98 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



those lots were graded, the work was usually let out by the indi- 

 vidual purchaser to the man who would do it cheapest ; while now 

 every lot, in any well conducted cemetery, is thoroughly prepared 

 before it is sold. 



I have in my mind an owner of a large well laid out lot, who is 

 willing to pay any reasonable bill for the care of it. On that lot 

 there is not over four inches of good soil. He is willing to top-dress 

 it — but I have not persuasive power enough to get his consent to 

 make thorough work, by taking out the gravel and replacing with 

 good loam and manure, and then seeding down anew. Top dressing 

 is good, but food for the deep roots is better ; a dry spell will soon 

 convince a close observer of this fact. By all means let us have 

 good grassing. 



As long as time lasts, I suppose marble and granite will be used 

 for decorative, as well as for memorial purposes. We scarcely ever 

 think how little the original intention of the projectors of Mount 

 Auburn was conformed to, during the many years when fences and 

 granite curbings were permitted to surround the lots, giving it more 

 the appearance of a marble and granite yard than anything else ; 

 especially when viewed from a dist-ance. It is not until within a few 

 years, comparatively speaking, that the landscape lawn plan has 

 been carried out there. It certainly is a delightful spot ; but only 

 imao^ine how much more charming a place it would be, were the 

 whole of these naturally beautiful grounds brought into accordance 

 Nwith the intentions of its founders. 



Happily many of the old unsightly hedges and fences are giviug 

 way, each year, to grassy slopes and rare trees and shrubs ; so that 

 in this modern style the views of the founders are becoming realized. 

 I make these remarks in friendly criticism and not in a captious 

 spirit. 



Not long ago a lady, who owned a small lot, said to me : "I want 

 some shrubs, or plants, or both, on my lot; what do you advise?" 

 • — In the centre was set a weeping Kilmarnock willow (which can 

 be easily removed if a monument is erected), and on each front 

 corner a plant of Titcca aloifolia; with a spiraea and a hydrangea 

 placed near the back corners, in the space in the rear of the lot. 

 Properly cared for, this simple arrangement will look well for years 

 to come. 



I do not advise flower beds on lots, although many wish for them, 

 but I do think a good-sized vase, well filled, and placed in the 



