Mr. John Loudon M'Adam having for many years directed his attention, as a magistrate and a commissioner, to the improvement of roads, was induced to accept the situation of general surveyor of an extensive trust round the city of Bristol.
The admirable state of repair into which the roads under his direction were brought, attracted very general attention; and induced the commissioners of various districts to apply for his assistance or advice.
The general testimony borne to his complete success wherever he has been employed, and the proof that his improvements have been attended with an actual reduction of expense, while they have afforded the most useful employment to the poor, induce your Committee to attach a high degree of importance to that which he has already accomplished. The imitation of his plans is rendered easy by their simplicity, and by the candour with which he has explained them, though ability in the surveyor to judge of their application must be understood as an essential requisite.
Your Committee have dwelt on this improved system of making roads, as a preliminary consideration to any alteration of the laws, being persuaded that it is of essential importance to adapt
