Answer.—Lake Tahoe is a lovely sheet of water at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and fourteen miles southward from Truckee, on the Central Pacific Railroad. It is about 6,250 feet above the ocean, and is environed by scenery full of picturesque loveliness. The length, according to the latest authorities, is 35 miles, its width about 15 miles, and its depth 1,500 feet. Its waters are clear as crystal, cold as ice, and full of trout. Pleasure steamers ply on it in summer. Its outlet is the Truckee River. The surrounding scenery, the perfect transparency of its waters, the fishing, and the delicious atmosphere render it a favorite summer resort.
THE NATIONAL CAPITOL.
Monticello, Ind.
When was the Capitol of the United States begun; when finished; and what was its cost? Give its dimensions.
James Coble.
Answer.—The southeast corner-stone of the Capitol was laid Sept. 18, 1793, “by Brother George Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free Masons of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large number of people.” The north wing was ready for occupancy in 1800, the south wing in 1808; but both were partially destroyed by the British in 1811. The foundation of the main building was laid in 1818 (March 24), the restoration of the wings having been commenced three years earlier; and the whole was completed in 1827. July 4, 1851, the corner-stone of the south extension was laid by President Fillmore, and this was finished in 1857. The north extension was occupied by the Senate in 1859. The present dome, commenced in 1855, was completed eight years later, and Dec. 12, 1863, the American flag floated from its summit. Thus far the cost of the entire building has been $13,000,000—main building, $3,000,000; dome, $1,000,000; extensions, $8,000,000; miscellaneous items, $1,000,000. The length of the entire building is 751 feet 4 inches; its greatest breadth, 324 feet; and it covers a little over 3½ acres. The distance from the ground to the top of the dome is 307½ feet; the diameter of the dome, 135½ feet.
MONEY AND GOODS BY TELEGRAPH.
Spirit Lake, Iowa.