Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-03-01
WIN. II. MCFARLAND, Chm.

Plank Roads, Within the pastyear several experiments
test the utility If the plank road have been made in
rious parts of the c,unry and The result has been
thoroughly satisfactory that this species Of road grew
ing into universal favor general plank road aw has
been passed by the legislature of Ptnnsy vana and
eral bills before that body Incorporate plank
read companies IN various sections Of the State In New
York and Ohio several plank roads have been constructed
and others are in progress In Indiana illinois ami Iowa
there is also general movement in favor OF roads
We have before expressed our favorable opinion Of the
plank rad aud of lis peculiar adoption the Southern
States, where the best Of timber for Their construction
abounds, and where the face f the country would require
50 little expensive grading. For Purp'ss of travel, and
Of heavy transportation, The plank road is certainly
the best substitute for the rail road, and when it is con-
sdered that they be constructed average Of less
the one-teth the Of the latter there DO other ar
gunent needed TO recommend them to the favorable con-
sdeation of the public. Wherever the drmsstc trade
and travel have authorised the construction " plank
roads, they have been found be both popular and pro-
fiable the directors Of The Monroe, lille road in Seneca
county, Ohio state the income Of rnad durig The
month of December last, 10 be ne; S. Sl7 26
of collection and repairs. The road ten miles in
lengh and cost to Construct ii only SG650; thus YIELD
Ing leturn Of - per per annum. Anohe road
the Milan and Rchnond, ten miles in length and
ing $1,000 promises to yield 2S per pr annu,.
he ayeTage cost per mile Of plank road in Ohio
bout SSJO, thou. IN districts where expensive gra
ding bridging required, 81 400 axe outside figures.
Through the pine LANDS OF the South. the best plank
roads could be constructed at much less expense per
mile.
An article in the transactions of the New York Agri-
cultural Soce'y contains The following data in reference
to the cost and construction Of plank roads:
The roadsare constructed with either single 4
double track. The single track eighI feet wide wi h
plank and as much more without il, upoa which wag
may turn out. The whole (sxleen feet is graded at
the rate of about 600 feet the mile ur o.e foot in
twelve The road being first covered with clay spread
evenly over II sllls laid down the SIDES aud The
ends Of the panks are made to rest upon these, and
the same time also upon the clay the Intervening
he ends of the planks pilned fasleae any
way whatever care only being taken that they shall not
lie IN straight line upon the ss but irreoularly. as
hglve better hold 10 way coming from the clay on
the plank roads There also good ditch at each side
OF the road so to drain we'll The sills are four
inches square, which, being two for mile would make
Ia OSO fl. broad measurelhe planks are three inches
Thick which would make 100 72O feet broad measure for
mile. Three inch oak plank is decidedly the best
teal, but hemlucl and white pine used when yak
cannot be had. Oak is, however, worth fifty per
than pine, for this purpose.
Bait. .4.at rican.