ROAD-MAKING. 



209 



in mind that coal at the works where it was in use was only 4s. 6d. 

 per ton. 



The cost of these machines varies according to the size of the opening 

 in the jaws. The smallest size made has this opening six inches by 

 four, and costs, mounted on wheels, 80. The most useful size for 

 breaking ordinary stones for road-metal is the size fifteen inches by 

 seven, and costs 190. 



The following is a statement of the different sizes and their prices : 



SECTION 7. Repairing and improving existing Roads. 



A great many of our farm-roads might be very much improved by 

 straightening their course and levelling the surface, and also by an 

 addition of good material laid on them. In many cases we find them 

 running over hills and down into valleys without any attempt having 

 been made to level heights or to fill up hollows. They might also 

 be much improved by having the whole surface carefully picked up to 

 a depth of six inches, all bad materials removed, and large stones 

 properly broken, and then have an addition of new material spread on 

 the surface to a depth of two or three inches. Autumn is the best sea- 

 son of the year for repairing and improving roads, when they are in a 

 wet condition, and when, from the roads being in a soft state, all new 

 materials can be better worked into them. It is very injudicious to lay 

 any amount of new material on roads in the summer season, when, 

 from their being in a dry state, the new stones toss about, hurtful both 

 to man and beast. The stones are generally put on too large ; every one 

 should at least be able to pass freely through a two-and-a-half-inch ring. 

 The common practice seems to be to lay on large quantities at a time of 

 large stones not sufficiently broken. It will answer the purpose better 

 if small quantities were put on more frequently, and smaller stones 

 used. 



I am of opinion that all farm and other roads on an estate should be 



o 



