Carriage Pavement of the Metropolis. 385 



passes, forming pools for the reception of more rain, and daily 

 becoming worse, until it is necessary to relay it; when, after 

 a short time, the same thing happens over again, thus causing 

 an endless expense to the different parishes. 



The plan I suggest is, that, after the foundation has been 

 formed in the necessary shape, and the surface rolled or 

 rammed hard, the paving stones, dressed so as to fit close 

 together, should be laid or set in a thick coat of good mortar, 

 and the joints grouted with cement j the whole mass would 

 thus become a solid body, and the rain would be effectually 

 prevented from penetrating to the foundation, which would 

 remain dry and firm in the position it was originally placed. 



I recommend this in preference to any other artificial 

 foundation, such as broken stones, sand, gravel, &c. ; for, 

 provided it was sufficiently firm to bear the weight of the 

 paving stones and carriages passing, nothing would displace it 

 until worn out. 



The stones must be grooved on the surface about a quarter 

 of an inch deep, to prevent horses slipping; and if scored 

 diagonally, it would obviate any jar or jolt that could be anti- 

 cipated from the wheels of a carriage passing over them at 

 right angles. This scoring could be renewed when necessary, 

 by providing light screens on wheels, inside of which the men 

 could work on any part with hammer and chisel, protected 

 from danger. Carriages would run over this pavement with 

 far less friction, and as little noise, as they now do over a Mac- 

 adamized road ; and this great advantage would be gained, 

 that, whereas the one is constantly wearing in holes and 

 wanting repairs, never looks finished, and covers the inhabi- 

 tants and travellers with mud and dust, (the only change) a 

 pavement laid down on this principle would last for many years 

 without further expense or trouble ; and as no mud could 

 work up from the foundation, consequently no dirt could accu- 

 mulate, but what fell from the horses ; and the small, but 

 gradual and even wearing away of the surface, it could be kept 

 by sweeping as clean as a barn-floor 5 the expense of watering 

 in summer would also be saved. 



This plan would be attended with but little more cost than 



