200 
PARK AND CE/AETERY. 
of some necessaries and the help of interested labor, 
which might be reasonably expected of the lot 
owners, one season would see such changes and so 
much attractiveness compared with what was, that 
an interest would be created to carry the work on 
for all time. It is just the right time, and yet there 
is ample time, to make preparations for an act- 
ive campaign this year in this direction. The 
work of cleaning up the debris, cutting away rank 
underbrush and brambles, and making general im- 
provement can be begun right away, or whenever 
weather permits. Half the battle will be won, how- 
ever, when the committee has all its plans arranged, 
for when the spring finally opens, to secure the 
best results for the year, no time must be lost in 
preliminaries. But let it be always borne in mind, 
no time is too late for the inauguration of active 
and energetic steps towards the better condition of 
our village cemeteries, for the conditions which pre- 
vail in most of them is a severe reflection on the in- 
telligence and character of the community interested. 
Practical Work in the Cemetery. 
The question of the foundations for monuments, 
and other stone work in cemeteries, is one of great 
importance, and one that receives the utmost care 
and consideration in our larger cemeteries. Much 
of the dilapidation and general disorder witnessed 
in our smaller burial grounds can be largely attrib- 
uted to lack of care and sometimes culpable negli- 
gence in this regard. The subject annually receiv- 
es considerable attention at the convention of the 
Association of American Cemetery Superinten- 
dents, and the Richmond meeting of 1895 was no 
exception. 
A question arose as to experience in grout foun- 
dations, composed of cement, sand and gravel, 
which by the way, should be more properly termed 
concrete. One method was to take one-third ce- 
ment to two-thirds sand and gravel, thoroughly 
mixed and carefully rammed into place in layers, 
until the desired depth is attained. The prices for 
this class of foundation varied from 25 cents to 60 
cents per cubic foot, according to size of foundation, 
the smaller ones being of course charged a higher 
price. 
Another formula was i barrel Portland cement, 
50 barrels crushed stone, 3 barrels good sharp sand. 
From an engineering standpoint to which stand- 
ard this class of work belongs, this would appear to 
promise a pretty weak material when conglomer- 
ated, and we should hardly be disposed to accept 
such for a permanent piece of work. But the material 
in which the foundation is sunk cuts a large figure 
in the strength of the artificial foundation to be 
provided, the necessity of such being to distribute 
the load through a homogeneous material that no 
sinking or other change of position can possibly oc- 
cur. 
Unfortunately the severe winters to which some 
parts of the country are liable render special study 
necessary at certain places, but it must always be 
remembered by those not well posted on such mat- 
ters, that the essential feature even in our coldest 
localities is to construct a foundation as nearly im- 
pervious to moisture as it is possible to get it, for 
it is not the temperature itself that causes the 
trouble, but the water in the foundation, freezing 
and thawing and disintegrating the mass. 
The questions of native versus Portland cement 
was given some attention. Portland cement has 
maintained such superiority in its main characteris- 
tics over other cements, that its extra cost has not 
stood much in the way of its use among those ac- 
quainted with its properties. The degree of ex- 
cellence to which it has been brought, the constant 
study and experiment brought to bear upon it to in- 
crease its capabilities and efficiency, the high stand- 
ard demanded for it by leading engineering authori- 
ties, when using it in large works, have given it a 
standard value and reliability which often deter- 
mines its use when other cements might equally 
well serve the desired purpose. 
When the same study and care in production 
and manufacture is established for the native ce- 
ments, their already growing reputation will lead 
to a better knowledge of their qualities and the 
uses to which they are best adaped. The last few 
years have witnessed a rapid increase in their 
strength, and the breaking tests which they now 
stand with comparative reliability fix their value 
for certain uses. 
All cements must be carefully treated to pre- 
serve their vitality, if stored for any length of time. 
Exposure to the air rapidly deteriorates them; 
they quickly absorb the moisture and their strength 
is impaired. 
Great care should also be exercised in making 
the concrete or grout. The materials should be 
carefully mixed dry, and thoroughly at that, after 
which sufficient water should be added until with 
further mixing the right consistency is attained, 
and only sufficient of the materials should be mixed 
as can be immediately deposited in place and tho- 
roughly tamped in layers say from six inches to a 
foot. Of course if the job is a large one, the mix- 
ing can be carried on continually until the required 
amount is deposited. Where good gravel and 
sharp sand is convenient, no better foundation 
could be obtained than one carefully made of con- 
crete, nor at so moderate a cost, 
