4 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



some cases where trench burial is the method adopted, it has been 

 necessary to make double trenches (figs. 2,3). Where this arrangement 

 exists, the crosses are placed down the middle of each double trench 

 area, back to back, leaving a space between the two rows which 

 can (if required) be planted with a dwarf hedge of roses or flowering 

 shrubs. 



I may allude here to one trench cemetery in particular where all 

 lie facing the east, the officers being buried to the east of their men. 

 Thus are they still in position at the head of the great army ready 

 to lead their men once again when the final call shall come. 



Cemeteries, as may well be imagined, vary greatly in size, character, 

 and situation. Those near important Base Hospitals have, as a rule, 

 reached large dimensions, as have also those formed in connexion 

 with Casualty Clearing Stations or Field Hospitals near the front, 

 where the line remained more or less stationary for a considerable 

 time. In other cases cemeteries may be found which it seemed 

 probable at the time of their formation would have to accommodate 

 a large number of burials, but which, owing to an advance, were left 

 far behind the lines and now contain only a few graves. Such small 

 places, the number of which is considerable, afford many difficult 

 problems, not only in connexion with the adjustment of land claims, 

 but also in relation to questions of design and horticultural treat- 

 ment, since it is far less easy to plant adequately a small site than 

 a large one, and there is little scope for any boldness in design. 



Mention must further be made of the many French Communal 

 cemeteries where we have been permitted to bury our men. Examples 

 of this type will be found in many villages and towns. In some 

 places separate plots have been assigned to us, but in others there 

 may be only a few of our graves scattered among those of the civil popu- 

 lation. In all such places we are limited in our efforts by the French 

 Communal rr gulations, but, as a rule, thanks to the kindly sympathy 

 and co-cperation of the Mayors, we are being allowed to carry out 

 our :>wn ideas a? to treatment, despite the fact thut they are usually 

 very markedly different from those considered appropriate for 

 cemeteries by our French Allies. 



As may well be imagined, the present condition of the different 

 types of cemeteries to which I have referred depends very largely 

 on their position with reference to the recent scenes of active opera- 

 tions. In the area of the Lines of Communication it has been possible 

 to carry out a good deal of work of a more or less permanent character, 

 including the planting of trees and shrubs and the sowing of grass 

 lawns. 



In cemeteries towards the front, very little permanent work has 

 as yet been possible, partly because they have been so recently in 

 active use, and there has not yet been time to prepare a definite 

 design for permanent treatment, and also partly because there is not 

 yet a sufficient staff of men available for any work beyond that of 

 keeping such places neat and tidy. 



