The presidential residence, called the White House, was the next interesting subject of observation. It is situated at the west end of Pennsylvania Avenue, and a good mile from the Capitol. The building is of white marble, and of very unpretending size and architectural attractions, but in every respect sufficient for the simple wants of the chief magistrate of the United States, whose official salary is only twenty-five thousand dollars per annum. During congressional session the President holds weekly _levées_; and one of these I determined to attend, prompted as much by curiosity to see how such things were done, as desire to pay my respects. Accordingly, on a certain night, at eight o'clock precisely, I went to the White House, and was admitted without hesitation. On reaching the door of the reception room, I gave my card to the district marshal, who conducted me to President Pierce, to whom I was introduced. I was received with a hearty welcome, and a shake of the hand. Indeed, I noticed that he had a kindly word of greeting for all who came. Not having any very important communication to make that would be either startling or interesting to the President of the United States, I bowed, and retired to the promenade room, where I found numbers of people who had been "presented" walking about and chatting in groups on all sorts of subjects--political, foreign, and domestic, and anything they liked. Some were in evening dress, others not; but all seemed perfectly easy and affable one with another. There was no restraint, and the only passport required to these _levées_ was decent behaviour and respectability. There was music also. A band was playing in the vestibule, and everyone evidently enjoyed the _reunion_, and felt perfectly at home. Never having been presented at court, I am not able to make any comparison _pro_ or _con_. There is also an observatory at Washington, which I visited; but not being fortunate enough to meet the--what shall I say? "astronomer-royal," comes readiest, but that is not correct: well, then, the--"astronomer republic," I did not see the large telescope and other astronomical instruments worked.