roads, and the expense of their subsequent repairs, sufficiently account for the tardy progress of road-making. From conviction of the very insufficient and expensive nature of the method in use, I was led to consider of the possibility of constructing lines of communication, capable of conveying the heaviest weights over every kind of soil, and at all seasons, upon principles purely scientific: a plan, which even in theory differs as widely from the inartificial methods of road-making hitherto practised, as the principle by which an arch is thrown over a river, differs from the heap of stones which constitutes the ford. The actual experience of seven years, the great extent of road which has been entirely constructed according to my direction, and the unquestionable testimony of the Committees of the House of Commons appointed to enquire into this matter, have now placed the efficiency of the discovery beyond a doubt. It remains with the country to consider of the most wise and effectual mode of securing the benefit of the system. Whoever has attentively considered the weakness and inadequacy of the present road laws, to protect the great interest at stake, must be aware of the urgent necessity for some new legislative measures, more adapted to the present state of the country. The roads are, perhaps, the most important branch of our domestic economy. The revenue collected for their support equals that of the Post-office; and any failure in executing the work, operates as a severe check upon our commerce, manufactures, and agriculture. Yet a public service of such vital importance, continues to be regulated solely by the narrow policy and limited views of the first Turnpike Act, (which were, in fact, mere experiments in legislation,) while this immense revenue is abandoned to the discretion or the cupidity of the lower orders of society. The benefit which I have aspired to render the country, is of a twofold nature; and my labours have been as constantly directed towards the introduction of a wise and well-regulated system of management for the roads, as towards their mechanical construction. I have always expressed a conviction, that no permanent improvement could take place in road affairs, without the interference of the legislature; nor has the success attending the efforts of my family, in various places, in any way tended to weaken that opinion. The advantages of the new method of making roads are so apparent, they have not failed of attracting attention; but I have not been equally fortunate in inducing the gentlemen of the country to observe the _means_ by which _economy_ and improvement have been combined.