302 LAWS OF MARYLAND.

writing to the State Roads Commission of any defect or want
of repair in such highway or highways. Where in any county
the County Commissioners shall enter into an agreement with
the State Roads Commission to maintain in good condition the
dirt roads improved as such and as hereinafter provided, and
over which the State roads are to be constructed as indicated,
then it shall be the duty of the said Commission, at the earliest
practicable time, to provide for the grading, draining and
shaping of all the dirt roads, or as much as possible of the same,
in such county over which the State roads are to be built, for
the convenience of the public and to compact the roadbed, leav-
ing the macadam construction to be thereafter made as the
same may conveniently progress; that in its specifications for
road work it shall be the duty of the said Commission, as far
as practicable, to establish a unit or units of measure by weight,
or its equivalent by volume, for stone, gravel, shells, or im-
proved materials used in construction of State roads, to be ap-
plied in advance of the material being placed in position, and
records shall be kept of the weight of such materials and where
used, and of all freights paid for transfer of the same, and
which items shall be published annually; and the said Com-
mission may contract with the Commissioners of any county
to grade as aforesaid and to maintain and repair, and to more
fully construct the State roads within the borders of such coun-
ty on the following general terms; the State Roads Commission
to specify:

1. The width of the macadam, shell, gravel, or other ma-
terial for improved surface to be used.

2. The tons of macadam, stone, gravel, or other material per
mile to be used, and local material to be used whenever
available.

3. The maximum grades.

4. The general type and size of cross-drains, culverts and
bridges.

5. And that such construction shall be done in such a man-
ner that the said roads will be, with reasonable repairs thereto,
at all seasons of the year, firm, smooth and convenient for
travel.

For all such construction to be carried out by contract or
otherwise as the County Commissioners may determine with
the approval of the State Roads Commission, the county shall
furnish an original estimate of cost, which shall not be ex-
ceeded, save by the consent of the State Roads Commission.

The money necessary for the construction shall be paid to
the county by monthly estimate as the work progresses, on such
reasonable terms as the State Roads Commission may direct,