77 



Where it is necessary to raise the roadway above the 

 natural 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 sub- 

 soil. 



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

 given to the exterior side of the road. 



(ffisiimtrir Cast ai gmprofoeiMts. 



Among the arguments used in opposition to an exten- 

 sive civic improvement of this character, are : The large 

 original cost of the ground, the cost of putting it into a 

 suitable condition 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 attained. 



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 mis- 

 taken idea — unhappily become too prevalent — that em- 

 bellishment of ground in the hands of public officers is 

 necessarily a very expensive matter ; while, on the con- 

 trary, if the rules laid down in this report be followed — 

 that of adhering closely to nature in every step of im- 

 provement — there is no reason why this public work can- 

 not be completed at the same rate of expenditure, which 

 would govern a private citizen in improving his own 



