A.I. 



B.I. 



A.I. 



B.2. 



1 



applied to Public Cemeteries. 145 



lines could not be readily stretched so as to give the points B2, C2, &c., 

 with perfect accuracy, a stone or mark of cast iron is inserted when the ceme- 

 tery is first laid out, in each of the intersecting points, with the letter and 

 figure on it, as shown in the diagram^g-. 19. at B 2, C 2, D 3, &c. At every other 

 point of intersection throughout the cemetery, there is a sunk stone or iron in- 

 serted, with the letter which stands at the ends of the long lines, and the figure 

 which stands at the ends of the cross lines, as shown 

 on a large scale inj'?^-. 20. Thus in the diagram fig. 

 19., we should have the squares Al, Bl, Cl, Dl, 

 &c. ; and A 2, B 2, C 2, &c. The use of these squares 

 is to enable the sexton to ascertain and point out, at 

 any future time during the existence of the ceme- 

 tery, the precise spot where any interment has taken 

 place. For example, required to see the grave of T. 

 W. On turning to the index of the register book of 

 names, T. W. is found to have been interred in the ' 



square B4. Now, on turning to the map book of ^%ZAtT"k! iLTa^Z 

 the cemetery, in which every imaginary square into Angles of the Squares. 

 which the cemetery is parcelled out is laid down on a large scale, the position 

 and dimensions of the grave will be found delineated according to the scale ; 

 and then, by taking the dimensions from two of the sides of the square and 

 applying them to the ground, the exact position of the grave is found, even 

 though the grave mound should be obliterated. Now it must be evident 

 that it would be exceedingly inconvenient to have the stone marks fall 

 into positions where buildings were to be erected, or roads or walks to 

 be laid out ; and hence the propriety, as we have said above, of deter- 

 mining the position of the intersections of the squares, before any other 

 part of the laying out is proceeded with. This is the more necessary in cases 

 where the intersecting points are to be marked by trees of particular kinds, or 

 by an obelisk, or other monumental stone. By using an obelisk or other 

 pillar with four sides, pointing diagonally to the four squares, as at B 2 and 

 C 2 in the diagram fig. 19., these stones would not only serve to indicate 

 the intersections of the squares, but to record the names of those buried in 

 each square, if the parties interested thought fit to incur the expense. It is 

 not necessary that all the squares or parallelograms should be of the same 

 size ; on the contrary, their dimensions may be varied, so as to suit the 

 ground, the boundary, and all the different circumstances connected with the 

 general arrangement. In some cases the intersections of the squares might 

 be indicated by trees, as shown at B 4, D 3, &c. 



It must be confessed, however, that this system of laying out a cemetery 

 into imaginary squares is a very unsatisfactory one, for the following reasons : 

 — 1. It neither admits of a permanent system of surface drainage, nor of 

 grass paths among the graves. 2. From there being no obvious principle of 

 order or arrangement in conformity with which the graves are placed, the 

 general aspect of the interior of the cemetery is confused and unsatisfactory; 

 the graves and tombstones seeming to be put down at random as in common 

 churchyards. 3. A very slight error in mapping the graves may render it 

 difficult, if not impossible, to identify a particular grave, either to point it out 

 to the relations of the deceased ; or, when the square is nearly full, for the 

 purpose of avoiding an old grave in digging a new one. Let any one who 

 doubts this examine the map books in the principal London cemeteries, and 

 ask to see one of the graves indicated in the plan. 4. Unless a head-stone is 

 put to the grave, or some other permanent mark, it is impossible for any 

 person but the sexton to identify it ; which circumstance can by no means be 

 rendered satisfactory to the relations of the deceased. 5. No provision is made 

 for paths among these graves, so that, when the squares are nearly full, there 

 will be no mode of getting to any one grave, but by walking over a number of 

 others ; which is not only a species of desecration, but, when there are several 

 of the graves having head-stones, must be exceedingly inconvenient. 



L 3 



