COUNTRY ROADS 209 



mired and abandoned. Farmers are told not to work 

 their fields when it is wet, because it will harden 

 them and they will bake afterward. This is the very 

 reason why loam roads should have the surface 

 stirred when w^et. Such working is called puddling. 

 It brings the soil grains in closer contact, making 

 a harder surface than before. 



The Split-log Drag. The tool most useful for pud- 

 dling is the split-log drag. The halves of the log 

 are held on edge a few feet apart by rounds inserted 

 like the rounds of a ladder. This drag used on 

 muddy roads wdll smear or puddle the surface, 

 making it tough and hard. By lengthening one 

 chain and allowing the inner end of the drag to lag 

 behind as it is drawn along, it fills up the ruts and 

 works all loose material toward the middle of the 

 road. This gives the surface a rounded shape for 

 good drainage. 



Other Aids to Good Roads. This drag is very 

 useful on dry roads also. By riding on the outer or 

 ditch-end of the drag and driving once on either 

 side of the road, the ruts are filled and the center 

 made higher. There should be a law requiring all 

 heavy hauling to be done with wide-tire wagons 

 only. Wide tires pack and harden the road like a 

 roller, whereas narrow tires cut and injure the road 

 surface. 



Gravel and Shell Surfacing. Different kinds of 

 materials are used in surfacing roads. When suit- 

 able gravel can be found it will make an excellent 



