Street Making.
In an article which Professor J. S. Newberry of Columbia College reprints in pamphlet form from The School of Mines Quarterly, some interesting notes upon the art of making streets are given. In two recent visits to Europe the Professor made special examinations of the pavements in the larger cities, and his observations are those of an expert.
Paris was formerly paved with cubical blocks of sandstone in the style commonly known as the Belgian. The primary reason for the substitution of asphalt was political ; the populace found the paving stones very handy for barricades. Wood pavement, stone and asphalt are all in general use in Paris now. The former is like the Nicholson block so popular a few years ago in many American cities, but it is more carefully selected and better laid in Paris. The main objections to it are that it becomes spongy w’ith use, wears away rapidly, holds water, and in a state of decay is insalubrious. Its good qualities are facility of construction, stillness, easy traction and a firm foothold to horses ; and in Paris and other European cities where it is well laid it stands next to asphalt in popular favor.
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