THE MARKETS.
Two thirds of the people of New York deal with "corner groceries" and
"provision stores," consequently there are very few markets in the
city. The principal are the Fulton Market on East River, at the foot of
Fulton street; the Washington, at the end of Fulton street, on North
River; the Jefferson, at the corner of Sixth and Greenwich Avenues; and
the Tompkins Market, opposite the Cooper Institute. The Washington
Market is more of a wholesale than a retail establishment, as is also
the Fulton Market. The supplies of meat, fish, and vegetables brought
to the city, are originally sent to the wholesale dealers at these
markets, to be sold on commission. The dealers will frequently go into
the country and engage a truckman's entire crop of vegetables or
fruits, and then retail them out to the city dealers at their own
prices.
The streets in the vicinity of the markets on the two rivers are always
dirty and crowded. The buildings themselves are outwardly dirty and
uninviting. The interior, however, presents a sight worth witnessing.
In the spring and summer it is filled with the most tempting displays
of fruit and vegetables. One can hardly imagine that all this immense
quantity will be eaten, but it does not require more than a day to get
rid of the whole display. Fruits are high in the city and sell readily.
The market is never overstocked. The same may be said of vegetables.
Good vegetables are always in demand. All such things have to be
brought so far to market, that by the time they reach the consumer's
kitchen they are almost half-decayed. Those who can furnish pure fresh
vegetables, or animal food, are always sure of doing a profitable
business in the city.
Almost anything can be found in the Fulton Market. There are all kinds
of provisions, eating-stands abound, bar-rooms are located in the
cellars, cheap finery is to be seen in the stalls, books, newspapers,
and periodicals are to be had at prices lower than those of the regular
stores, ice creams, confections, and even hardware and dry goods are
sold in the booths. The oysters sold here have a world-wide reputation.
_Dorlan's_ oyster-house is the most popular. It is a plain, rough-
looking room, but it is patronized by the best people in the city, for
the wares sold here are famous. Ladies in full street dress, and young
bloods in all their finery, come here to eat one of the proprietor's
splendid stews.
Dorlan began business in New York more than thirty years ago; and has
made a handsome fortune. He has done so by keeping the very best goods
in the market. He is one of the best-known men in the city, and is
deservedly popular. He is conscientious and upright in the minutest
particular, and gives his personal attention to every detail of his
business. Although wealthy to-day, he may be seen at his stand, in his
shirt-sleeves, superintending the operations of his establishment,
setting an excellent example to younger men who are seeking to rise in
the world.