Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-22

building Is known as the main transit building.
The tower is 800 feet above the level Of the
Potomac, being the most elevated position in
the group of buildings. Next to this building
| on the west is the great equatorial building,
with large dome for the principal instruments.
North of the last named building, in order
named. from east to west, are the east transit,
| observers, clock, observers and west transit
| buildings. The prime vertical building is di-
| rectly north of the clock building.
The stone used in the buildings comes from
Westchester county, New York, and is known as
/ Tuckahoe marble.
November, 1888. The contract calls for their
| completion in October, 1891, and it is believed
| that they viii be finished by that time. They
are TO cost 1901, sol. Mr.. Richard M. Hunt OF
| New York is the architect, and the work Of con-
| struction has been superintendent first by Mr..
VIM. II. Grant and latterly by Mr.. Harry Z.
Donnell.
The ground upon which the buildings stand
is elevated $50 feet above tide level and is in
latitude 1872 So II" longitude TO o..
The tract contains seventy acres and was pur-
chased by the government in 1881 from Mrs.
Barber of Georgetown for SIS, 000 The old
Barber mansion stands north of the new build
ings.
Continuing by way of Observatory lane. which
is entered west of the buildings. less than a
quarter Of a mile brings you to Wisconsin ave-
nue.. This Is a pleasant piece of roadway, being
shaded all the way by fine old forest trees.
Entering the avenue turn to the right. Less
than half mile will bring you to Woodley road
at Oak View, which take to the right. Continue
along this road for half q mile, when klingle
road is taken to the left. which carries you to
the Linnean Hill road at Rosemont. The
Klingle road is hilly, with Q rough, gravelly
surface (now being improved, however,) and
passes through most charming forest glens
The road is shaded by variety of fine trees
oak, chestnut. maple, beech, poplar, &c. A
small stream-Brch brook-babbles along its
southern side. the banks being abundantly sup
piled with wild flowers. ferns and shrubs.
This road is the dividing line between the
Geological and Rock Creek parks. The iron
bridge OF the Rock Creek electric railroad spans
il about half a mile west of Rock creek. On
the left as klingle bridge is approached Rich
mond byroad is passed. leading up through
the woods to Richmond Park. A light buggy
can pass over this byroad.
Looking northward as you cross the bridge
over Rock creek the old Klingle brick mansion
is seen on an elevated piece Of ground. The
handsome frame house of Mr.. Page occupies a
prominent site on Rosemont Heights east of
and overlooking the bridge. The scenery here
Is charming and one reluctantly leaves it.
Reaching Linnean Hill road Won move to the
right and are soon at Mount Pleasant where
10th street is taken for home.
Al the bridge you also passed on the left
Nourse road which runs in a westerly course
along the valley Of Grab Apple brook, through
AcAuloEu Eark, anu enters Wisconsin avenue
little south of Tenleytown.
To one afoot or in the saddle Locust path
presents most inviting variation to the pleas
ures OF the Massachusetts avenue end of this ex-
cursion. Take the path at the mouth OF OBJ
servatory byroad and move to the right along
the fence for hundred yards or SO. when you
strike Locust brook. ripping stream, with a
rocky bottom. The path follows the course Of
the stream for half mile, when it bears to the
left, thence winding around the hillsides to
where Massachusetts, avenue enters Wisconsin
avenue. A couple of old worn fences are en-
countered near the western end, but they &C.
casion little Inconvenience.
This path makes a very pleasant walk II is
shaded all the way, its entire length being
through dense forest of noble trees. which is
part OF the observatory tract. The surface Of
the ground Is rolling, presenting many rich
scenes. Many varieties Of ferns are found in
these woods.
TO KLINGLE BRIDGE AND RICHMOND PARK.
Route-Take Linnean Hill road at the west
end Of Park street, Mount Pleasant; thence to
Klingle road. to Nourse road, to Richmond bv-
road, to klingle road, to Linnean Hill road, to
city.
Condition Of the roads: With the excep-
ton Of the Nourse road, which is very bad, the
roads OF this excursion are fairly good.
Taking Linnean Hill road at the west end of
Park street, Mount Pleasant, proceed along
said road to its junction with the klingle road
at Rosemont Following the Klingle road
quarter of mile brings you to Klngle bridge
over Rock creek. As you near the bridge the
handsome frame residence of Mr.. Page on the