Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-07-18

The care of our highways is n matter o.
the greatest Importance, and one not
generally we'll done. A highway surveyor
should be man of good judgment and
fitted for Lis place, and when proved so,
should be kept there in accordance with
the rules of civil service"
Some surveyors have a breaking out Of
" water bars and seem to look on a
highway simply as a place to put water
bars, and such parties would make road
on which funeral procession would have
to slack up to go in safety, and then COM
fort would he out OF the question. Other
surveyors get the idea firmly fixed in
their heads that the one thing necessary
for good road is, that it should be well
"turnpiked,' rounded up, and make q
road MS sharp as some of Mullett's roofs,
though more permanent. and two teams
meeting on such road find passing very
critical part of the game.
But these matters of bars and turnpik-
ing afford scope for engineering ability,
and so are fit objects of the surveyors at
tention; but loose stones in the road, why,
anybody could take those out, SO they, of
course are of little account and are very
often left in.
We clip from the CutiUator, an article
by Mr.. D. 7. Averill of Northfcld dealing
with this part of the question:
1t would be difficult to find provision
ofthe statute that is treated, in many parts
of Vermont (however it may be in other
places). with such utter disregard rs that
which makes it the duty of those having
our roads in charge to see that the loose
stones are kept cleared therefrom This
should not be so, for cobble-sto all
who travel very well know and realize to
their great discomfort are u perfect
nuisance.
This neglect of duty is wholly nexcusa-
Bile, from the fact that these impediments
to safe and pleasant travel can be remOv-
ed with the greatest ease in the world
Invalds, or children even, can remove
them, and thereby confer blessing on
those around them. The stones in Ques-
ton are the cause of many accidents-how
many it would be difficult to determine.
Many noble horse, from stepping on Il
rolling stone. has fallen, and risen from |
his fall MANNED for life; large bills for
repairs to carriages have been created in
this way.
Damages to horses and carriages are, Of
course, of minor Importance in compari |
son with injuries to men, women and
children, in connection with wrecks upon |
the road, caused, in very many cases, by
these same loose stones. about which we
are finding fault, and which would be en-
tirely ont Of the way but for shameful |
neglect Of duty. May surveyors of high
ways. and others, see to it that this evil,
so easily removed, shall bring reproach
no longer.
Another lack in the care of the highway
is the leaving Of repaired parts is so
rough condition. Dirt is ploughed and
on, sods stick up, few roots or
stones help to ill up, and all is left pretty
much rs the scraper leaves it, for it will
wear down, and so for weeks and months
that part Of the road does not serve the
purpose for which highways are made,
viz: the safe and comfortable passing over
it. 1t may be safe, but it is not comforta-
BILE. But it is neither difficult nor costly
to have the small stones taken out.