The Carlisle independent., 1910-04-07

father, the tract comprising some 1,9O0 acres. At that time the best highlands Of Albemarle" were rated as worth not more than s2 per acre, but the earning capacity of the property is indi- cated by the fact that from the outset it netted Jefferson not less than s2000 year. The found CT of the Democratic party gradually increased his holdings and in the year 1774 possessed more than 5000 acres. Then several fine farms came to him as his wfes dover and thus the period of the Revolution found him of the richest landed proprietors in the south
 Jefferson chose as the site of his home the crest of a hill which he designated Monticello the Italian for Little Mountain. Assuredly no more beautiful or inspiring location could be imagined and veteran travellers all agree that the magnificent panorama which lies spread out be- fore the gaze of the observer on this height is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The little mountain on the apex of which Jefferson placed his residence is 580 feet high and in the form of a cone. It slopes eastward one and onehalf miles to the Riyanna river
 Jefferson's birthplace is in sight of the DOT tico at Monticello. Seemingly almost directly below is the University of Virginia which was founded by Jefferson. President Monroe lived eight miles down the valley and the home of President Madison but a few miles north Incidentally it may be mentioned in passing that these three ex-presidents of the United States assembled at Monticello to welcome Lafayette on the occasion of his visit to the United States From the cupola of his mansion Jefferson could gaze upon 12 of the richest counties of Virginia. and in one direction the view extends to the Blue Ridge mountains, nearly 50 miles away.
 The top of the hill which Jefferson had desig mated Monticello he had leveed of for build ing site 500 by 200 feet In size. On this he erected his spacious mansion. which, with its wings or colonnades, Is in the form of gigantic letter E. The center of the letter Is the man. sion proper while extending from It in positions somewhat corresponding to the arms of the are wings the fat roofs of which form prone nades The arrangement of the house in so far as these wings or colonnades concerned is very similar to that of the restored White House at Washington, in the designing of which Jener- son had hand.
 The mansion at Monticello is of the Doric der of Grecian architecture. with heavy cornices and massive balustrades The interior Is in the Ionic style and 1t must be admitted that there 1 IS little about this magnificent home suggestive of Jefersonian simplicity. The front hall re- cedes six feet within the wall of the building and a portico projects about 25 feet. with stone pillars and steps.
 Tn the interior the hall or main room of the house extends to the full height of the building and Is typical of the spaciousness of the house. There is a gallery under the ceiling where the l ladies of the household could observe all that quently gave and where the band was stationed when he gave ball. Opening from this hall are 1 the salon drawing room, the library, where Jef l ferson housed the major portion of his famous
 collection of 13.o00 books. the dining room and