THE CARE AND EMBELLISHMENT OF CEMETERIES. 185 



that we are repaid in the return we get for the amount we spend. 

 I do not intend to discuss this point here, but I must say that 

 careful observation compels me to admit that a greenhouse will 

 prove a valuable adjunct to any cemetery. I think also that con- 

 sidering the comparative ease with which the usual style of bed- 

 ding can be arranged, and the quickly effective results afforded 

 by soft-wooded plants, the tendency, in a measure at least, to 

 displace hardy plants is quite natural. We all know how quickly a 

 bed of the former plants will look well. Indeed, if they are 

 properly grown and well hardened off, so as not to lose their leaves 

 after being turned out of the pots, they look well the moment the 

 planting of the bed is finished ; and I think this is the commend- 

 able point in their use. Nevertheless, I will venture this assertion 

 — that a more thorough knowledge of the hardy plants and 

 shrubs, on the part of those who la}^ out and have charge of 

 our cemeteries (especially the smaller ones where a professional 

 gardener is not employed) , would be likely to add more of perma- 

 ment beauty and attractiveness to them than an}' one thing I could 

 recommend. I confess that, until of late 3'ears, I have not 

 appreciated their value. There are very few places where some- 

 thing could not be done in this way. 



In a cemetery, not be^'ond the reach of any of us, a landscape 

 gardener was employed to present plans for the improvement of a 

 very sightly portion of the grounds, devoted not to burial but to 

 ornamental purposes. The plan in due time was presented, and 

 accepted by the trustees ; and, as I have since seen it, I can 

 assure you it made a beautiful picture ; but before being executed 

 it was placed in the hands of a competent person for criticism. As 

 regards trees and shrubs, the criticism was based mainly on a 

 report of a Special Committee of this Society, on the causes of 

 the injuries to vegetation in the winter and spring of 1871-2 ; and, 

 on consultation had with persons of acknowledged ability and 

 much experience, it was concluded that not one-third of the trees 

 and shrubs recommended on the plan for this particular place 

 were in the least appropriate. A glance at the plan, by any 

 experienced and practical man, would convince him that this was 

 no prejudiced judgment. The criticism having been reported, 

 orders were given to execute the plan as far as adapted to the 

 location ; and, where it was not, to make such changes in it as 

 would contribute to the permanent beaut}' of the place. I might 



