PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 545 



eled and carted while soft, it would have cost much less. The^ 

 cheapest way is to remove it before it is packed. The next 

 cheapest w^ay is to remove it before it is frozen. 



But the cost of removal is not the only cost to be considered. 

 The cost of drawing loads over it, or through it ; the cost of 

 shoes, for horses and men. 



The damage to carriages and pavements from jolting, the doc- 

 tors' bills, and the cost of sleighs, all these and other items inci- 

 dent to the presence of snow, are to be estimated. But all these 

 are trifling when compared to the discomforts and insalubrity of 

 our streets in the snow season, compared with the streets of 

 European cities that have little or no snow in them. 



Comparing the style and expense of private buildings with the 

 style and expense of the pavements and sidewalks, and the keep- 

 ing of them in repair and cleanliness, we see a contrast which 

 proves that the public authorities do not keep up with the wealth 

 and liberality of the people. The people desire luxury, and are 

 willing to pay for it. Mere comfort does not satisfy them, much 

 less are they satisfied with what mere health requires ; still less 

 are they satisfied with a condition that is neither luxurious nor 

 comfortable, nor healthy, and has not the apology of being eco- 

 nomical, even to the public treasury. 



In view of all the probable expenses, and of the wants of the 

 people, I conclude that the first policy is to remove the snow as 

 soon as it has fallen, while it is soft ; to sweep it from the streets 

 as thoroughly as dust should be swept. 



If this be done, if the streets be kept dry, I believe the public 

 health will be promoted ; the comfort of the people will be greatly- 

 increased ; the cost of shoes and clothing will be less ; the wear 

 and tear of carriages and pavements, caused by the falling of 

 wheels into holes in frozen snow, and pounding the pavements 

 into holes, and breaking the wheels, will be saved ; and what is 

 scarcely less desired, the love of order and beauty will be satis- 

 fied. We shall no longer feel ashamed of our public affairs, our 

 rulers and our city, even of our country. Wealthy citizens will 

 no longer be constrained to live in the country for the health 

 and comfort of their families, but will prefer the city if this and 

 corresponding improvements be carried out, as such improve- 

 ments may be with economy, where wealth is concentrated. 



Here I might conclude my remarks if I were in a merely popu- 



[Am. Inst. J II 



