and freightage, with a view of the progressive augmentation of the trade, down to the commencement of the present war:

The public structures, connected with the trade and commerce of the town, are the Exchange-buildings, Town-Hall and Mansion-House, Custom-House, Corn-Exchange, Tobacco-Warehouse, and other warehouses. Of these, that called the LIVERPOOL EXCHANGE is the most spacious in plan, and ornamental in architectural elevation. It has been erected by a subscription of £.80,000, raised from 800 transferable shares of £.100 each*. The buildings occupy three sides of a quadrangle, having

* The present Royal Exchange of London, according to Northouck's statement, cost 80,000l. Its area is 144 feet by 117 feet. 1

the north front of the Town-Hall, for the fourth side, and together include an area of 194 feet by 180. The architecture was designed to harmonize and correspond with the north elevation of the Town-hall, and thus constitute an uniform quadrangle. The new building consists of a rusticated basement, with a piazza extending round the whole, and opening to the area by a series of rustic arches, between strong piers. Above this are two stories, ornamented with Corinthian pilasters, and surmounted with an enriched bold cornice and parapet. In the centre of the north side, resting on the basement, is a grand recessed portico, with eight handsome Corinthian columns *. This building is intended to accommodate the merchants, brokers, underwriters, and others of the town, who are devoted to mercantile pursuits. In the east wing is a coffee-room, ninety-four feet by fifty-two, supported on large columns. Above this is another spacious room, seventy-two feet by thirty-six, intended to be appropriated to the underwriters, &c. on the principle of that of Lloyd's in London. This magnificent and commodious range of buildings is an honourable memorial of the commercial spirit and noble views of the Liverpool merchants; and, whilst it affords them comfortable accommodations, it will be a great ornament to the town. At the time this account is penning, a committee is deliberating on the choice of a group of statuary, to adorn and dignify the centre of the area. It is intended to have a subject in commemoration of the heroic bravery and skill of Lord Nelson: and as such a subject, in the fine arts, will be either appropriate and praise-worthy, by its tasteful design and skilful execution, or unpleasant and reprehensible, by the want of these essentials, it is hoped that the committee will manifest a critical and liberal discrimination in choos

ing

*The annexed print represents the west wing, and principal front of this building, which has been erected by John Foster, Esq. (the Corporation Architect, Engineer, and Dock-Master,) from the designs of James Wyatt, Esq. To the former gentleman I feel gratefully indebted, for procuring the drawings of this building and the Town-Hall; and to the Corporation for their liberality, in presenting the plates to this work.