AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 625 



an engine draw 87 times the weight upon drivers, up a six feet 

 grade, without slipping. So a horse, stung <vith the whip, may 

 suddenly exert his power, and slip : but a horse well trained and 

 carefully driven will keep his feet as well as a man can do; and 

 the load, equal to twice his own weight, will be less likely lo cause 

 slipping than the ordinary loads of locomotives. 



The plan of the government, to widen the street by removing 

 part of the stoops and areas, is good so far as it goes ; but I think 

 it should go to the wall at once; it must do so within twelve 

 years; and, at least, it should decree the removal now, if it allows 

 some years' time to effect it. 



The other part of the plan, that of converting the Euss into a 

 Belgian pavement, I think is injudicious. Happily, however, it 

 could not be made strictly Belgian, unless you destroy the admi- 

 rable concrete foundation : if altered in the way proposed, it would 

 be much better than the Belgian; and much better than it now is, 

 or has been for years, if cement, instead of loose dirt, were laid 

 between the concrete and the stones, to level the inequalities. 

 But it would cost a great deal; and, as I believe, a much better 

 pavement maybe found by the trials I suggest, I think we should 

 wait for such trials, and make an alteration that will give longer 

 satisfaction than the Russ job has given, the next time we tear up 

 and obstruct this thoroughfare. 



I now will add a little to the view I presented at our last meet- 

 ing. When the ultimate pavement is found, there will be no more 

 dirt : the merchants will then admit wagons into their stores, and 

 the side-walks will no more be obstructed by boxes. Until it 

 suits their convenience to load inside they will not do it; but 

 when cleanly and light vehicles, without the nuisance of animal 

 power, are in use, they will prefer to load and unload inside, and 

 then they will do it. They will then object to the practice of 

 dealers in furniture who keep their wares on the side- walk; and, 

 as a great majority will be against>them, they will reform, for the 

 sake of respectability. If a few brave public opinion, their votes 

 will be of little consequence, and they will be dealt with accord- 

 ing to law. 



The result of these items of reform will be, a street 16 feet 

 wider, unencumbered with boxes, standing carts, bureaus and 

 apple-benches, with vehicles carrying 2^ times the present loads, 

 and running at double the present average speed, even if not 

 allowed to increase the maximum speed; a fifth of the number of 

 passenger vehicles, a third of the number of goods vehicles, and 

 no unlawful obstructions. The street would then accommodate 



