G REPORT OF ARCHITECT OF UNITED STATES CAPITOL. 



they should be carried, out without needless delay. Until Congress adopts this conclu- 

 sion the Capitol grounds must both be seen at disadvantage and produce impressions 

 unjust to the general design incorporating them. 



For the convenience of the committee a brief statement, with illustrative sketches 

 of the plan of the terrace, was prepared last winter. 



The construction of the terrace will involve no breaking up of ground or roads or 

 walks already finished, and need cause no inconvenience to the ordinary business of 

 the Capitol. 



PKOGKESS OP PLANTATIONS. 



At the beginning of the year the effect of a summer of extraordinary heat and drought 

 followed by a winter of unprecedented cold, was still marked in the condition of the 

 plantations ; with the exception of a few broad-leaved evergreens, they have since 

 recovered and are now growing vigorously. The death of certain shrubs the present 

 year has been traced to gas leaks, and it is to be. hoped that the time is near when 

 through the introduction of an improved economical method of electric lighting the 

 danger attending the use of illuminating gas in planted grounds may be avoided. 



The four lines of plane trees on the west of the Capitol are growing very thriftily, 

 but are checked and given lop-sided forms by the interference of what remains of the 

 old avenue trees they are designed to supersede. 



This will be obvious on comparing the crowded trees with others of their kind not 

 so affected. The injury is not, as yet, so great that it may not be remedied, but 

 the final removal of the remaining old trees, nearly all of which are plainly diseased 

 or dilapidated, should not be delayed more than another year. 



The temporary loss of shade will soon be amply compensated by the overarching of 

 tht' new trees. 



INDEX TO TltEES. 



There being trees on the ground unknown to many visitors from distant parts of 

 the country, upon a suggestion kindly made by members of Congress, labels have 

 lieen placed before a large number, giving their names, and a map, index, and refer- 

 ences prepared for the use of strangers. To further foster, meet, and lead on to more 

 useful fields any disposition of inquiry that might occur upon the ground in respect 

 to sylviculture, especially with those having little knowledge of the subject, an explan - 

 atory account of the plantations has been added, with advice as to opportunities of 

 fuller information. <\p]iics of all are appended. 



EXTENSION TO COURT HOUSE. WASHINGTON, D. C. 



The extension to this building as authorized by the act of Congress 

 approved February 23, 1881, is now approaching completion. The 

 principal story for the use of the courts and offices connected therewith 

 will be ready for occupation during the present season, and the other 

 portions of the building will be completed during the coming winter. 



THE COURT HOUSE. 



As the repairs made to the old portion of this building immediately 

 after the storm of June 27, 1881, were only such as were necessary to 

 protect the building and its contents from further injury from storms, 

 many repairs in the interior of the building, such as plastering, painting, 

 &c, occasioned by the storm, were not made at that time. These repairs, 

 together with many others, renewing and repairing heating furnaces, 

 and repairs to tin roof of old portion of building, &c, have been made 

 and paid for out of the appropriation of $800 made for annual repairs 

 to City Hall. 



EXTENSION TO GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE BUILDINGS AND 



STABLES. 



hi accordance with the provisions of the act approved .March 30, 

 L881, an extension has been erected to this building 95 feet by GO feet, 

 four stories high, and a stable for the accommodation of twenty horses, 

 with a shelter for wagons, at a cost within that prescribed by law. The 

 stable, wagon sheds, and fences connected cost $5,346.26. 



