8o 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
of the blocks. On large blocks the beds should be 
dressed back perfectly level for a considerable dis- 
tance from the joint, and then there is no excuse 
for the immense holes to be concaved out, except 
the plea of expense, and this should not be allowed 
to enter into the consideration. 
Attention to this feature of construction by the 
monument trade, will result in a decided improve- 
ment in the permanency and general appearance 
ofmonumental work. Reliable, conscientious deal- 
ers always welcome an improvement in anything 
that pertains to the betterment of their work, and 
if they would call the attention of their patrons to 
these points and then insist on their adoption, they 
would do the whole fraternity a decided favor. 
C. T. Stickle. 
Knowing How. 
One of the most celebrated painters was asked 
by a pupil-How to succeed in his profession: “First 
know what to do, and do it” was the answer. This 
can be applied to the work of the cemetery super- 
intendent, more especially where the work to be 
done is intended to be of a permanent character. 
The mistakes too often made in preparing and 
planting, when constructing new cemeteries, through 
lack of fore-thought, is the cause of endless trouble 
and expense in trying to remedy the blunders. In- 
deed, many, from a variety of causes, cannot be 
remedied, adding much to the cost of maintenance 
and are frequently the cause of non-success, from a 
financial standpoint. 
Several instances occur to the writer where large 
cemeteries have been badly prepared by incompe- 
tent persons, to the great discouragement of the pro- 
moters. The subscribed capital is exhausted and 
instead of the institution being a success it drags. 
A great number of persons consider themselves 
competent by reasons of their technical training, as 
surveyors or engineers. This may be true as re- 
gards laying out a park when the land will not be 
sold; their errors can be rectified without interfering 
with vested rights; but in a burial ground where the 
land has to be sold off in small parcels, the land- 
scape improvements should be so arranged as to re- 
quire no alterations in the future. The planting of 
a tree may only cost a few cents, but the removal 
of that tree when surrounded by costly tombstones, 
will likely mean the expenditure of a goodly num- 
ber of dollars. Then again there are so many 
seemingly small details in preparing a cemetery, 
which only practical experience can suggest their 
requirement. Too frequently elaborate designs are 
prepared, all very well to catch the eye of the in- 
experienced. The topography of the ground and 
the landscape effects have been but little studied, 
with the consequence that the land has to be made 
to fit the plan, instead of the plan fitting the land, 
and an expensive lot of work in cutting and filling 
has to be done. 
In the April issue of this journal Mr. Olmsted 
is quoted as saying that no special training is re- 
quired to render a person a competent superintend- 
ent. The words surely do not thoroughly express 
this gentleman’s meaning. Possibly the idea to be 
conveyed was that true Artists are born, not made. 
For if experience was ever required in any profess- 
ion it is in that of a cemetery superintendent, who 
if he is lacking in experience, then his knowledge 
has to be purchased with costly errors. 
Only last year after the superintendents, con- 
vention several of the members were invited to look 
over a large new cemetery which was in process of 
construction. The promoters were dissatisfied with 
the way the work was being done. On visiting the 
place, the costly mistakes were apparent to the de- 
putation, who strongly advised suspension of oper- 
ations and the engagement of a person experienced 
in the requirements of a modern cemetery. This is 
only one of the many instances which can be men- 
tioned. Before entering upon any new work, be it 
only preparing a new burial section, careful study 
should be given as to its appearance when complet- 
ed. Picture it in the minds eye. Look at it from 
several standpoints, change frequently till all is sat- 
isfactory. Then photograph it on the brain and go 
to work, and as the work proceeds it will be aston- 
ishing how familiar that work is. Hap-hazard work 
is rarely satisfactory. 
It must be borne in mind that according to 
modern ideas a cemetery must be park like, yet the 
requirements are more than those of a park. The 
landscape effects must embrace all the beauties of 
the latter combined with the utility of a burial 
ground. 
Another phase of “knowing how” can be ap- 
plied to the improvement of old burial grounds, the 
great majority of which are greatly in need of im- 
provement. A visit to most of the prominent ceme- 
teries in the larger cities will amply demonstrate 
this fact. What was suited to the requirements of 
the communities in the days when our large cities 
were little better than villages, are scarcely up to 
date principles. True these cemeteries may be 
kept clean and trim. Yet the expenditure of a little 
money would vastly help the general appearance. 
Not very long ago the superintendent of one of 
these ancient burial grounds determined, although 
contrary to the wishes of the directors, to fix up at 
least one section and show what could be done. 
The section was an incongruous mass of stone, 
shrubs and trees. The numerous stone markers at 
