THE MODERN CEMETERY. 
141 
than nesv.papcr reports previously anticipated, although great 
interest was manifested. The old trustees were reelected by 
large majorites. The cause of the opposition was attributed to 
the new rules put in force last year, which were said to be too 
arbitrary, especially in regard to prohibiting the use of limestone 
and sandstone bases and monuments, which has been argued, 
was a rule detrimental to the interests of the power lot owners. 
The officials of Green Lawn Cemetery have been alive to the 
advantages of modern ideas in cemetery management, and the 
new rules were adopted in order to conduct their affairs in ac- 
cordance therewith. 
» * * 
The Parsees will not burn or bury their dead, because they 
consider a dead body impure, and they will not suffer themselves 
to defile any of the elements, says The Nineteenth Century 
speaking of the Tower of Silence. They therefore expose their 
corpses to vultures, a method, revolting, perhaps, to the imag- 
ination, but one which commends itself to all those who are ac- 
quainted therewith. And, after all, one sees nothing but the 
quiet, white-robed procession (white is mourning among the Par- 
sees) following the bier to the Tower of Silence. At the entrance 
they look their last on the dead and the corpse bearers— a caste 
of such — carry it within the precincts and lay it down, to be fin- 
ally disposed of by the vultures which crowd the tower. And 
why should the swoop of a flock of white birds be more revolting 
than what happens in the grave. Meanwhile, and for three days 
after, the priests say constant prayers for the departed, for his 
soul is supposed not to leave the world till the fourth day after 
death. On the fourth day there is the Uthanna ceremony, when 
large sums of money are given away in memory of the departed. 
Tne liturgy in use is a series of funeral sermons by Zoroaster. Of 
superstitions, the Parsees have had more than they retain. 
Connected with burial is the popular conception as to the effi- 
cacy of a dog’s gaze after death. Dogs are sacred, and supposed 
to guide the souls of the dead to heaven, and to ward off evij 
spirits; hence it is customary to lead a dog into the chamber of 
death, that he may look at the corpse before it is carried to 
the Tower. 
•^^l^orfe^pondence.l^ 
New Haven, Conn., January 19, 1895. 
Editor Modern Cemetery: 
In looking over the Proceedings of the Association of Am- 
erican Cemetery Superintendents, I saw two discussions on how 
to open graves through frozen ground, but I did not notice that 
anything was said about using salt. Here in New Haven we 
look upon salt as a great help. We cut a channel around the 
grave about three inches deep, and about the same in width, into 
which we put about one inch of rock salt and then pour upon it 
water enough to fill the channel. We then cover this with 
boards, canvas or snow, to keep it as warm as possible, so that 
the salt will melt. If this is done the night before the grave is 
to be opened, it frequently cuts a channel through 18 inches to 
2 feet of frost all around the grave. We then take the frost pick 
or any other tools for cutting frozen ground, and pick out a hole 
at one end or side of grave. With the use of wedges the rest is 
easily done. Of course, the salt does not take all the frost out 
of the entire grave, but it gives the frozen earth a chance to give 
away from the wedge. 
Our soil is a sandy loam, with loam and subsoil about 18 in- 
ches in depth, the rest is clear sand. The weather has a great 
deal to do with the operation of the salt. If the weather is near 
the freezing point the effect is much greater; if near zero the ef- 
fect is much less. 1 do not know how many have tried salt, but 
to those who have not, try it, and I think 'he result will be sat- 
isfactory. 
F. A Sherman, Supt. Evergreen Cemetery. 
* * * 
Editor Modern Cemetery: 
In lining graves we use w'hite muslin, and nearly all our 
graves are so treated. We have a frame of boards around the 
top to which we tack the muslin, arid let it drop down to the 
box. This and a few evergreens make a very pretty effect, is 
very cheap, and we charge only the cost of the material 
We do not have as many Sunday funerals as we h id a few 
years ago. There is quite a change in sentiment here on this 
subject. Several times the people have been themselves dis- 
gusted with the crowds that gather merely to look on. 1 think 
my people are in sympathy with me and our association on this 
subject. 
A few years ago, private funerals were almost unknown, and 
now, more than half of ours are private, and the custom is stead- 
ily gaining. Our wealthy families were the first to start upon 
this reform. I have talked with all our lot owners in regard to all 
these current reforms, and they seem to think it best. I have 
them read the Modern Cemetery and our Convention reports 
and quite frequently, drop a few hints in our local papers. Our 
undertakers also, have a good influence, and if one can get their 
co-operation, much can be done on the new lines. 1 think we 
should do all we can in economy as well as appearance in these 
matters. C. D. Phipps, Supt. Franklin Cemetery, 
Franklin, Pa. 
RULES AND REGULATIONS. 
Every cemetery should be governed by certain rules and 
regulations, which should be printed in pamphlet form for distri- 
bution among lot owners. While this has been done in most of 
the large cemeteries, where the rules are very much alike, we 
will, for the benefit of the smaller cemeteries, publish in this de- 
partment sueh rules as commend themselves for general adoption. 
Contributions are solicited. 
The Rules and Regulations of the Prospect 
Cemetery association, Vergennes, Vt., which was 
first organized in 1892, have been amended in ac- 
cordance with modern ideas of cemetery manage- 
ment to apply to their extension. Included are the 
following: 
“No railing of wood or iron, or coping of any 
material will be permitted around lots. 
“Posts of stone or marble at the corner of lots 
are all that will be allowed as boundaries (without 
special permission.) They must not be less than 
one foot in length, and placed not to project above 
the surface of the ground. P'oot markers for graves 
will also be subject to the same rule. 
“Lot owners are requested to consult with the 
superintendent in regard to designs for monuments 
and head stones, also before planting any trees, 
shrubs, or flowers on their lots.” 
Perpetual care is also considered, and earnest 
pleas made for more serious attention to this most 
important consideration. 
