46 



The President read the following Report of the Cemetery and 

 Garden Committee, vvliich was accepted. 



The committee on laying out the grounds and forming a plan 

 of the experimental Garden, and Cemetery of Mount Auburn, 

 respectfully 



REPORT : 



That measures were promptly taken for accomplishing those 

 objects, and, although considerable progress has been made, it 

 will require further time to complete the work. 



Alexander Wadsvvorth, Esq. a skilfull civil engineer, was em- 

 ployed to make an accurate topographical survey, and to locate 

 the numerous avenues, which it was found necessary to establish, 

 through the extensive and beautifully diversified grounds of the 

 Cemetery and Garden, both for convenience and embellishment. 

 The map has been so far perfected, that it is submitted for in- 

 .spection, and to exhibit the general outlines of the projected im- 

 provements ; but considerable labor is yet required in clearing 

 out the principal carriage avenues and foot paths, before the 

 sites of the public and private cemetery squares can be definite- 

 ly established, and designated on the plan. 



Models and drawings of the Egyptian gateways, and of a 

 Gothic tower, and a Grecian tower, one of which is proposed to 

 be erected on the highest hill, have been made, and are offered 

 for examination. 



It has been ascertained that the most lofty eminence is one 

 hundred and twenty-five feet above Charles river, which grace- 

 fully sweeps round its gently sloping base; and, when crowned 

 by the proposed tower, will become a most interesting place 

 of resort, as commanding an extensive panoramic view of that 

 richlv variegated region of magnificent scenery, em.braced with- 

 in the far distant heights which encircle the metropolis, and the 

 waves of the ocean, while it will present a prominent and im- 

 posing feature in the landscape, of which it becomes the centre. 



At some future period, when the munificence of the citizens 

 shall be commensurate with their debt of patriotic gratitude, this 

 structure may perhaps give place for a stupendous monument, 

 to the most illustrious benefactor of his country ; — there will be 

 reared the cenotaph of Washington, in massive blocks of granite 

 or ever-during marble. Should the funds hereafter justify it, a 

 Doric Temple, to be used as a chapel for the performance of 

 funereal rites, and lodges for the gardener and superintendent 

 of the Cemetery, are contemplated, and designs are in progress 

 tor each. 



As the season for rural labor is far advanced, it is not con- 

 sidered expedient to commence the construction of the ave- 

 nues, before the next spring ; but they can be divested of the 



