This is a view of the grounds and the home of the President of the United States. It is called the White House, because the stone building is painting white. it is a plain-looking building, simple in style, but dignified. Its most striking feature is the great central portico, with its tall pillars. It looks like a very large Virginia plantation home. Its general plan is said to have been copied after the residence of the Duke of Leinster in Dublin. General Washington laid the cornerstone of the White House on October 13, 1792. John Adams was the first President to live in it. He made it his home in 1800, and Mrs. Adams then described it as a very cheerless dwelling. During the presidency of James Madison, the British captured Washington. They entered the city about noon. The officers ate their dinner in the White House--the dinner that had been pre-

pared for the President and Mrs. Madison. When the Madison family fled, on the approach of the British, Mrs. Madison took with her the portrait of Washington, painted by Stewart, and thus saved this fine work of art. As a climax to their feat, the British set fire to the Capitol and the White House. Several years afterward a new building was erected on the same spot and on the same plan as the original. Since then a number of additions have been built. The largest room in the building is the East Room, where state receptions are held. Between the hours of 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. anyone may visit this room, which is 80 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 22 feet high. By special permission, visitors may also see the reception rooms and the dining room. The second story is occupied by the family of the President.