PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION J. 741 
Roads require constant care and attention to keep the surface 
smooth. Remove loose stones, mud and dust, attend to hollows, 
never allow water to stand on the surface, and by careful 
attention to drains and culverts, keep the subsoil well drained 
and the surface-water off the metal. Maintenance-metal should 
be of small gauge, certainly not more than 2-inch, and is added 
either by patching and darning, or by sheeting the whole surface ; 
in either case the surface to be treated should be disturbed by 
picking, and the patches of new metal should be frequently 
attended to until they have consolidated. Autumn and winter 
- are the seasons for systematic renewal and repair of road surface, 
spring and summer best for construction. 
The borders between the metal track and the water-tables or 
channels should be kept in good order, to encourage light traffic 
upon them. On many roads they cannot be used, owing to the 
mitre drains not being covered. 
In conclusion, I wish to draw special attention to the advantage 
of using metal of small gauge, and of consolidating rapidly by 
rolling and blinding, continuing the rolling until the road is 
thoroughly consolidated, and not attempting to roll too great a 
thickness of metal at once ; and to the great economy of constant 
instead of periodic maintenance, and the employment of careful 
and well-trained maintenance men. 
11.—THE UTILISATION OF TIDAL ENERGY AS A 
CONTINUOUS MOTIVE POWER. 
By I. Diamant, C.E. 
| Abstract. | 
Various methods have been invented to utilise tidal energy as a 
motive power, but up to the present time no great practical 
utility has been obtained. There are two prominent difficulties 
in utilising the power of the tides. i. The development of motive 
power out of tidal energy is only possible in certain localities. 
2. We depend on the fluctuations as well as on the variable 
periodical returns of the tides. With regard to the first point, we 
know that the progress made in using electricity modities these 
conditions gradually, because the comparatively costless water- 
power may be employed to generate electricity, which may be 
conveniently conveyed or stored for consumption. 
With regard to the second point, we know that whatever 
means have been adopted, it was always necessary to allow a 
certain period of rest for the motors in order to obtain any effec- 
tive head between the restrained and free waters. On the other 
