COUNTRY ROADS. • 227 



easily and safely. A grade of 1 foot in 30, giving the angle of 

 repose on a hard, smooth road, permits this to be done. 



Surely, then, grade is a vital element in the correct construction 

 of roads ; yet it has been but slightly heeded by the road-builders 

 of our State. There have fallen under my observation on\j few 

 instances, where, for the purpose of avoiding a heavy grade, 

 roads have been carried around hills. Everywhere, however, hills 

 are to be met with, whose difficult ascent might be readily avoided 

 by a slight deflection of the road. Of zigzag roads over hills that 

 pannot well be flanked, I think I have not seen a single example 

 in mj' travels through the State ; but I have noted many instances, 

 where the roads should have taken a zigzag course over the hills. 

 The increased land damage resulting from, the increased length of 

 road would have been a mere trifle, with no great additional cost 

 in the construction of the road. The work of keeping in repair 

 would have been much less than now, while the hills, so far as 

 obstacles to locomotion, would have vanished to the great delight 

 of both man and beast. Our people cannot, indeed, recognize too 

 soon the eminent merits of the zigzag road, without resorting to 

 which it will be impossible properly to improve the roads in many 

 parts of the State. 



Again, in fixing upon the route there must be an eye to proper 

 and accessible material for the construction of the road, and for 

 keeping it in repair. Very much of the material now used for 

 these purposes is worse than worthless. Nor must it be forgotten 

 that the road should be so laid out as to afford the best sites for 

 the erection of farm houses. Here regard as well for health and 

 beauty as for diminution of farm labor is to be kept in view. 

 Many ia farm in Maine would be worth double its present value 

 did the road strike it somewhat differently. Nor must the route of 

 the road, unless the demands of traffic are of an imperative nature, 

 fail to conform, in some degree, to that line which will afford the 

 finest views and the most delightful drives. With our people this 

 is becoming more and more a matter of importance, as they in- 

 crease in wealth and in a love for the amenities of life. As men 

 seek profit for the pleasure it confers, it is certainly allowable, 

 even in the matter of road-building, sometimes to seek pleasure 

 for itself. 



Drainage. 



The road has been located and a suitable grade established; 

 now comes the work of construction. After a suitable grade the 



