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A TREATISE ON ROADS.

“ The roads of France were divided at this timeinto four classes, according to their importance,and the breadth that is given to them. The firstclass comprised the great roads which traverse thewhole of France , from Paris to the principal citiesand the ports ; the second class, the roads betweenthe provinces and principal cities ; the third class,the roads between the principal towns in the sameprovince and the neighbouring provinces ; and thefourth class, the roads between small towns andvillages.

“ By an order of council of the 6th of February,1776, the breadth of the first class was fixed atforty-two feet (French ) between the fences; ofthe second at thirty-six feet; of the third at thirtyfeet; and of the fourth at twenty-four feet.

“ The roads have since been divided into threeclasses, not according to their breadth, but theirdirection.” *

All the principal roads of France are under themanagement of Government. The department ofthe Ponts et Chauss6es has the care of them. Inthe year 1836, the sum of £896,000 was grantedby the chambers for maintaining them.

Notwithstanding, however, the attention whichhas been paid to the roads in France , their actualstate as to number, extent, and condition, shows thatthe system of management is extremely imperfect.

With the exception of those parts of the mainroads leading from Paris which are paved, they are

* Peuchet, p. 458.