En Samling Afhandlinger Om Veje 1876-1881

 OUR ROADWAYS. 25 any other superstructure which it might have been decided to adopt. This foundation once laid, the renewal of the blocks when worn out is a matter of comparatively small expense and requiring but little time, a point of no small importance in crowded thoroughfares. A portion of wood pavement laid down more than two years since by the Asphaltic Wood Pavement Company has been recently taken up, when the foundation was found to be as dry as when first laid, and the wear of the blocks had been very satisfactory, indeed, less than had been esti- mated by the contractor. Wood Surface. Much difference of opinion exists as to the quality of timber best adapted for street pavements. Some are in favour of “ soft wood” of the pine family, others of hard wood, such as oak, elm, ash, beech, &c. Experience justifies a strong preference for the soft wood, which, when properly selected, with a close fibre, is the most suitable for paving purposes. Hard woods are liable to become glossy, and, there- fore, nearly as dangerous as asphalte, as has been referred to by many engineers in their reports, and they are totally unsuitable for gradients. Spruce and white deals are unfit for paving purposes. Joints. Wood paving should have a joint of at least half-an- inch between the transverse courses, so as to afford