(4.) They constantly require mending, but never seem quite sound.
(5.) They are frequently encumbered by men and carts engaged in either repairs, cleansing, or watering.
(6.) They are very expensive to maintain and cleanse.
(7.) They are bad for a horse to fall upon, as such falls generally damage the knees.
The following notes upon the maintenance of macadamised roadways may here be of service:—
(1.) Roads should be inspected in wet weather, as hollows and other imperfections are then easily detected; a hollow place extends very rapidly if neglected.
(2.) All ruts should be filled in at once. If there are three parallel, the centre rut should be first filled in; the traffic is thus slightly diverted, as a horse will avoid new metal.
(3.) Ruts should not be allowed to form; the surface of the road ought never to lose its regular section.
(4.) A road should be thoroughly repaired directly it shows the least sign of being fairly worn all over.
(5.) The right season of the year for repairs is the autumn, although where a steam roller can be used almost any time will do. If the surface of the road is very hard it should be “lifted”[24] previous to repairs.