40 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



it seems as though we couid rapidly secure good roads without any 

 material increase in the burdens of taxation. If this were done it would 

 lay the foundation for a road which could afterward be macadamized or 

 graveled or covered in some other way so as to be passable in wet weather. 

 There are many places in the state where there are either sand or field 

 stones, which, if broken up and only a portion covered each year, would 

 soon make us better and more permanent roads, and roads that could be 

 used all the year round. Farmers do not ha^e to draw their products so 

 far to market as formerly, but if the roads were in such condition that 

 they could draw larger loads when they do go, with less wear and tear on 

 the team and wagons; and if they could haul products at a time when the 

 ground is too wet for field work, it would be a material saving to our 

 farmers and would justify some increase in the burden of road tax for a 

 time for the purpose of accomplishing it. There is an effort being made 

 in New York and New England for a marked improvement in the high- 

 ways, although in many particulars they have much better roads than our 

 own. 



This is a matter which I think the granges, agricultural and horticult- 

 ural societies, and farmers' institutes should discuss. There is a wide 

 divergence of opinion as to how this should be done. There are many who 

 would be willing to do anything if there were no increase of taxation, but 

 it seems to me the more this is discussed the more plans for the improve- 

 ment of highways will be given. 



The last legislature provided for a highway commission, to report some 

 method of improvement of the highways. It seems to me the plan pro- 

 posed is too elaborate, involves a radical change in our laws, and too 

 great an expense to our people, to be adapted to our present situation. 

 Their report has been made to the legislature, and it may lead to change in 

 legislation that will remedy the evil and bring about a result so much 

 desired by our people, to provide a road that can be used at any time with 

 comfort and security. 



Respectfully yours, 



John T. Rich. 



paper by r. j. coryell, michigan agricultural college. 



A good dirt road is composed of two essentials: A smooth, non-wear- 

 ing surface that is impervious to water, and a dry foundation. Good 

 gravel fills the conditions for the surface, and its wise use is and probably 

 will be the best means of road improvement for most roads. It fills the 

 conditions because, when packed, it presents a non -wearing surface. Its 

 interstices are soon filled with its dust or finer ground particles, and it 

 soon becomes impervious to the surface water. The thicker the gravel is 

 applied the better. In no case should it be less than ten or twelve inches, 

 and as it diminishes in depth from one half to one quarter on packing, it 

 should be from twelve to fifteen inches deep as it is first unloaded. A 

 cross-section of the road should show the gravel similar to the cross-section 

 of a double convex lens. If the surface of the foundation is left convex, 

 it will yield more or less under wear, and will be broken into by the 

 gravel, the wheels will form ruts, the water will penetrate, loosen up, and 

 mix the gravel with the subsoil, and no repairing afterward will make it 

 as good as before, without sifting and separating. Before graveling a 

 road, the loose dirt should be removed and the road-bed be left slightly 



