rily an excavation is then made to the depth of
eight to ten inches, varying in width with the requirements of traffic.
For a farm or farming community the width need not be greater than ten
or twelve feet. A roadway which is too wide is not only useless, but the
extra width is a positive damage. Any width beyond that needed for the
traffic is not only a waste of money in constructing the road, but is
the cause of a never-ending expense in maintaining it. The surface of
the roadbed should preferably have a fall from the center to the sides
the same as that to be given the finished road, and should, if possible,
be thoroughly rolled and consolidated until perfectly smooth and firm.

A layer, not thicker than four inches, of good gravel, such as that
recommended above, should then be spread evenly over the prepared
roadbed. Such material is usually carried upon a road in wheelbarrows or
dump carts, and then spread in even layers with rakes, but the latest
and best device for this purpose is a spreading cart.

If a roller cannot be had, the road is thrown open to traffic until it
becomes fairly well consolidated; but it is impossible properly to
consolidate materials by the movement of vehicles over the road, and if
this means is pursued constant watchfulness is necessary to prevent
unequal wear and to keep the surface smooth and free from ruts. The work
may be hastened and facilitated by the use of a horse roller or light
steam roller; and of course far better results can be accomplished by
this means. If the gravel be too dry to consolidate easily it should be
kept moist by sprinkling. It should not, however, be made too wet, as
any earthy or clayey matter in the gravel is liable to be dissolved.

As soon as the first layer has been properly consolidated, a second,
third, and, if necessary, fourth layer, each three or four inches in
thickness, is spread on and treated in the same manner, until the road
is built up to the required thickness and cross section. The thickness
in most cases need not be greater than ten or twelve inches, and the
fall from the center to the sides ought not to be greater than one foot
in twenty feet, or less than one in twenty-five.

The last or surface layer should be rolled until the wheels of heavily
loaded vehicles passing over it make no visible impression. If the top
layer is deficient in binding material and will not properly
consolidate, a thin layer, not exceeding one inch in thicknes