872 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



In some portions of the road suitable gray top soil Is available and Its location 

 was iiidioatod. General recoiuniendations for the purchase of road-building 

 equipment were submitted, together with supj^estions for improved mainte- 

 nance by the patrol system and the use of the road drag. It was recommended 

 that an enjjineer be employed, and details were supplied for the information 

 of the authorities concerning the width of road and proper methods of shaping 

 and constructing sand-clay surfaces. 



Marlboro County, S. C. — During October and November, 1911, an investiga- 

 tion was made for the development of a system of improved roads in Marlboro 

 County. Materials available in this county are clay, sand-clay, and gravel (both 

 with sand and with clay matrix). Materials are well distributed and in past 

 construction have given good satisfaction. A map was prepared showing the 

 proposed roads and the corresponding deposits of materials. 



Approximately 142J miles of road were inspectetl, and estimates for the 

 Improvement of this mileage in 67 different sections were prepared. The total 

 estimate was $128,000, which is about $900 per mile, including the necessary 

 drainage structures. The total length of roads in the county is abbut 350 miles, 

 and the present plans of the county are to raise money by a bond issue to the 

 amount of $300,000. Recommendations as to the management of the proposed 

 improvement were submitted. 



McMiNN County, Tenn.^ — An engineer from this office was assigned in Novem- 

 ber, 1911, upon the application of the county authorities, to consider the local 

 situation in connection with a bond issue for improved roads. Bonds to the 

 amount of $325,000 became available during September. The act authorizing 

 the bond issue i)ractically determined the location of the proposed roads. The 

 work of the engineer from this office consisted in supplying information during 

 the progress of the work, which had already begun on his arrival. Grading was 

 finished for about 40 miles of road and surveys were well advanced under the 

 engineer employed by the county. Convict labor was available for a considerable 

 part of the work done under this bond issue. 



SuMNEE County, Tenn. — This office sent an engineer in April, 1912, to advise 

 with the county officials of Sumner County. Tenn., and make certain surveys of 

 proposed roads. A bond issue of $200,000 had been provided and subdivided into 

 two funds — $100,000 to be spent in the purchase of toll roads and their improve- 

 ment in the southern part of the county and $100,000 for new roads in the north- 

 em portion of the county, amounting to about 70 miles. Three preliminary 

 studies were made for locating new roads, and, after advising with the pike com- 

 mittee, a survey was made for a road east to west across the county by way of 

 Portland and Westmoreland, and a road, north to south, running from the south 

 of the ridge and connecting with the proposed east-to-west road. Estimates of 

 eight sections of road aggregating 33.44 miles were made, and the order of the 

 improvement recommended. The aggregate cost of these improved roads was 

 estimated at $145,122.87. Detailed estimates of three of the above roads were 

 developed and the construction of the other four was recommended to be 

 deferred. 



The roads in this estimate involve macadam, gravel, and sand-clay construc- 

 tion. Bridges and culverts were figured for concrete or steel construction of the 

 most permanent character. The estimates for the construction of the entire 

 system of roads were developed with reference to local conditions and existing 

 materials. 



The engineer's report covers details as to the methods of carrying out the work, 

 labor, contracts, width of roads, use of materials, and future maintenance. 

 Detailed specifications for macadam, gravel, and sand-clay work were supplied. 



Ellis County, Tex. — Garrett-Ennis district. — In May, 1912, an engineer 

 from this office made a study of the road situation in Garrett-Ennis district. 

 He studied the work already in progress under a bond issue, of which $250,000 

 was still available. Specific recommendations were made concerning the em- 

 ployment of a county highway engineer, the wages of superintendents and fore- 

 men, the purchase of improved gi-avel pits, the use of a harrow and road drag, 

 and the management of the laboring force. Details of relocation, cross sec- 

 tions, methods of surfacing, and improvement of concrete specifications and 

 bridge construction were also submitted. 



McCuLLOCH County, Tex. — District No. 1. — A bond issue of $75,000 became 

 available in this county and construction began on February 7, 1912. An engi- 

 neer from this office had been assigned to prepare surveys and estimates for 



