66 
THE MODERN CEMETERY. 
RESTORED LIVE OAK. 
nearly reproduced. The bark and the general ex- 
terior were imitated while the material was plastic, 
and, at first glance at least, the tree now stands 
forth complete. Whether so-called “rustic sculp- 
ture’’ is the outgrowth of this attempt at restora- 
tion, or this work was the result of a knowledge of 
that style of handiwork, at all events the progress 
of decay has been retarded, and the noble old tree 
bids fair to outlive the generation that had actual 
knowledge of the desecrations of war. This digni- 
fied southerner wearing not only the green symbol 
of perpetual summer, but draped in a misty mantle 
of Spanish moss of the tint held dear by the South, 
seems to typify the proud southern spirit standing 
silent and stately guard over days, deeds and friends 
that have passed. 
In this dreamy land one easily fancies that ev- 
erything, even bitter regrets are soon overgrown 
with the moss of forgetfulness, even as the “sun 
and the dew,” and the soft moist air weaves over 
their old tombs a dainty burden of moss, ferns and 
delicate plant life that soon softens their hard out- 
lines and takes away their grim meaning. 
And it is good to think that this may be 
true. This lovely, dreamy land should hold place 
not alone for its own warm-hearted, generous peo- 
ple, but furnisrh a refuge for those who live amid 
sterner surroundings — peaceful nooks where such 
may come and for a season possess their souls, 
while they fancy that they, too, dwell in the fair 
land where it is “always afternoon.” 
Fanny Copley Seavey. 
A valuable prehistoric discovery is reported to have been 
made in in a mound at Egan, S. D. A tomb was uncovered 
lined with cement. In its compartments were twenty-two male 
skeletons of unusual size. A rude altar and many bronze utensils 
were exposed. 
The Cemetery Superintendents’ Convention. 
The time for holding the convention of the Am- 
erican Cemetery Superintendents is drawing near, 
and I am especially anxious that it shall be a suc- 
cess in every respect, and the only way to make it 
such is for every member of the association, and as 
many others who are interested in cemetery work 
to be in attendance, and come laden with knowl- 
edge to impart, and ready to ask for all the infor- 
mation they desire to obtain. 
The gathering has always been a kind of a fam- 
ily reunion, where good feeling is beaming through 
every eye, and the fraternal tie makes freedom of 
word and action which must be experienced to be 
appreciated. If we desire to be well developed, 
and properly informed in the things pertaining to 
our business, we should put ourselves in the posi- 
tion to become such, where can we go? Or what 
can we do better than meet with a gathering of men 
whose daily experience and life interest is directly 
in harmony with what is most interesting to us? I 
am aware that many superintendents are net able 
to stand the expense of going so far, and for such 
I ask the managers of the cemetery they represent 
to pay all their expenses and see that they attend, 
and I know it will be the best investment that can 
be made. It will yield the fruit of knowledge, and 
at the same time change the old one idea into new 
channels. I have had no other vacation since the 
organization of the association, although I have 
borne my own expenses it has yielded to Spring 
Grove Cemetery many thousand dollars; I never go 
to one of the meetings that I do not learn some- 
thing that I can apply to advantage in Spring 
Grove. I therefore entreat the managers of ceme- 
teries to show interest enough in their superintend- 
ent and the work he is doing, to see that his expen- 
ses are borne, on his attendance to the convention 
of the Association of American Cemetery Superin- 
tendents to be held in Philadelphia at Hotel Lafay- 
ette, on September ii, I2 and 13, 1894. I will 
here suggest that every member bring his note 
book, that he may retain, for future use, what he 
may see and hear, and I am sure that his store 
house of information will have additional stock well 
worth the gathering. 
The committee have made arrangements which 
will ensure a profitable and enjoyable time, and at 
the season of the meeting, the cemeteries and parks 
in and around Philadelphia will be in a favorable 
condition for inspection, all of which affords object 
lessons not to be forgotten. 
Wm. Salway, President, 
American Cemetery S7ipt. Ass7i. 
* * * 
The meeting will convene at the Hotel Lafay- 
