CITY HALL.

This magnificent building was planned, and the south front partly executed by the late George Hadfield, an artist of uncommon talents. Should it ever be finished it will be an ornament, not only to the City of Washington, but to the United States. On the first floor, west wing, are the Mayor's, Register's, Clerk's, Collector's, and Surveyor's offices: also the Draftsman's office of W. P. Elliot, Patent agent, and the Draftsman's office of the Patent office.

In the second story of the same wing, are the different offices relating to the Patent office.

In the centre, the Circuit Court holds its sittings. The east wing contains the Clerk's office of the

court.

THE PUBLIC GROUNDS.

Within the last three or four years great improve ments have taken place in the Capitol square, in the President's garden, and Lafayette square, under the direction of the present commissioner of the public buildings, Major William Noland.

The Capitol Square has been enlarged to the west, by taking in that part of the Mall extending from the circular road to First street, west; making about eight acres additional. This space has been properly graded and planted with trees and shrubs by Mr. James Maher, the public gardener:-the other part of the square was planted by the late John Foy, a man of excellent talents and taste. A

good substantial stone wall, surmounted by an ironrailing, surrounds the whole square. When the walks are completed, and the water-fountains arranged, this square will afford the most beautiful and healthful walks: a subject well deserving public attention..

The President's Garden is in good order; is well laid out, and filled with beautiful shrubbery ; and also affords pleasant walks; but the grounds south of the President's house still remain in an unimproved state. It would not require much money to grade this ground, and form a fish-pond, which would not only be highly ornamental, but would serve to furnish out a delightful dish of fish to strangers who visit the President.

Lafayette Square, on the north front of the President's house, is laid out, enclosed, and the borders planted with trees: it requires considerable labour and expense to complete it in a style worthy of the nation.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT.

Through the patriotism and persevering exertions of our townsman, Mr. George Watterston, this magnificent object will at last be effected. Twentyseven thousand dollars have already been collected, and deposited in bank.

It seems that the public have decided that the centre of the Mall fronting the capitol, and near where lines, if continued, from Virginia and Missouri avenues would intersect each other on the Mall, and would be distinctly seen in these lines, is the place fixed on. It lies between Fourteenth

and Fifteenth streets, west, on a plateau of about one hundred thousand square feet. Here let the figure of Washington stand, as represented by his friend and architect, Hadfield, surrounded by Wisdom, Fortitude, Justice, and Chastity.

THE COLUMBIAN INSTITUTE.

This is a literary institution founded in about the year 1816. It first bore the title of the Metropolitan Society; but was afterwards changed to its present title, and under which a charter was granted by Congress.

This society numbers amongst its honorary, corresponding, and resident members, many of the most distinguished men in the country; and will probably in time, become one of the first societies in the country for the promotion of literature and useful knowledge. A few papers only have as yet been read; some of which have been published in newspapers for want of a more proper vehicle of conveyance.

At the last session of Congress a memorial was presented by the Institute, for Congress to refund expenses which the society had incurred in planting trees, shrubs, &c. on the public ground (the use of which had been granted to the Institute,) this it is proposed to expend in erecting a building in which to hold their meetings, &c.; and it will probably be effected, as there was no opposition to repayment of the money; and the president has granted permission, under certain restrictions, to let the building be erected on the public ground at

the corner of Third street, west, and Pennsylvania

avenue.

THE INFIRMARY AND POOR-HOUSE.

On the elevated ground to the north of the old Post and Patent offices, are erected commodious buildings for the reception of the poor and infirm, and which are very numerous in proportion to the population of the city. This arises in a great measure from the influx of strangers from all parts of the Union who come to the seat of the general government to seek redress from Congress and the President, for their various complaints and grievances. The city of Washington, already overwhelmed with its own proper expenses, can ill afford aid to so numerous a class of mendicants. And our worthy physician, Dr. M'Williams, has certainly given attendance to many hundreds of this class, for which he has received no other compensation than the reflections of a liberal mind. Government will not certainly let him remain unpaid for his services. It has been moved in Congress, and it is to be hoped will be soon carried into effect, the erection of a suitable building to receive these numerous applicants of national regard.

SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

The Horticultural Society of Washington, has distinguished itself by its industry and intelligence; its annual exhibitions in point of elegance and taste are equal to any exhibited in any country; in

producing this magic effect, the ladies of Washington took an active part.

The Historical Society of Washington, has existed but a few years; however, from the industry and intelligence of Secretary Peter Force, Esq., Mayor of the city, many valuable books, which illustrate the history of our country, have already been collected.

ARSENAL.

The Washington Arsenal occupies a tract of land of about a quarter of a mile square. The principal buildings are the arsenal or repository of arms; the store in which the materials for manufacture are kept; the quarters of the officers and men; three gun-sheds in which the gun-carriages when completed, are placed; a small magazine and laboratories, a model office, in which the models of guns, carriages, and small arms, &c. &c. are deposited, and the workshops, consisting of a carriage-maker's shop, blacksmith's shop, armorer's shop, foundry, &c. &c.

The machinery is mostly on improved plans, consisting of a steam-engine of twelve horse power, attached to which is a trip-hammer, two screw-cutting machines, a drilling machine, two sawing machines (circular and upright) a cylinder bellows, and several newly constructed lathes, in addition to which, are several patent mortising machines of the most approved patterns.

The business done at the post, is such as the construction of gun-carriages, caissons, implements,