CRITICISMS 79 



tore desirable. The same result may frequently be accom- 

 plished at less cost by drawing gravel late in the fall, or by 

 sled in the winter. In the latter case a double handling is 

 generally necessary, which is not usually economical. 



As a whole, A and B did not pay sufficient and prompt at- 

 tention to little things. Such gullies as existed for months in 

 numerous places on our main roads should have been filled up 

 within a week of their formation. All catch basins should have 

 been kept clear, and water should not have been allowed to 

 run down the middle of the road on hills, while loose stones 

 should have been picked up. Prompt attention to inexpensive 

 details through the season will make and save more dollars 

 than anything else. People enjoy riding over a smooth road. 

 For best method of securing this attention to details, see 

 44 Highway laws," page 85. 



If any great mistake was made in C's district it was the 

 very natural and exceedingly common one of expecting to do 

 more than could possibly be done with the money at hand, and 

 consequently finding that the money would not hold out to go 

 round. This error is quite excusable in the case of a zealous 

 worker who takes up the business for the first time, as was the 

 case here. It resulted, however, in an undue expenditure of 

 money upon the roads first repaired, while others which in 

 some respects needed it most had to suffer. It should be stated, 

 however, that the main road through one half the district was 

 put in fine condition and kept so through the season. 



Another criticism, applicable, however, to the work of all 

 three agents, was the method of use of the road machine in 

 many places. Doing too much for mere smoothing and too 

 little for the repairs really needed, it frequently created a 

 nuisance by stirring up the traveled way and leaving it rough 

 with sods, stone, etc. For details of what ought to have been 

 done see " Road machines," page 81. 



During the year considerable permanent work was accom- 

 plished, such as relaying the abutment of a bridge, rebuilding 

 numerous large and small culverts, and improving the grade in 

 several places, thus setting an excellent example for other 

 towns to follow. In an average year with a fair appropriation, 

 some permanent work always ought to be done. On the whole, 



