The great objection to asphalte as a material for roadways arises from the fact that it is extremely slippery when damp,[94] irrespective of temperature, and this in the climate of England is frequently the case. The result of this slipperiness is, that not only do horses frequently fall upon it, but it is also difficult to stop a horse when drawing a load, thus causing more risk to foot-passengers of being run over, and straining the horse considerably in its efforts. Again, in thoroughfares crowded with vehicular traffic, constant stoppages occur, and in starting again it is painful to witness the struggles of the horses to keep their footing and overcome the inertia of their load. When a horse falls he has very great difficulty in rising, but on the other hand, although he may be strained, a horse never breaks his knees upon this class of pavement. How far this might be altered if _all_ the streets of a town were paved with asphalte, is a fair matter for argument, as it is asserted that horses are very nervous on going from one pavement to another, and accidents frequently happen in consequence. The strewing of sand upon asphalte renders it less slippery, but in addition to the interference of the traffic whilst this is being done, there are the further objections, of the possible injury of the sand cutting into the asphalte, the expense of labour and materials, and the mud caused thereby which has afterwards to be removed. Another plan is to frequently wash the asphalte with water, but this is expensive and only of temporary benefit. Another objection to asphaltic roadways is that they cannot with safety be constructed of greater gradient than 1 in 60, and it must also be borne in mind that fine weather is necessary both for the construction and repairs of a roadway of this description. Very little smell, and that not of an unpleasant character, arises from the work when compressed asphalte is being used, the mastic is however temporarily unpleasant to those who dislike the odour. With reference to the question of the cost of compressed asphalte for roadways: it is of course a matter depending upon local circumstances as to the first cost, but it must be remembered that the compressed asphalte hitherto laid has been nearly all that of the Val de Travers Company, who charge a fixed price per square yard for laying according to thickness required, the distance of the locality from London, and other local circumstances. With reference to maintenance, this is a question dependent mainly upon traffic, but here again the company will undertake to keep in repair at so much per square yard per annum for a certain number of years. It would, however, perhaps be a better plan not to enter into such an agreement, but to arrange for repairs under a schedule of prices, but this must greatly depend upon the character of the work in the first place, and other local considerations.