92 TRAVELS THROUGH NORTH AMERICA? 
' 1 
same breadth,, which extends for a considerable 
distance up the country. This* at first 
sight, appears to be a continuation of the 
river; but the Pafowmac takes a very sudden 
turn to the left, two or three miles above the 
house, and is quickly lost to the view. Down¬ 
wards, to the right, there is a prospect of it 
for twelve miles. The Maryland shore, on 
the opposite side, is beautifully diversified with 
hills, which are mostly covered with wood; 
in many places, however, little patches of culti¬ 
vated ground appear, ornamented with houses. 
The scenery altogether is most delightful. 
The house, which stands about sixty yards from 
the edge of the Mount, is of wood, cut and 
painted so as to resemble hewn stone. The 
rear is towards the river, at which side is a 
portico of ninety-six feet in length, supported 
by eight pillars. The front is uniform, and at 
a distance looks tolerably well. The dwell¬ 
ing house is in the centre, and communicates 
with the wings on either side, by means of 
covered ways, running in a curved direction. 
Behind these wings, on the one side, are the 
different offices belonging to the house, and 
also to the farm, and on the other, the cabins 
for the Slaves *. In front, the breadth of the 
* These are amongst the iirst of the buildings which are 
seen on coming to Mount Vernon 5 and it is not without 
astonishment and regret they are surveyed by the stranger. 
