18 
some hills io each town. Neither should work of this sort be 
considered complete till the standard grade is attained. The 
grade level will easil}^ and accurately determine the changes 
that are necessary and will give data for preliminary estimates 
of cost of this improvement. Such work should never be under- 
taken till a complete plan for reduction to standard grade has 
been adopted. Otherwise much labor may be wasted. 
(b) Drainage. No permanently good road surface exists 
without suitable drainage. Fortunately most of our roads are 
well drained l)y nature. When not so drained, if sufficient fall 
cannot be obtained, the road surface must be raised sufficiently 
to insure the desired result. This is expensive and should be 
avoided if practicable. Side drains, such as are described in 
the experiment, are usuall}' effective. If ground contains 
springs, these must be directly tapped b}" the side drains. Side 
ditches must be kept open and clear. 
(c) Foundation. The proper form of foundation of a road 
is seen in Plate 1, though it may be varied somewhat in 
detail. This form should be obtained as far as possible b}' the 
use of material near at hand. The road machine is indispensi- 
ble for much of this work. The poorest material, if well cov- 
ered in and drained, will make a good foundation for a coun- 
try road. It will not make the surface. The experiment shows 
that rock fill, however near at hand, is expensive unless easily 
loaded and simpl}^ dumped in place. If rock foundation is 
necessary to secure drainage, this extra cost will usually prove 
a wise expenditure. Do not make the traveled way too nar- 
row. This is, perhaps, the most common, though not neces- 
sary, defect of road machine construction. 
(r?) Surfacing. After forming a road it generally needs 
surfacing. It is not, as is usually considered, complete with- 
out. For this surface macadamize as rapidly as possible ; 
otherwise cla}' or gravel a sandy road ; gravel a clay road. In 
any case draw on some fresh material, not already worn out, 
that will pack with the surface and with travel. Use a sprinkler 
and roller. Otherwise surface late in the fall or early in 
spring. 
6th, Repairs. Improvements in grade, drainage and form of 
