Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-12-08
For the Massachusetts, Spy.l
ON NEW ROADs.-No /.

For the JuGSSGcRpSetlS Opy.
ON NEW ROADS.-No /.
The puJkc convenience and necessity of a
correct Map of the County of Worcester,
seems to be admitted by all who have been
conversant with the recent proceedings of our
Court Of Sessions.
1t is well known fact to the whole County,
THAT the applications for new highways and
for alterations in the old roads, have wonder
fully increased within few years. From the
rapid advances in the state Of Society this
might be expected. In the early settlement
Of this district there appears to have been no
great and extensive arrangements for flour
ishing towns, or for permanent pass ways to
other sections of the County. The planters
set themselves down fortuitotisly. generally
upon the elevated lands, and the first roads
Were such as their immediate necessities lie
tated. Hence upon inquiry we find that al
most every road was Nnciently laid over some
hill, and this fill generally not in the most
direct course to connect two central points, to
which the settler might wish TO travel The
wants of the people are constantly suggesting
improvements, and one would think, from
viewing our roads, that il was recent discov-
cry that the distance from one ear of the kettle
20 the other was no further to travel round
the rim, than it would be to take direct
course over the top of the bale. But this is
not now cOntrOveHed. This important principle
in the laying of roads, especially appears to
be settled, and the traveller is glad to find our
new roads aid around the hill, rather than
over it. The general face of the country also
affords another consideration. This County
is tract remarkably intersected with streams
of water. Such region generally presents
country, short remove from the riI err, brok-
en- into hills and rugged declivities. The
most level spots, and in fact the only courses
free from bills for any distance, are those up.
on the intervals and banks of our rivers
Hence we always find the riuer road, the fire.
est from bills and rocks, and in an advanced
state Of society accompanied with the high
est cultivation, and constantly interpreted
with busy Manufactures. This too appears
among us as recent discovery. Or the util-
ity of the application of these principles, no
one can doubt that has recently travelled the
new roads from Worcester to Leicester, from
Grafton to Uxbridge, and from Princeton to
Barre, not TO name many others, that speak
loudly in praise of those who had the perse-
Verance and the skill to contribute so largely
TO the general wealth ofthc community. We
are glad to find the spirit of Improvement is
not yet stayed, that it regards not the ctam-
ours Of those, from whom the law will draw
few dollars, 10 add as many hundreds to the
capital stock of the great whole. We are a.
ware that in seeking the public good, there are
many, too many, who are aiming to advance
their own individual advantage; but we be-
lieve discerning Court will be able ito dis
Criminate between these different lists of pc
titioners. While they avoid burhenins the
community with unnecessary expenses for
highways, we hope they will not shrink from
fhe duty imposed on them by law, Of apply
ing corrective when il is needed. Much has
been done, and much more is necessary. But
to enable Courts, Committees, and turies to
act Understandings upon this subject, we
certainly need some surveys, some correct
delineation of the County, other than those
made by interested individuals. We need
map upon large scale, presenting all the
County roads, town lines, rivers, and ponds
from actual survey, the general course of the
most noted ranges of hills, with the attitudes
of those that are most distinguished, the To-
calities of our public buildings, such as meet
lighthouses and schoolhouses, the distances
from one town to the next, and to the Court
p House. Such chart would not only be val
liable in the projection of roads, but it would
be an useful ornament to every bar-room,
store, contingencies and office: it would
tend TO settle many disputes about bounda-
ries; would facilitate the labours of the trav-
eller, and would prove great labOur sduing
machine. 1t is hoped the public attention
will be further called to this interesting sub
ject, and that some proposition will be made
for the ways and means Of accomplishing an
object so desirable. The members OF the Leg
islature especially are requested to look for
moment upon Greenleaf's Map of Maine, Car
rigan's Of New-Hampshire, Lays of New,
York, the new Maps of Vermont and Connec-
tcut. Let them compare these elegant Charts
with the wretched remnant of Carleton's Map
Of Massachusetts,, made from actual surrey,
under the direction Of the General Court, and
which, from the lapse of nearly thirty years,
now wants the names of some of our Counties
and many of our towns. Let them make this
comparison, and blush for their parsimcny.
G.