PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



four inches of rather small road-metal, blinded with 

 two inches of fine gravel. If gravel cannot be had, 

 five inches of road-metal will be necessary, and two 

 inches at the top must be broken fine. In certain dis- 

 tricts there is abundance .of what is called rotten rocJc, 

 or beds of rock partially decomposed by the action of 

 the atmosphere, which supply an excellent blinding 

 material. The road should be rounded by being raised 

 in the center two or three inches above the sides. In 

 damp situations, small drains should be formed along 

 each side and below the roadway. Where the road- 

 way has a hard bottom, that is, when it is cut through 

 rock or firm gravel, the packed stones may be omitted. 

 It is good economy to make a thorough road over the 

 whole breadth at once, as carriages do not always keep 

 the center, and are sure to break down that part which 

 is insufficiently constructed. The secondary and other 

 service-roads in the park should also be well made, 

 though they do not require to be so finely finished as 

 the approach. It may be laid down as an axiom, that 

 well-made roads are most easily kept in order, and 

 least expensive in their after management. Where cut- 

 tings and embankments are required on approaches, 

 several feet of level space should intervene between the 

 road and the bottom of the slope down to it, or between 

 the road and the upper edge of embankment which 

 supports it. In both cases the newly-formed slopes 

 should be rounded so as to unite as far as possible with 

 the natural curves of the ground. 



Note. — This road-making is an expensive business 

 in America, and where it is of considerable extent 

 within a park, may cost more than the house itself. 

 By the aid of thorough under-draining — and under- 



