PARIS 



variety of sodium chloride, and is exempt from the 

 heavy duty imposed by the Government on salt 

 for most purposes. It is obtained from the east of 

 France. 



The salt is scattered on the streets when the snow 

 commences. As the snow falls it melts rapidly on this 

 saline bed. If the snowfall is heavy, it may become 

 necessary to add another dressing to the bed of salt. 

 For a fall of two inches of snow about 4J ounces of salt 

 per square yard are required. 



When the action of the salt upon the snow has been 

 completed and the mass has been converted into a 

 semi-liquid condition, it is swept toward the gutters 

 by means of sweeping machines and scrapers. The 

 machines may also be used without the use of salt, 

 but this generally reduces their effect. 



The sweeping begins at the center of the roadway 

 where a path 10-12 feet wide is kept open. In case 

 the streets are icy or slippery they are sanded or 

 cindered. The sidewalks are cleared by hand and 

 with brooms as far as practicable. As much use as 

 possible apparently a very large use is made of the 

 sewers in disposing of the snow. Men are employed 

 in the sewers to see that the snow passes through 

 without obstruction. In case of an exceptionally 

 heavy storm, carts are used to carry away the snow. 



The total street surface cleaned by the city, accord- 

 ing to calculations made for January 1, 1907, was 

 19,656.000 square yards, including 8,581,000 



. ii Pavements 



square yards of sidewalks and alleys. An 

 analysis of this area, according to the kind of pave- 

 ment, follows: 



105 



