Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/19

 The practical utility of some parts of the system is so obvious, that they have been acted upon in various places, without any desire of further improvement. It is uncommon now, to meet with roads repaired with large stones, or of the dangerous convex form, which was the universal custom about five years ago; but these improvements being merely grafted on the old erroneous method, have never been attended with the rapid diminution of expense, and the durable advantages which immediately result from the adoption of the entire system as recommended by me.

Those who continue to use any part of the old method of road-making, are not, perhaps, aware of the principles upon which they are acting. I have formerly remarked, that the old roads of the country were generally carried along the tops of hills in search of dry or strong ground; and it is plain that the first turnpike roads were merely attempts to open more direct communications through the country, in continuing, by mechanical means, the rocky paths, to which travellers were obliged to resort.