240 [Assembly 



inches in depth, and the common stone placed underneath them; of 

 the last there were two strata, the one at the bottom, broken also 

 angularly and placed regularly over the ground, and over each other 

 to the thickness of from six to ten inches, as the road bed was more 

 or less dry and firm; then another layer more finely broken of the 

 same sod of stone, and raked smoothly; then was put over perfectly 

 even the small hard blue stone, leaving the surface with a descent 

 from the centre to the sides of one inch to the foot; upon the whole 

 was then placed fine sandy gravel evenly thrown with shovels and 

 raked of equal thickness, just enough to fill up all interstices be- 

 tween the broken stones. A large iron roller of many tons w'eight 

 was then dragged by three pair of oxen over the road, and contin- 

 ued until the surface was entirely hard, compact, and even in every 

 part of the road, and impervious to water. Being finished the pub- 

 lic travel was admitted over it, and it has remained in a firm state 

 for nearly fifteen years past, dry m all seasons of the year, notwith- 

 standing great neglect in suitable yearly repairs. This road cost the 

 sum of $125,000, and with small repairs yearly will last forever; 

 whereas previously the old road had cost at the end of fifteen years about 

 $200,000, and was then almost impassable; it has been asserted that 

 this road cost the enormous sum Of more than half a million of dol- 

 lars, and the committee who by unremitting personal attention car- 

 ried out the work up to this day, have been abused for extravagance 

 in expenditure. Mr. Williamson the late comptroller, gave the cost 

 above stated of the road, with the expenses thereon up to his time of 

 service; theiefore it may be relied on. This much as regards road 

 making, and to which I add at your request ray view as regards the 

 paving the streets of the city. 



The same principle as regards water should be attended to in the 

 first instance, in making the bed of the street, and especially as re- 

 gards the introduction of water from the Croton Water Works, now 

 so profusely running down the sides of the streets. It is absolutely 

 necessary to keep the pavement, and under stratum dry; otherwise 

 frost will heave up and produce inequalities. Already I see the 

 " Russ," j)avement has settled unequally, and indicates what may be 

 anticipated after a few years of trial. W^ork the street fifteen years 

 as the Third Avenue has been worn, and then I think it will be found 

 necessary to take up the stones and renew the work, so as to shut 

 out water. Relative to Broadway, the same rule above set forth, 

 should be practiced in grading, having a dry bed for the street and 

 dainage of water. 



