FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 5L 



the majority of the country roads, are subject to but little travel. 

 To expend for the improvement of such a road -sums equal to that nec- 

 essary upon the suburban highway where the traffic is very great, shows 

 a want of discrimination and appreciation of the fitness of things 

 that is inexcusable. I have indicated elsewhere that there are at least 

 three kinds of roads classified according to the amount of travel for 

 which they are expected to provide. The first-class being such roads as 

 are near cities and large towns, that drain large areas, and into which 

 there come the traffic and teams from many districts. The sec- 

 ond class being such roads as are of considerable importance but do 

 not have the amount of traffic that the first are required to bear, and the 

 third class embracing all other roads, which comprise the great ma- 

 jority of the mileage in every state. These three classes should be 

 treated separately and attention be carefully given to the traffic re- 

 quirements of the districts through which they run preliminary to the 

 expenditure of money in their permanent improvement. 



The "ideal road," therefore, is dry, solid, of easy grade, and smooth, 

 and the ''ideal road law" must provide for the proper locating of the 

 road; for competent supervision and for at least a portion of the 

 tax being paid in cash. It must provide a custodian who will be on 

 the roads every day in the year. It must provide for State aid; that 

 wagons carrying loads over 2,000 pounds shall ibe provided with wide 

 tires; and that the roads shall be classified according to the traffic 

 needs of the several communities through which they run. 



A road system that embodies the requirements that have been 

 enumerated is not only an ideal system, but is within the reach of 

 the present generation and can be put in practice in all of its details 

 without injustice to any individual or corporate interest and to the 

 great advantage of the entire population and business of the State. 



