32 RECLAMATION OF CAPE COD SAND DUNES. 



ROAD CONSTRUCTION. 



The problem of road con«truction in sandy regions, and, as a rule, 

 districts with sparse population, is a very difficult one, and is fre- 

 quentl}' not solved until the demand has long been imperative. The 

 road leading from Provincetown south originalh' followed the beach 

 at low tide, but at high water the travel was through the heavy 

 sand farther up on the beach. The State is at present constructing a 

 macadamized road extending f roni Provincetown southward, thus con- 

 necting it with the main part of tlie State. Before the road across the 

 sand areas was macadamized, liberal applications of clay had facili- 

 tated the travel for many years. 



There are several roads across the Province lands, and where they 

 lead through the forested portion they are in good repair. On the 

 shifting sand areas none but the State road has received much atten- 

 tion, although most of the portions where there is danger of guU}^- 

 ing by the wind have received a protective covering of brush (PI. VI, 

 %2). 



The building of the State road across the Province lands was com- 

 menced in 1894 and completed in 1901. It extends from the city to 

 the Peaked Hill Life-Saving Station and provides an easy means of 

 access to the heart of the dune territor}-. The road was not con- 

 structed across the dunes area until the shifting sands had been 

 brought under control. The roadbed was first graded and then cov- 

 ered with a la\'er of brush, after which it received a covering of turf 

 sod obtained from the adjacent woods. It is still in good condition 

 and promises with some attention to be fairly permanent, as it is sub- 

 ject to but little heavy teaming. The cost of construction was about 

 35 cents per running foot. 



When the railroad was constructed the cuts were covered with brush 

 and rubbish, which proved sufficient protection until a natural growth 

 of beach grass developed, and no difficulty has since been experienced 

 from gullying b}' the wind. 



RECLAMATION OF SMALL AREAS. 



Although the State holds the title to the Province lands and the 

 public in general has had free access to its natural products, there are 

 certain areas of the native cranberiy bogs which have been staked off 

 and improved by private parties. This was a common i:)ractice and 

 man}' of the beriy growers were assessed either on the land or its 

 product. There seems to have been no serious outcome from this pro- 

 cedure except that it generally involved the removal of considerable 

 brush and bushes, thus preventing the development of the forest in 

 the innnediate area. This has been the cause of some conflict of 

 opinion with the State authorities, as it is the idea of those that have 



