Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/450

 436 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

straight lines of main streets and cross streets. The laying out and arrangement of streets is a highly developed science in Germany. The Ringstrasse, found in many a German city, usually occupies the site of the old town wall. It is usually boulevarded not merely well paved, for all streets have that characteristic, but lined with trees, embellished with flower beds, an occasional fountain, and not to be so highly recommended many a statue of warrior or nobleman. It makes a pleasant driveway, connecting the various sides of the city without the necessity of going through the busy center, and adds an important element to park and boulevard systems.

Thus much is being accomplished in the German cities. No city streets are left unpaved.and whenever pavements are renewed it is always to change for the better. We in America have the opportunity of building for the future and profiting by the experi- ence of the German cities.

Paving. In great thoroughfares, where traffic is heavy, stone- block pavements are usually found. In residence districts macad- amized streets are still the rule. The latter are cheap, easily repaired, and almost noiseless. They have the disadvantage, however, of becoming dusty in dry weather and muddy in wet weather. Attempts are now being made, as in America, to dis- cover some treatment which would remove this difficulty. The experiment of sprinkling with oily substances was made, and exposition visitors were able to watch the process. One cannot say that the experiment has as yet proved a complete success. No cobblestone pavements were exhibited, even as relics ! Asphalt and wood blocks are replacing other pavements when- ever possible. Quiet and cleanliness are sought after as much as is durability, even for chief thoroughfares. Whether asphalt or wood be used, a deep foundation of concrete always precedes. Instead of the ordinary asphalt paving, many cities are laying on concrete foundation asphalt blocks, made under high pres- sure. They are quiet and elastic like asphalt, and have the added advantage of allowing repair of the pavement more readily than does the ordinary asphalted street. For wood pavements, carefully selected hardwood often imported Australian tallow