The architect of the Central Market is Francis Goodwin, Esq., and it is
but justice to say, that it is highly creditable to his taste and skill.
The front is of the Grecian order, and perhaps the largest piece of
masonry in the county of York, with the fewest observable joints. It is
expected to prove an advantageous investment.

[2] Too much praise cannot be conferred on this and similar instances
of provincial improvement; while it is much to be regretted
that such praise cannot be extended to the _metropolis_ of
England; for, strange to say, LONDON is still without a
market-place suitable to its commercial consequence. Hence,
Smithfield market is almost a public nuisance, while its extensive
business is settled in public-houses in the neighbourhood; and the
hay market, held in the fine broad street of that name, but ill
accords with the courtly vicinity of Pall Mall and St. James's.
It is, however, to _fruit and vegetable markets_ that this
observation is particularly applicable: for instance, what a
miserable scene is the area of _Covent Garden market_. The
non-completion of the piazza square is much to be lamented, while
splendid streets and towns are erecting on every side of the
metropolis. How unworthy, too, is the market, of association with
Inigo Jones's noble Tuscan church of St. Paul, "the handsomest
barn in Europe." To quote Sterne, we must say "they manage these
things better in France," where the _halles_, or markets are among
the noblest of the public buildings. Neither can any Englishman,
who has seen the markets of Paris, but regret the absence of
fountains from the markets of London. They are among the most
tasteful embellishments of Paris, and their presence in the
markets cannot be too much admired. Water is, unquestionably, the
most salutary and effective cleanser of vegetable filth which is