Under the most favourable circumstances for the constant and vigilant control of a master, whose public credit depends on the economical and skilful performance of the work, it is difficult to keep sub-surveyors in the strict line of their duty; but it may be easily conceived how much the public must suffer from accepting the services of men rejected for gross misconduct, and placing them in situations of confidence, altogether freed from the only control capable of being exerted with effect. This error, although of recent date, has already been attended with very disastrous consequences in several places. A practical experience of Six Years, has served to confirm the opinion of the Author, that the control of Commissioners over surveyors is altogether ineffectual; whether for direction in their active duties, or for protecting the funds of Trusts from waste and peculation. The unceasing control, and minute inspection of a person whom the surveyors know to be as much their superior in skill and general information, as in station in society, and in the confidence of the Commissioners, is absolutely necessary for the protection of the Roads. Where such control is duly exercised, good management with economy will be the result; and wherever a mistaken notion of economy shall continue to prevent the application of such wholesome and necessary control, the roads will be imperfectly repaired, and the funds dissipated. It appears from the returns made to Parliament, that the sum annually raised for the use of the Roads exceeds the neat revenue of the Post Office; yet is this very large sum expended through the hands of persons of the lowest rank in society, under an appearance of control; which equally deceives the public and deludes the expectation of those who conduct the general business of the Roads. Commissioners can only act with effect, as a deliberative body; and their most beneficial resolutions are rendered valueless, through want of a steady executive power. Any attempt on the part of _individual_ Commissioners to exercise this power is a still more dangerous course. The designs of the majority may thus be impeded, or thwarted by the subsequent interference of a single person.