Chap. VI.

FRANCE.

289

The markets first established wereheld in an open square, or in the streets,and it was not until about the latter endof the last century that any were coveredin : the advantages derived by all thatattended were so great, that Napoleonordered arrangements to be made forerecting structures which should excludethe inclemencies of the weather, and beconvenient to both buyer and seller.Paris set the example to other greatcommunities, and hence an importantand beneficial change has been effectedin these establishments throughout Eu­ rope .

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Fig. 302.

MARKETS.

Marche Saint Martin was rebuilt on an ancient site between the Rues St. Denis andSt. Martin , a few years ^ince, and is an admirable example of«its kind. It entirely coversthe garden of the old convent, now appropriated to the reception of various models, andknown as the Conservatoire des Arts et des Metiers.

The garden was bounded on three sides by the convent walls, affording a favourablesituation for a market. M. Peyre, the architect, was instructed to design a suitablestructure, which being approved was carried up under his superintendence.

Marche Saint Germain was erected from the designs and under the superintendenceof M. Blondel, and is the most important in Paris .

Other smaller markets have been established in imitation of that at Florence, in variousparts of the city, and in most of the towns throughout France . Great taste has been dis-played in these structures, and the manner in which they are covered is highly creditableto the engineers, who have displayed a thorough knowledge of ventilation. They aretherefore peculiarly worthy of our attentivestudy.

Every large town in France has its market,conveniently situated, and of dimensions pro-portionate to the number of its inhabitants.

Vegetables, fish, meat, fiowers, all have eithera portion set apart, or a building devotedentirely to them. The timber roofs, and insome instances iron, span the entire area; and,when covered with ornamental tiles, producean elegant effect; they are always lofty, wellventilated, and sufficiently supplied with water.

Italy seems to have afforded the model formost of these structures ; arches resting oncolumns, with a simple and bold projecting Fig. 303. market.

cornice, all kept within the laws of proportion,

constitute their ordinary design. Their entire area is paved, and, mounted upon a boldplinth, are easily cleansed.

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