“ Snow falls in the winter, but is generally of short duration. The soil is a light sandy loam. Twenty-two per cent. of the area, or 8500 acres, is contained in farms. The nature of the agricultural industries is determined by the proximity to Washington, and the products are chiefly those of the vegetable garden and the dairy. ”

“ There is a very small foreign-born population (19,500) , but the negro element is large (86,700) . The mass of the population is, of course, centred in the city of Washington. The villages surrounding the city bear the relation of suburbs to the city proper.
Government. The District of Columbia was governed directly by Congress until 1871, when it was placed under a regular Territorial government. Governor and Secretary were appointed, a delegate was chosen to represent the Territory in Congress, while a legislature of 11 councilmen and 22 delegates was elected by the people annually. ”

“ The largest acreage therefore consists of hay and pasture lands and gardens. Floriculture is of considerable importance, the annual returns from this source exceeding half a million dollars.
Population. ”