228 HOW TO PLAN THE HOME GROUNDS 



that dislikes such things which has induced many persons 

 to advocate, with success, the park cemetery, where 

 every effort is made to do away with huge or ornate 

 tombstones, and particularly the so-called ornamental 

 fences that are always objectionable, and, if possible, to 

 induce lot-owners to build their graves level with the 

 ground, keeping plain tombstones, like those of the colo- 

 nial period, for record. 



There is a gratifying improvement in this respect in 

 most of the cemeteries of the country, and a particularly 

 gratifying development of the park idea, whereby large 

 areas of land are set aside for greensward, trees, and 

 shrubs, which can be chosen with due respect to the 

 sober character that should mark all parts of the ceme- 

 tery. The joyous element of children romping and play- 

 ing their games should naturally be banished ; but how 

 pleasant and grateful, in a quiet, comforting way, these 

 park-like spaces can be made, many can testify after 

 much walking on sad errands. Indeed, our cemeteries 

 are becoming, in much the same way as our parks and 

 home grounds, places of resort where soul and body will 

 be rested and refreshed. 



