47 



The Committee have caused the whole estate to be surrounded 

 by a fence, as substantial as the present means at their disposal 

 would permit ; but they hope it may be replaced hereafter with 

 one of more permanent materials — and have erected a gate of 

 classical form, with lodges for a Porter and other purposes. They 

 have erected a cottage for the Gardener, have made about four 

 miles of avenues and paths, and have constructed a receiving 

 tomb at Mount Auburn, and purchased another under Park-street 

 Church, and have done considerable work in and about the gar- 

 den and ponds. 



The present situation and prospects of this interesting institu- 

 tion are highly flattering. 



For eighteen months and upwards, free access was given to all 

 who wished to visit tlie Garden and Cemetery, either on foot, or 

 horseback, or in carriages — but it was found that great abuses 

 were practised there, and the Committee deemed it essential to 

 the prosperity of the institution th.it some check should be put to 

 them; for many persons who had purchased lots, complained that 

 the Cemetery was used in a nianner very different from what 

 they had expected, destroying the solemnity and quiet which 

 ought to prevail in a place of repose for tiie dead ; and others 

 stated that they had intended to purchase lots, but should not do 

 so, if such indiscriminate admission were given to visiters, — by 

 some of whom trees were mutilated, fences round the lots broken, 

 and the lots theniselves trampled on. The Committee then 

 adopted the regulation of denying admission to persons on horse- 

 back altogether, — of admitting the proprietors of lots in carriages, 

 and of opening the gate to persons on foot freely, as before. 

 With but few exceptions, this regulation has met with approba- 

 tion, and the effects have been very salutary ; in a pecuniary 

 view it has been useful also, (though this was no part of the de- 

 sign of the Committee in establishing it,) for many persons have 

 become purchasers of lots, and others are known to be ready to 

 purchase, for the sake of enjoying the privilege of entering the 

 grounds with a vehicle ; the Committee are of opinion that from 

 $I"200 to $1500 worth of lots have been disposed of in this way ; 

 and as the Committee have no interest other than (in common 

 with all other members of the Society) the desire of beautifying 

 and improving the Garden and Cemetery, they hope that the re- 

 gulation they have adopted will meet the approbation of the 

 Society. The number of interments isforfy. 



There are many objects of improvement for which the Com- 

 mittee hope that funds may be obtained — and among the first, 

 for the erection of a small edifice, in which religious services at 

 funerals may be performed. This is very much wanted, and it 

 is to be hoped that such a building may soon be erected there. 

 All which is respectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH STORY, Chairman. 



