53 



three inches to be added, then rolled, until a firm, smooth sur- 

 face, is formed. 



Where it is necessary to raise the roadway above the natu- 

 ral level of the ground, a firm embankment should be formed 

 to within two feet of the established grade, upon which the road- 

 bed should be formed of dry subsoil. 



In all side cuttings, a proper slope of earth should be given 

 to the exterior side of the road, 



ESTIMATED COST OF IMPROVEMENTS. 



Among the arguments used in opposition to an extensive 

 civic improvement of this character, are : The large original 

 cost of the ground, the cost of putting it into a suitable condi- 

 tion for use, and the cost of maintaining it after it is laid out. 

 And it is contended by some, that the total outlay under these 

 three heads is not warranted by any results which may be at- 

 tained. 



Experience in England, France, and this country, thus far, 

 has proved that the increased value of the adjacent lands has 

 more than balanced the outlay by the increased amount derived 

 from regular taxation upon the property. 



And in regard to the cost of improvement, it is a mistaken 

 idea — unhappily become too prevalent — that embellishment of 

 ground in the hands of public officers is necessarily a very ex- 

 pensive matter ; while, on the contrary, if the rules -laid down 

 in this report be followed — that of adhering closely to nature in 

 every step of improvement — there is no reason why this public 

 work cannot be completed at the same rate of expenditure 

 which would govern a private citizen in improving his own prop- 

 erty — due allowance, of course, being made for the thorough- 

 ness and stability of the work. 



In regard to the preservation of the grounds after comple- 

 tion, a comparatively small sum will be sufficient, if judiciously 

 expended. 



The following estimates of the cost of the entire improve- 

 ment is submitted as a maximum sum, which in various ways 



