On the west side of this pedestal, is cut in relievo, a Cupid resting his right hand on a shield, containing the arms of France and England quartered, and holding in his left a rose. On the north side are the arms of Ireland on a shield, supported by a Cupid. On the south side is the following inscription on the base of the pedestal: ‘This statue was repaired and beautified by the company of Merchant Adventurers of England, _anno_ 1730; John Hanbury, Esq; Governor.’ On the east side are the arms of Scotland, with a Cupid holding a thistle. All done in relievo. In the area on the inside of the Royal Exchange, merchants meet every day at twelve at noon, and a prodigious concourse of those of all nations continue there till two, in order to transact business; but soon after that hour the gates are shut up, and not opened again till four. For the readier dispatch of business, and that every particular merchant may be easily found, they are disposed in separated classes, each of which have their particular station, called their walk, as may be seen at one view by the following plan, by attending to which any merchant may easily be found. [Illustration: NORTH. Threadneedle Street. _East Country Walk_ _Hamburgh Walk_ _Irish Walk_ _Scotch Walk_ _Dutch & Jewellers_ _Silkmans Walk_ _Norway Walk_ _Clothiers Walk_ _Salters Walk_ _Walk_ _Grocers & Druggists Walk_ _Turkey Walk_ _Brokers of Stock & Walk_ WEST. Castle Alley. _Italian Walk_ EAST. Sweetings Alley. _Canary Walk_ _East Indies Walk_ _Barbadoes Walk_ _French Walk_ _Portugal_ _Jamaica Walk_ _Armenian_ _Virginia Walk_ _Spanish Walk_ _Jews Walk_ Cornhill. SOUTH. ] [Illustration: _Front of the Royal Exchange._ _S. Wale delin._ _J. Green sc. Oxon._ ] The Royal Exchange, without critical examination, has something grand in it, and the entrance would certainly appear to more advantage if it were not incumbered with a parcel of little shops. The arcade or walks within the quadrangle have something noble, but the upper part is in a very bad taste. The statue of King Charles II. in the middle of the area is a good one. The other statues in the several niches have been lately new painted and gilt in parts. The painting is no doubt very necessary for their preservation, but it were to be wished the gilding of them had been omitted, as it must give foreigners of judgment (and such sometimes frequent this place) a contemptible opinion of our taste. The two statues, one on each side the gate, of King Charles I. and II. are particularly good. The clock tower or steeple with Gothic windows is unpardonable, and the cornices at their angles are so broke, as to appear very disgustful to an architect.