Dexter

I he Argus, of March 27, has an article on roads in the oíd countries which is very commendable, but before we can reasonably expect such roads in this country, the most of the present generation will have passed away. All the roads in the old country are made by the county and let by contract, in sections or miles, more or less, and overseen by a county inspector. Roads in the old country can be made and kept in repair far cheaper than in this country, for labor and material are cheaper in England. After the road beds are properly graded and ed, crushed stone and gravel are laid on from one to three feet in depth as may be required, then packed down with a 'heavy iron roller. The cost of constructing" such a road per mile is about $480, and the keeping of such roads in repair per mile is about $80 yearly, and overseen by the county inspector of roads. Under the present system of making roads in this country, we will never have good roads until the state or county makes them and are let by contract in sections or miles. Many farmers living along the line of highways have an abundance of stone and gravel on their farms, and could easily construct a mile or more of road. I would be in favor of doing away with highway commissioners and pathmasters as at present, and the roads made and overseen by a county inspector. Of course, to construct and make roads as they are in the old country, would cost considerable. I would estímate the average cost of making roads here with the same material as in the old country, $1,200 per mile, but roads could be constructed and kept in passable condition by putting on a certain amount of gravel each year, commencing with the worst sections first. If this course were continued, our roads would soon be goöd and passable.