- moved, as far as concerns stone, flint, or any
ballast for road-making, London is so favorably situated for water-carriage by the river, and by the canals connected with it, that a supply, equal to the wants of all the roads in the vicinity of London, might be obtained at a reasonable rate, and of good quality, so as to render the use of the bad gravel round the metropolis no longer necessary.[1] But this measure, to be performed in an economical, and efficient manner, must be done upon an extended scale; it must become one interest, directed by one select body of men of weight, ability, and character.
A road near London may be made as smooth, solid, and easy for cattle to draw carriages over, as the road near Bristol; and the London road so made will last longer, and consequently be less expensive than the Bristol road, because the materials which may be obtained are more durable, and may be procured at less expence.
- ↑ This must not be understood as conveying an opinion, that a good road may not be constructed with the London gravel, properly prepared and applied. The road at Reading, in Berkshire, has lately been made perfectly smooth, solid, and level, with a gravel inferior to that of London, and at less than it formerly cost. Carriages make no impression on this road, and it has remained good in all changes of weather. Nevertheless, a means having been discovered, by diligent enquiry, for importing flints, from a distance, the Reading road will, in future, be repaired with flint, at half the expence required to prepare the gravel of the neighbourhood.
