are Brooklyn, Jamaica, Sag Harbour, Flatbush, Flushing, Satauket, and Huntington. Brooklyn, the chief town, is a large and thriving place, situated opposite the city of New York, with which a regular communication is kept up by means of steam. It is a compact and handsome town, having several public buildings, various manufactories, a bank, and an extensive trade. To the north-east is the United States navy-yard. The population of the town in 1830 was 15,394, and that of the whole island 69,775.