THE MODERN CEMETERY, 
1 1 
Rhode Island i, New Jersey 2, Pennsylvania 3, 
Wisconsin i. I think the figures speak quite loud. 
Out of the six N. E. States only two were repre- 
sented. Now I think there is room for a New En- 
gland Association, and its meeting should not be at 
a time that would conflict with a National Associa- 
tion, as it would be purely instructive, and to help 
those who cannot go so far away. March or April 
could be selected, with expenses reduced to a min- 
imum, and give our friends who have charge of the 
smaller places a chance to share with us who are 
able to attend the National Association meetings, 
the benefits we derive. I believe there are many 
such who would gladly go to Philadelphia this year 
but their salaries are not sufficient to allow them 
that privilege, and in many cases the managers 
have not the means to send them. Now I think we 
should be willing to spread out, we all have a thor- 
ough good time every year, while others equally 
faithful, are obliged to be at home year in and out, 
hardly ever knowing what a vacation is. I think 
that that vote came very near the border of selfish- 
ness, and is wholly unworthy of the broad minded 
intelligent body that passed if. It could not pos- 
sibly have been in the least injurious to us, to have 
the matter fairly investigated, the superintendents 
of New England may not want an organization of 
their own, and that would end it, but, wherein 
could such an organization be a hindrance to the 
National Association? I think it would be a help. 
I have spoken, let the opposers give their reasons. 
Very much more might be added on this subject, 
but enough has been said to satisfy the reader I 
trust, of the honest purpose I had in suggesting lo- 
cal, or if you please, auxiliary associations. 
John G. Barker. 
QUeSTIQH BOX. 
ANSWERS. 
Editor Modern Ce^netery. 
Regarding the extermination of ants I am una- 
ble to give any information, as we are not troubled 
with them. Moles, with us, are a constant and disa- 
greeable nuisance and we have tried every known 
method, from poison to the most elaborate traps to 
get rid of them. Each year they seem more numer- 
ous than before and we have come to the conclusion 
that it will be money saved to offer a premium for 
every mole caught and destroyed. While it may 
appear expensive to pay, say ten cents for each mole 
caught and destroyed we think it will pay, as men 
who will be detailed to that work at certain hours of 
the day (early in the morning, at noon and again 
before sundown), become experts in catching these 
pests at work, so that the value of the benefit deriv- 
ed will be far in excess of the expense. One mole 
often destroys sod over an area which to repair or 
relay will involve more outlay than the premium on 
a dozen moles, including time spent, amounts to. 
We do not propose to discard traps altogether, and 
will always have several varieties in use but where 
moles appear too numerous we will try the premi- 
um plan. 
Lining Graves. 
As to the question of “Novice,” I will say that 
in our estimation nothing is prettier and more eco- 
nomical than the lining of a grave from the box up 
with fresh twigs of evergreens, pinned to the sides 
and ends by means of stout crimped hairpins. We 
generally use Hemlock, Spruce or Balsam Eir and 
find that the latter has a deeper and denser green 
than the others. Hemlock having a more delicate 
foliage is used principally for children’s graves. 
Nothing larger than the outer twigs are used, being 
fastened, one piece over laping the lower a trifle, so 
that the whole appears solid from above. The earth 
on one side of the grave is also covered with branch- 
es of larger size, or if desired it is moved entirely 
from the grave, which of course involves double ex- 
pense. The charge for lining an adult’s grave is $3 
and a child’s $2, which is ample to pay all expenses 
and leave a fair profit for the cemetery. I venture 
to assert that it will pay to raise stock for that spe- 
cific purpose. Often, during the cooler months of 
the year the greens are used several times by keep- 
ing them in a moist shady place, thus reducing ex- 
pense somewhat. This method of lining graves is 
much more pleasing to the eye than any artificial 
material, can be done at very short notice by expe- 
rienced help and is practical, economical and profit- 
able. — Frank Eurich, Toledo, Ohio. 
Moneywort: — The planting of Moneywort is 
not permitted in Springdale cemetery. It was in- 
troduced here some years ago and soon became a 
nuisance. I have tried in vain for something that 
will effectually remove it. 
AntS; — Chloride of lime or coal oil will de- 
stroy them. 
Moles: — We use Olmstead’s trap and find it 
the cheapest and best method for killing moles. 
John F. Boerckel, Peoria, 111 . 
A tombstone in the quaint old cemetery at Ed- 
dyville, Ky., bears the inscription: 
W. J. Bigwood, murdered in cold blood by 
Hylan Skinner, on the — day of — 1887. 
Skinner was tried last year for the crime, found 
guilty and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. 
