Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/210

 given, of plans and of books of reference being lodged with the clerk of the peace, and of the names of the persons assenting to, dissenting from, or being neuter in respect of any proposed new road, the solicitor need not remain in town more than three days, and the expenses, except in cases of opposition, need not exceed 200l.

Would you, as a parliamentary agent, undertake to prepare and conduct an ordinary road bill through parliament for 200l., to include all expenses, where there is no opposition?—I would undertake any number at that sum, provided the proofs before mentioned were admitted to be made by affidavit in the county, in like manner as the proofs are now given to facilitate the passing of inclosure bills. Jovis, 6º die Maii, 1819.

Thomas Telford, Esquire, called in; and Examined.

You are, I believe, a civil engineer?

Yes, I am

The roads which have been formed by direction of the Parliamentary Commissioners for the Holyhead road, and under your management, having been described to this Committee as being very perfect, will you have the goodness to state your opinion as to the present condition of the different turnpike roads of the kingdom, and what improvements you would recommend in their direction and management. In the first place, state to the Committee in what respect you consider the roads of the kingdom at present to be defective, either in their formation or management?—

With regard to the roads in England and Wales, they are in general very defective, both as to their direction and inclinations, they are frequently carried over hills, which