70 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE FARM. 



cubic yard of broken stone for every yard in length. The 

 present contract price for well -burnt clay ballast is 2s. 

 per cubic yard. Under experienced and skilful manage- 

 ment one ton of coal slack will burn five cubic yards of 

 ballast. It is of great importance that the entire 

 width between the side ditches should be free from 

 undulations or slack places ; to meet this difficulty we 

 have a template constructed, consisting of a board 18 feet 

 long, 16 inches deep, and one inch thick. This is hollowed 

 out to the exact curvature of the road ; it is carried on two- 

 small wheels eight inches in diameter ; a light handle is 

 attached to the centre, and is supported by wing braces. 

 The use of this insures an even and correct surface. 



Maintenance. However skilfully the work may be com- 

 pleted the chief guarantee of success consists in keeping the 

 road in repair. If neglected, deep ruts will soon be formed 

 which retain the water, and this will in a short time 

 render the road impassable. The repair of farm roads is 

 a source of great anxiety to any agent who has an eye for 

 order and economy. On large estates it is best for the 

 landlord to take the management of the roads into his own 

 hands, charging the occupant a fixed price per chain for 

 the labour ; any haulage that may be required, still being 

 done by the tenant. The plan has its advantages and its 

 defects ; the work is better done by skilled men, and, on 

 the other hand, the tenant, having less interest in the 

 cost of repairs, may be less careful, particularly in 

 wet weather. 



In many districts farm roads are greatly injured by 

 overhanging trees and high fences, which shut out the 

 sunshine, and prevent free circulation of air, thus checking 



