Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-06
The Opportunities Which the Market
in Building Sites Affords.
WINDOW GARDENS IN PRIVATE HOUSES
The Injury Caused by the Owners
of Vacant Lots,
SOME IMPROV EMENT

One of the features of the market at
this season of the year is the demand for
building lots on the part of those who
contemplate erecting houses for their own
use. There is something in the atmos-
phere of the spring of the year which
seems to suggest thoughts of building and
each year witnesses the appearance of this
class of investors. 1t is not due to the
fact that this is the annual period for
making changes In the location of the
household, for such is not the case. In
some cities the spring is generally the
moving time. If any change in the resi-
dence is contemplated, but in this city
the fall of the year is. as rule, the time
when new leases are made and the re-
moval of the household goods takes place.
The spring season seems to be recognized
as the proper time to begin the erection of
buildings and those who are contemplating
the building of new houses usually select
that time of the year. This class of per-
sons is not as numerous just now in the
market as the dealers would like, but still
now and then a person on this quest puts
in an appearance. 1t Is said that the OPP
portunities just now are especially favor
able to buyers. 1t is predicted by those
who are in a position to be competent
judges that the present condition is not
likely to continue and that those who are
DESTROYS of securing building sites at at
tractve prices should avail themselves
OF the chances offered.
Additions to the City's Beauty.
The city is now gradually assuming what,
in the opinion of many, is it's most attrac-
tive attire. In its spring dress Washing
ton seems to elicit more general comment
than at any other period of the year. The
foliage of the trees along the streets and
g
the houses and in the parks furnish a rich
setting which seems to appeal to the eye
of the most careless observer. whether he
be merely a visitor or a resident. While
undoubtedly the city has an extremely
comely appearance during the spring sea-
son. yet there is much that the individual
property owners can do to further enhance
the charms of the picture.
very effective addition to what nature
and art has already accomplished would
be found i'll window gardens if the custom
of having these little bits of color was more
general In some of the residences it is
usual to see the window stills adorned with
Towering and foliage plants. and in some
cases the ratings of balconies and porches
afford a picturesque perch for the display
of floral beauty. A great deal can be ac-
complished in this direction, and, in add-
ton to giving pleasure to the general pub
lie and improving the appearance of the
city, the householder finds an added en-
joyment in his home by the opportunity of
gazing upon the wealth OF vegetation which
a little care and very little space will Sc
cure.
Neglected Vacant Lots.
In this connection 1t might be well for
the city authorities to endeavor to secure
similar legislation to that which was en-
acted at the last session of Congress and
which enables them to compel the owners
of vacant lots to keep the sidewalks in
front of their property clear from snow
and In a passable condition. Why should
not the owners of such property be re-
uuired to prevent the vegetation from be-
coming rank and unsightly. 1t seems I'M
just that adjoining a well-kept lawn there
should be allowed to exist a stretch of
land which has the appearance of a ne
elected wilderness. III der such crcum-
stances 1t is almost impossible for ind-
yldual owners to maintain their property
in Esod condition. and certainly the effect
of any care which they may give to the
parking in front of their house is spoiled