As in the case of roadways, so with footpaths: the foundation is of primary importance, whatever material may be used for the surface. Where this material may be classed under the head of “Paving,” concrete[101] makes the best foundation. For gravel, tar paving, or other similar surface, a hard core bottom well drained is sufficient. The materials of which a footpath can be formed are almost innumerable, but the following may be given as embodying most of them:
(1.) Natural asphalte, compressed and mastic.
(2.) Yorkshire flagging—Caithness flagging.
(3.) Blue lias, and Devonian limestone flagging.
(4.) Concrete.
(5.) Bricks.
(6.) Granite slabs.
(7.) Artificial asphaltes, including tar pavement.
(8.) Gravel.
First on the list stands natural asphalte, compressed and mastic.