H I S T O R I C A L S K E T C H . if 



The name of Mount Auburn Avas applied to the ground, and it having 

 been determined, on the third of August, to consecrate the Cemetery, by 

 appropriate ceremonies, on the twentyfourth day of September, 1831, the 

 Honorable Joseph Story was requested to deliver an Address on that 

 occasion. 



The site selected for the ceremonies was a deep circular dell, formed by 

 the united bases of four beautiful hills, in the centre of which was a small 

 pool, supplied by perennial springs, and from its margin the acclivities on 

 three sides formed a magnificent amphitheatre, sufficiently capacious to 

 accommodate six or seven thousand persons. The area, more than five 

 hundred feet in circuit, was covered with majestic trees an-d shrubs, under 

 which seven ranges of seats were formed for the accommodation of the 

 audience. Near the northern margin of the miniature lake, a rostrum was 

 formed, a {e\v feet above the surface of the water, for the orator, clergy 

 and officers of the Horticultural Society. This was covered with ever- 

 greens, giving it the appearance of a natural bower, open towards the 

 south. On the right of the rostrum, in a grove, an orchestra was prepared 

 for the choristers and band of music. 



The approach from the gateway was by a broad, umbrageous av6nue. 

 The introductory Prayer was made by the Rev. Dr. Ware, and the Bene- 

 diction was given by the Rev, John PierponTj who also composed an 

 appropriate Hymn for the occasion. 



At the close of Autumn considerabJc progress had been made in laying 

 out the grounds, and such measures adopted as were considered requisite 

 for recommencing the work early in the following Spring, Avhich was done, 

 and prosecuted in the manner, and to the extent, stated in the following 

 extract from the Report, which was presented to the Society, at the close 

 of the year 1832, by the President : — 



'' Most of the avenues and paths which were laid out last year, were 

 constructed during the Spring, aflbrding a carriage drive of nearly three 

 miles, and an equal extent of foot walks, which rendered Mount Auburn 

 the most pleasant place of resort in the vicinity of the capital, during the 

 whole season. The visitors were numerous beyond all expectation. 



" Early in August other aveimes were laid out and constructed, and a 

 road made on the eastern side, which united the highways on the south and 

 north-east, and completed the line of intercommunication with the main 

 road from Boston to Watertown, thus furnish ijig a new and most interesting 

 approach to the establishment from Brighton, Brookline, Roxbury, and 

 other towns south of Charles river, as well as from the city. 



" The grounds have been enclosed by a neat and substantial fence, seven 

 feet high. The main entrance has been embellished by an Egyptian Gate- 

 way, twentyfive feet high, with Lodges, in imitation of small temples, for 

 the Porter and Superintendent, making the entire front one hundred and 

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