84 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



for two ideal statues, suitable for such a place. Their fitness is 

 beyond question, and it seems a pit}" that some one or two worthy 

 citizens who have love for the cemetery as well as for some 

 departed friend have not been impressed with the suitability of 

 these gates for memorials. 



The grounds in recent years have been rendered interesting to 

 horticulturists by the introduction of rare shrubs and plants, 

 which, scattered over the extended territory, meet the eye at ever}' 

 turn and serve to educate the visitors in the advances made in the 

 production of new hybrids as well as in the introduction of new 

 plants from all temperate parts of the globe. The umbrella tree 

 from Japan, the blue spruce from Colorado, and many other ever- 

 greens quite new and rare, deciduous trees and shrubs of curiously 

 cut foliage, with varied colors even during their period of growth, 

 and herbaceous plants with a luxuriance of bloom that would keep 

 pace with even the tropical regions, attract many people educated 

 in such matters. 



The roads, which in the newer portion have been laid out of 

 ample width, are macadamized, as well as the more restricted 

 thoroughfares in the older part, the presence of rock in abundance 

 enabling the work to be done at a comparatively small cost. The 

 large amount of pleasure driving in the grounds attests the excdi- 

 lence of the roads. 



Oakwood has a reputation for being well kept, second lo none. 

 As to the neglected condition of many lots in prominent positions, 

 the fact should be stated that nearly all of these lots are owned by 

 persons abundantly able to pay for their care, but they have neg- 

 lected to do so. September 1, 1873, a system of perpetual care 

 for lots was inaugurated, and since that time no lots have been sold 

 without this provision. This system is being generally copied 

 throughout the country, and frequent applications are made at the 

 Oakwood cemetery office for duplicates of the certificates and 

 books of entry used b}' the association. 



The original purchase for Oakwood cemetery included one hun- 

 dred and fifty acres. The grounds have been enlarged bj' more 

 recent purchases to double the original size. Should the sale of 

 lots continue at the ratio of the past twenty years, the next two 

 decades will see the available land within the bounds of the ceme- 

 tery occupied. Thousands of memorial stones attest Death's 

 industry, and elaborate and stately monuments on every hand 



