298 



OLD WEST SURREY 



It is much to be regretted that this simple form of 

 monument should have passed out of use. The cast-iron 

 crosses from the ironmonger's pattern- book are but a sorry 

 substitute for the honest piece of carpenter's work, made 

 in the dead man's own village, perhaps by a younger man 



Grave-Boards 



of his own blood ; in any case by one who was known 

 to him. 



It is this invasion of the pattern-book and love of 

 meretricious display that is so regrettably spoiling our 

 churchyards and cemeteries. It was a sad day for the 

 most hallowed spots of English ground, when traders intro- 

 duced from the Continent, and pushed into public notice, 

 those artificial wreaths under half-round glasses that debase 

 and disfigure so many of these sacred places. One cannot 

 blame the poor people who buy them, who have not the 



