CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND WALKS. 



CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND WALKS. 



BY WILLIAM SAUNDERS, LANDSCAPE GARDENER, GTERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA. 



HE proper introduction of walks and carriage roads is a 

 matter of great importance in the general arrangement of 

 rural residences, and although few subjects in this con- 

 nection have been more frequently dwelt upon by garden 

 authors, there is still much room for improvement. We 

 ignore all exaggerated imaginary examples either in the 

 exposure of error, or the promulgation of truth, and en- 

 deavor to give all our statements a tangible basis, in order 

 to render them of direct practical application to the sub- 

 ject under investigation. This much is mentioned that 

 we may not be accused of "making a case," in stating that we have seen a path 

 leading to a house only a few rods distant from the street, forming a series of short 

 curves, although the boundary gate and the entrance door of the house were exactly 

 opposite. It is, however, much more common, and equally a perversion of good taste, 

 in such cases, to find a circular grass plat, or flower bed, which has to be circumam- 

 bulated before reaching the house. Similar unmeaning routes are frequently taken 

 with carriage drives. The furthest point from the house being selected for an en- 

 trance, the road traverses the whole extent of the place before reaching the mansion, 

 cutting up what would otherwise form a pleasant lawn, and preventing the introduc- 

 tion of private, secluded shade walks, so desirable in country residences. It is not 

 intended in this number to treat on the present head with regard to picturesque 

 effect, but rather to offer a few practical remarks on the construction of good, 

 serviceable roads. 



A smooth, firm, dry walk is one of the greatest conveniences, as a soft, muddy, 

 damp walk is one of the greatest annoyances ; and although much personal comfort, 

 and enjoyment of pleasure grounds, depends upon good walks, there is much need of 

 information on their management, judging from what we daily see, and the many 

 complaints that reach us relative to their expense and inefl&ciency. In this, as well 

 as in many other operations connected with rural improvements, we shall be much 

 mistaken in the true value of a result, by a knowledge of its cost. There are roads 

 of the worst description that have been made so at great expense, while others of 

 great efiiciency have cost a comparative trifle. There are principles to be recognised 

 in road making as well as in every other operation, and when these are not attended 

 to by the constructor, a good road is as much a work of accident as design. The 

 construction of a road will of course depend, to a certain extent, upon the amount 

 and kind of travel for which it is to be used. We frequently see a narrow walk 

 made as strong and heavy as a public highway ; without advising superficial work 

 ip of any description, we would guard against unnecessary expense. A 

 traversed by light carriages will not require so strong a foundation as one 



