everyway more convenient for passengers landing or embarking.  This last improvement must afford a most delightful accommodation for the gentry who prefer the pier for their usual promenade; and where, from the great extent it stretches out into the open sea, those invalids who are precluded from exercise, may more conveniently enjoy the invigorating sea-breeze.  It is firmly constructed of timber:  has four or five landing-places at different distances to suit the state of the tide:  a strong railing on each side; and is furnished with several open and covered seats.

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PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS.

The TOWN-HALL and MARKET-HOUSE affords the best proof of the public spirit of the inhabitants of Hyde in regard to local improvements:  for this handsome edifice is on a scale to accommodate three or four times the present population.  It was first opened in the year 1831:  and the commissioners for improving the town endeavoured to establish a permanent market for cattle, &c., to be held in the large open space in front, but the attempt proved abortive—­Newport lying so much more conveniently for the general resort of agriculturists and tradesmen from every quarter of the island.—­It is remarkable, however, considering the spirit of the inhabitants for public improvements, that it should have been left to the year 1840, before the town was lighted with gas!

The ARCADE is an elegant piece of architecture, though it does not make that imposing figure of its exterior, which the visitor would expect, when previously told that it cost at least L10,000.  It contains 14 shops, and a very large room for the exhibition and sale of works of art:  every portion being finished in the best style of workmanship.

This bold undertaking for a private individual, we are sorry to say, has not yet realized a remunerating return.  The mistake seems to have been in fixing upon a site which had no local advantages to recommend it for a fashionable promenade; nor likely ever to become a much-frequented thoroughfare, popular and busy.  Moreover, the tradesmen generally find it more to their advantage to engage respectable houses in the best streets, where they can profitably let lodgings, and make a much more attractive exhibition of their goods.  These remarks will also serve to explain, why comparatively so few persons avail themselves of the extensive accommodation which the Market-house affords.

BRIGSTOCK TERRACE is a fine range of first-rate houses built according to a very judicious, uniform design, furnished by the late Mr. J. Sanderson.  They command a beautiful marine prospect, as they stand at the head of a sloping lawn-like field, interspersed with several oaks and elms:  indeed the terrace is the most conspicuous part of Ryde when viewed from the sea.

On the west side of the town too is a very spacious square, comprising a great variety of tastefully-embellished mansions; indeed in every direction a number of elegant houses are constructing,—­tenants being found for most of them even before they are completed.