74 
THE MODERN CEMETERY. 
commonly done, he used a thin solution of Port- 
land cement. Care was taken to keep the cement 
away from the surface. Weeds in such gutters are 
unknown. 
Through the courtesy of the officials of Lake- 
wood Cemetery, conveyances were furnished in the 
afternoon and the superintendents and their ladies 
were driven through the principal streets of the city 
to Coring Park and Lakewood Cemetery where, 
owing to rain, a portion of the program had to be 
postponed. Arrangements had been made for a 
banquet on the lawn at Superintendent Robert’s 
residence, and this, too, was interfered with, but 
the hospitable superintendent and his wife threw 
open their doors and entertained their guests in a 
most enjoyable manner. After partaking of a de- 
licious repast the evening was pleasantly spent, 
interspersed with singing and music. 
SECOND DAY. 
There was a largely increased attendance on the 
second day and several new members were added to 
the association. 
The program for the morning session included 
the reading and discussion of three papers and as 
many more subjects from the Question Box. The 
papers were as follows: '‘Perpetual Care of Lots,” 
by T. McCarthy, Providence, R. I.; “Drainage of 
Swampy and Wet Lands for Burial Purposes,” by 
H. J. Diering, New York, and “Sunday Funerals,” 
by John J. Stephens, Columbus, O. 
A resolution was adopted to the effect that 
Sunday Funerals should be discouraged. 
Secretary Furich read a paper sent by Burritt 
Chaffee of Syracuse, N. Y. , on “What Constitutes 
Judicious Planting,” Mr. Chaffee having been de- 
tained at home by sickness. 
The following is an extract from Mr. Mc- 
Carthy’s paper: 
PERPETUAL CAKE OF LOTS. 
The necessity and importance of making some provision for 
the perpetual care of cemeteries is now so fully recognized and 
appreciated throughout the country that it is gratifying to know 
that the increasing interest and admirable results already ob- 
tained owe very much to the influence and intelligent efforts of 
this association . .Such progress is surely sufficient excuse for 
our existence and some compensation for the labor and expense 
in attending these annual conventions. 
A burial ground (says the writer) unprotected and neglect- 
ed, presents a cheerless and sad spectacle. It would seem that 
the dead who lie in such a place had been strangely forgotten by 
the living, and that philosophy is cold and repulsive which 
teaches us that the body being an insensible mass of matter may 
be buried from our sight and never thought of any more, and so 
inseparably do we connect the feelings and character of the liv- 
ing with the appearance and condition of the place of their dead 
that Franklin’s saying is applicable, “I only need to visit the 
burial ground of a community to know the character of the 
people.” Hence no cemetery or burial ground to-day is com- 
plete or satisfactory which does not show, not only evidences of 
care and respect paid by individuals and families to the memory 
of their own dead, but evidences also of that respect which the 
community of the living should ever bear toward the community 
of the dead. 
Now; while I cannot hope to enhance the importance of this 
subject, it may be well to call attention to the diversity of opin- 
ions and of practice that prevails as to the best method of secur- 
ing perpetual care, and as the charges and application of this 
vary in the different cemeteries, I have no desire to recommend 
a fixed scale of prices for all cemeteries, or any “best plan.” In 
my opinion each cemetery must be governed by the local condi- 
tions and advantages of its section of the country, such as the 
rate of interest, the cost of labor and materials, condition of the 
soil, severity of the climate, etc., or the exacting taste of your 
respective communities. All these and many other considera- 
tions will govern somewhat the cost of perpetual care. I might 
say here that the words “perpetual care” (although as smooth and 
consoling as a life'insurance policy) are too broad and often mis- 
leading, and seemingly promise more care than the interest of 
the fund or money left will admit. 
The original intention and meaning of perpetual care in my 
vicinity included the care of the grass only, and 1 hear of many 
disappointments because myrtle graves, watering vases, cleaning 
head-stones, etc., are not included. Of course all these can be 
provided for by increasing the fund, and it would be well to have 
all such things definitely stated in the bond or contract made 
between the proprietor and the corporation, and thus avoid 
many misunderstandings in the future. 
In my opinion, there are only two or three things connected 
with a burial lot, the care of which should be included and pro- 
vided for, viz. the good appearance of the grass and all hardy 
shrubs and trees, and the cleaning and permanent position of 
head -stones and monuments. Many other items, some of a 
perishable existence and doubtful taste, could be readily dis- 
pensed with, and we continually discourage perpetuating flower 
beds (excepting hardy subjects), myrtle graves, vases and the 
care of hedges, fences, etc. 
New cemeteries have no great difficulty in adopting perpet- 
ual care, at least for the grass and good appearance of the 
grounds, but these remarks are intended more for the older 
cemeteries which it is desirable to rescue from dilapidation and 
neglect, many lots and ground sold years ago, or before perpet- 
ual care was thought of. 
To accomplish this, and before appealing to proprietors to 
leave money for the care of their respective grounds, the ceme- 
tery or corporation should do its part and give some assurance of 
greater neatness and higher keeping of the grounds, and thus 
secure the confidence and respect of the public. 
When perpetual care was adopted in the cemetery under my 
charge, and when it was understood that dilapidation and 
neglect would no longer be tolerated, our sales perceptibly in- 
creased, and that too to citizens already owning lots in the numer- 
ous cemeteries in our vicinity, so that it is very evident that the 
greater the assurance a cemetery offers against such neglect, not 
only for our day, but for the future as far as human foresight can 
suggest, the more surely will it provide what the public demand, 
the greater will be its success and the higher will what it has to 
offer for sale be valued. 
Swan Point was consecrated in 1847, and perpetual care was 
not adopted till 1877. During those 30 years many proprietors 
left money by will or otherwise, and many more who were able 
and could have done so, but by their delay and the reverses of 
fortune they have been prevented from making this provision for 
themselves and their families. Suffice it to say that since the 
adoption of perpetual care the amount received in any one year 
exceeded the voluntary contributions of the first 30 years. 
