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Outdoor Problems of the Householder: Creosoted

Creosoted Wood Pavement. - Creosoted wood blocks are in many respects the most satisfactory material for walks and drives. They are far superior to planking. While somewhat more expensive than brick or concrete, they cost less than a good grade of asphalt and under ordinary conditions about the home are practically indestructible. The cost in quantities is from $2.50 to $3.00 per superficial square yard laid. Wood blocks may be sawed from any wellseasoned lumber of the kinds above mentioned and treated with creosote by the open tank process. But the commercial product treated by the vacuum pressure method is to be preferred. a To lay wood block pavement first prepare foundation of concrete four to six inches in thickness depending upon the amount of wear to which it will be subjected. Bring the surface to a true level, cover Method of cutting planks from logs. (C. L. Hill.) with a thin layer of Portland cement mortar, mixed slightly, damp and lay the blocks in the damp cement with pains to keep the surface true and even. Or let the cement harden and cover with a layer of tar in OUTDOOR PROBLEMS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER 295 which set the blocks. Or lay over them a cushion of sand. But do not use sand on hillsides or other steep grades where it may be washed out and derange the pavement. The blocks must be sawed to uniform height. The illustration shows the method of cutting the planks from logs.

Cover the pavement when laid with a layer of fine sand to fill the interstices. Or cover with coal-tar pitch heated to about 300° F. to insure perfect fluidity and scatter over this a top dressing of screened sharp sand or finely crushed stone about one-half inch in thickness. Should the pitch become soft in hot weather cover with a light dressing of sand.

GOOD ROADS A nation-wide movement is on foot for improved roads throughout the United States. This has been brought about in part by the rapid extension of the use of the automobile among farmers and other rural residents. But it is also due to a better understanding both of the economic value of good roads and the principles of true economy in road making. The decreased cost of hauling resulting from better roads is not only a direct saving of time and money to farmers and rural merchants. It also increases farm values. Other advantages are the increase of tourist travel, improvement of schools by combining district schools in one central graded system, improvement of the rural delivery service and general social betterment.

The chief improvements required are the betterment of the road surface, reduction of grades, and shortening the length of roads by changing their location. The results sought are increased speed in hauling and ability to carry increased loads, or both. The average load which a horse can draw on a muddy earth road varies from nothing up to 800 pounds; on a smooth dry earth road, from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds; on a gravel road in bad condition, from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds or, if in good condition, about 3,300; on a macadam road, from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds; and on a brick road, from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds. The effect of a good macadam road is therefore to increase the capacity of every horse from three to five times. The actual monetary loss in the United States from bad roads if computed in dollars and cents would stagger the imagination. Several states have adopted the policy of building high grade macadam roads under state supervision in localities where counties or other local civil divisions agree to share the cost. All such movements should have the co-operation of every good citizen. But since the cost of first class macadam roads is prohibitive in many localities from lack of available material and many other reasons, a knowledge of cheaper methods of road making is of universal importance.