The white ladies dress fashionably, generally a la Francoise; have straight figures, and with the help of a little cotton, judiciously disposed, and sometimes, the smallest possible portion of rouge, contrive to look rather interesting; in general, they are lamentably deficient in tournure and en-bon-point.  The hands and feet of the greatest belle, are pas mignon, and would be termed plebeian by the Anglo-Normans—­the aristocracy of England.  Yet I have seen many girls extremely handsome indeed, having a delicate bloom and fair skin; but this does not endure long, as the variable nature of the climate—­the sudden and violent transitions of temperature which occur on this continent, destroy, in a few years, the complexion of the finest woman.  When she arrives at the age of thirty, her skin is shrivelled and discoloured; she is thin, and has all the indications of premature old age.  The women of England retain their beauty at least ten years longer than those of America.

The inhabitants of that part of New York nearest the shipping, are extremely sallow and unhealthy looking, and many have a most cadaverous aspect.  Malaria certainly exists here in some degree.  A man will tell you that the city is perfectly healthy, whilst his own appearance most unquestionably indicates disease.  I speak now of the quays and adjacent streets; and the cause is very apparent.  The wharfs are faced with wood, and the retiring of the tide exposes a rotten vegetable substance to the action of an almost tropical sun, which, added to the filth that is invariably found in the neighbourhood of shipping, is quite sufficient to produce the degree of unhealthiness that exists.  On going up the town, the appearance of the inhabitants gradually improves, and approaching the suburbs, the difference is striking,—­in this district I have seen persons as stout and healthy looking as any in England or Ireland.

On the night of my arrival, a fire broke out, by which several extensive warehouses were entirely consumed.  There is nothing more remarkable here than the frequent occurrence of this calamity, except the excellent arrangements that are made for arresting its progress.  The engines, apparatus, and corps de pompiers, are admirably maintained, and the promptitude and regularity with which they arrive at the scene of devastation truly astonishing:  indeed, were this not the case, the city must very soon be destroyed; for notwithstanding all their exertions, every conflagration makes it minus several houses, and few nights pass without bringing a misfortune of this nature.

There are several theatres, churches, and other public buildings, dispersed throughout the city.  The City Hall, which stands near the upper end of a small enclosure, called the Park, is considered the handsomest building in the United States.  It was finished in 1812, and cost half a million dollars.

The police regulations appear not to be so severe as they ought to be, for droves of hogs are permitted to roam about the streets, to the terror of fine ladies, and the great annoyance of all pedestrians.