- proving turnpike roads. From what I have noticed of his improvement
on different parts of the Bath road, on which I am at present working different coaches a distance of above 500 miles
per day, I think his plan altogether, i. e. first of screening and cleansing the gravel, and breaking the stones; secondly, of preparing the road to receive it; and thirdly, of laying it on the road, is the best and safest method I have ever seen in the course of fifty years experience in the coach and waggon business. I have formerly had several accidents happen from the gravel being laid too thick and very high in the middle of the road; and have killed some hundreds of horses (extra) in pulling through it; and I think I may venture to say, that if Mr. M'Adam's plan was adopted generally throughout the kingdom, in the course of a short time the public would be enabled to travel with much greater ease and safety, and at nearly one-third less of expense; at all events I am convinced that nearly one-third less labour is required to work a fast coach over part of the road between Reading and London, where M'Adam's plan has been adopted, than there is over other parts of the road where they still continue the old plan In short, my opinion may be given in a few words; his plan, if adopted generally, will cause the traveller to find easier, safer, and more expeditious travelling, and the owners of horses a diminution of nearly one-third of the original labour.
I am, Gentlemen, with respect, Your most obedient servant, Edward Fromont.
Jovis, 4º die Martii, 1819.
John Loudon M'Adam, Esq. called in; and Examined.
I believe, Mr. M'Adam, you reside at Bristol?—Yes, I do.
