The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-25
THE NICHOLSON PAVEMENT.

we are glad to learn that our opinions, which
nave been frequently expressed in respect of the
Nlcolson pavement, are confirmed by facts
Numerous reports have been circulated about
This valuable improvement on roadwsys, to the
end that 1t was giving away; that the citizens of
New York were refusing to have streets paved.
We now learn from eye.witnesses, that the Nicol.
son pavement is universally adopted and recon-
mended as the best pavement in use. In New
York they are reaying all Of the avenues with
this pavement, and will have no other.
hThe reports that other wooden pavements had
been introduced, are true only so far as this that
q large ring was formed against the Nicolson for
the purpose of laying the old octagonal wooden
blocks, which were SO unsuccessful in this city
years ago but the people of New York opposed
the movement, and caused the whole arrangement
TO be enjOined perpetualy. And now there is no
other pavement that is advocated in any Of the
Western and Northern cities.
The experience which we have had in our own
city with this pavement, gives Us sufficient evil
dence under our own eyes Of its vast Importance
TO u.s.
Take a ride over the CsrrolIton railroad and
note the difference between the condition of
st. Charles street in this city and its continuation
in Jefferson City.
We have already discussed Its superior merits
over the stone pavement and our people have
fully determined that it is superior in every re-
spect save that Of durability. In this respect we
have to say that any practical man who will OK.
anime this pavement will assert that there is no
possibility of decay, and We can determine for
ourselves the average wear and tare per year. We
have had it in our city, now, nearly two years,
and when the blocks are measured we find that
there has been no wear. In the major portion of
it the tar has not been worn off.
In Jefferson City the bridges were put down by
the city, and since the pavement was laid the
bitches under the bridges have been deepened,
hence as the support for the pavement which
rested upon the bridges was removed, that por-
ton has slightly given way. This is not the fault
of the pavement.
The grand feature of this pavement is its ssni.
tary qualities. These srelbeyond all question, aud
have been fully and satisfactorily tested. The
foundation plank and the ends Of the blocks rest
In bed of paving cement. This paving cement
contains the heavy or dead oils of coal tar, l. e.
carbolic acid, creCsote and picnic acid, etc.,
which are the best disinfectants that are known.
Carbolic acid preserves vegetable matter from
decay, by coadulstng the albumen thus render
ing il insoluble in water and frees it from the in
f1uences Of the oxygen of the atmosphere. Albu-
men is the only element of decay in wood or any
vegetable matter, and when it is oosgulsted the
result is resin.
If our people are alive to the interests of the
city, they will endeavor to have this valuable i'm
provement introduced into every street.
Is there q housekeeper on st. Charles street
who does not wish to have this noiseless and
health giving pavement laid especially when the
dust is raised and swept into every opening Of the
honse