The known position of native residences, and the assurance of the existence of some line of connection between them on the most natural and easy grade, will be found usually to AND MONOGRAPHS 24. INDIAN PATHS combine in indicating the necessary course of some old-established highroad. It was reasonable and natural for the settlers, as the permanency of their occupancy became established, to open up the trail by which they had made their way to a certain district, and thus to utilize the work of the native in providing an easy route for the widened roadway which was suited to their needs.

It is not only assumable, but fairly certain, that the early settlers gradually widened out the trodden path so that companions could travel together, side by side, and that their next act would naturally be to extend the width of the passage to permit of the use of a sled or a wagon. Thus, with a little grading of the highest parts and a corduroy or plank support over wet and boggy places, the foundation was laid for the farm lane.