2 
PARK AND CEMETERY. 
of radical progress, it was found that this innova- 
tion would require, not only energetic advocacy, 
but time to implant its suggestiveness in the mind 
of the average lotholder in the old cemeteries, for 
it called for an immediate money outlay to make it 
effective, which of necessity offered restrictions. 
But it is surely proving that once the lotowner fully 
grasps the true meaning of perpetual care, and its 
present advantages, the question of meeting the 
financial requirements becomes at once a matter for 
consideration, and can usually be met by a read- 
justment of little matters, which, like unto other 
questions of providing means for necessities, finds 
a solution generally quicker than was expected. 
The cost for perpetual care in the average lot is 
comparatively moderate in amount, and has been 
formulated in the experience of years. Once ar- 
ranged for, the general care of the lot becomes the 
duty of the cemetery officials. Absence, forgetful- 
ness, carelessness, or the thousand and one excuses 
which offer themselves in palliation of neglected 
duty, are offset, and the solid comfort remains that 
the little plot in the cemetery, which is hallowed 
by the profoundest consideration human nature 
grapples with, will be kept in order intelligently 
and conscientiously, and that a care, always sad, 
and often a burden both to thought and action by 
uncontrollable conditions, is lifted for all time as 
far as present arrangements can be made. Since the 
idea was first promulgated and earnest work on its 
establishment begun, there has never been an argu- 
ment offered against its admirable opportunities, 
and it may safely be said no cemetery is now 
started without ample provision being incorporated 
into its laws to insure its practical operation by add- 
ing to the price of its lots a sum which is set aside, 
under legal restriction, to create a fund to provide 
for perpetual care. It is only necessary to draw 
attention to the improved appearance of the lots in 
cemeteries conducted on the lawn plan and under 
perpetual care, compared with those in the older 
portions of cemeteries left to the care of lotowners 
or so-called friends, to emphasize the value of this 
provision. It is impossible to believe that a little 
thought and observation on the part of all lotowners 
will fail to create an active sentiment to make the 
present rapidly advancing reform a veritable revo- 
lution in cemetery care. 
THE NEW YORK PARKS. 
The Commissioners of the New York Parks have 
made appointments for each of the principal bor- 
oughs — so that each commissioner has the assistance 
of at least one competent man. The borough of 
Manhattan which includes Central Park is presided 
over by Mr. N. Johnssen-Rose who is a graduate 
of Kew Gardens, and has had landscape garden- 
ing experience in connection with the Manhattan 
Parks. 
The commissioners propose to proceed with cau- 
tion and avoid the kind of appointments which have 
led to embarrassments and mistrust in the past, but 
there is still danger that men who are remarkable 
for advertising and commercial, rather than profound 
and versatile acquirements, may find or force their 
way into the department. 
As the City of New York is now constituted it 
embraces a wide range of conditions and character- 
istics in its parks, and it is to be hoped that the 
features may be preserved, emphasized and im- 
proved upon, and not reduced to mere ribbons of 
roadways through artificial woods. 
The commissioners have a fine opportunity be- 
fore them, and it is to be hoped they will avoid the 
kind of errors which the late Mr. Stiles denounced 
in the last commission. 
CANNAS AND CALADIUMS. 
The yearly increasing popularity of these plants 
for ornamental planting is marked. They are effec- 
tive either-for grouping on lawns, or hiding unsightly 
spots. It seems almost impossible to place abed of 
cannas alone, or fringed with caladiums, without be- 
ing an improvement to the surroundings. 
To gain the earliest and best results, they should 
be planted, as early as possible in hot beds. These 
latter are easily and cheaply made and for our pur- 
pose glass is not necessary. Boards, mats, or any- 
thing that can be removed for an hour or so during 
the sunshine will answer the purpose. After all 
danger of scalding by the heated manure has gone, 
place the tubers upon the surface, which of course 
has been tramped down firm, and then cover with 
four inches of soil. 
When gentle spring has surely arrived, the tu- 
bers can, by the exercise of a little care be readily 
removed to their summer abiding place. 
By the adoption of this method quite six weeks 
can be added to the usefulness of cannas and cala- 
diums. B. L. 
A NATURAL SCENE, FOREST PARK, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
There is something very refreshing and satisfy- 
ing in natural woodland, with all its wonderful dis- 
play of nature’s handiwork in her subtlest manipu- 
lation. Added to this is the varied charms of light 
and shade, playing their weird pranks with the 
graceful leafage, making and creating pictures of 
marvellous attractiveness to the thoughtful mind on 
every hand. The cool shades, the rustling foliage, 
the magic sounds and voices always heard in the 
woods, something new at every step and the com- 
