PARK AND CEMETERY. 
A MOVEMENT which isnowin progressin some 
of the states to create state or local reserva- 
tions of such tracts of their domain as con- 
tain specially attractive scenery or remarkable nat- 
ural phenomena, is one that should be encouraged 
by all available means. In a country of so vast ex- 
tent as ours, comprising such varied surface condi- 
tions, there is probably no state in the union that 
does not offer some particular natural attractions, 
not met with in the others, and which therefore be- 
come points of interest to the whole country and 
which should be reserved for the public benefit. 
But to the state itself the preservation of its beauty 
spots is a matter of the strongest interest, and it is 
a duty the state owes to its citizens. Hitherto, no 
reason has been recognized for such a course, but 
the actions of the older states, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, New Hampshire, and of the newer ones, 
Minnesota and Wisconsin, set the seal upon the 
right of the question, and we have commissions 
looking into the merits of proposed state parks and 
forest reservations, whose work before long will re- 
sult in the setting apart of certain tracts to be 
improved and reserved for the people for all time. 
G overnor Tanner in his message to the 
Illinois legislature, in which he recommends 
an appropriation of $100,000 for repairs to 
the Lincoln monument at Springfield, necessitated 
by the defective foundations and construction, directs 
attention to this all important subject in relation to 
cemetery memorials. The uncertainties attending 
this work in the past led all the important ceme- 
teries to enact rules by which the associations them- 
selves construct all foundations, and such are now 
built as to depth, dimensions and material upon the 
soundest methods of engineering practice. This 
insures as much stability and permanence as it is 
possible to obtain with our present knowledge, and 
makes it certain that memorials erected thereon will 
remain stable and sightly. This rule should be 
adopted by all cemeteries if the structures erected 
as memorials are to have the permanence their 
character demands. Specific charges are made, 
which only vary in particulars readily appreciated, 
which are, of course, borne by the lot owner, but 
incidentally the work affords a legitimate source of 
profit to the association. 
W ITH this issue the ninth volume of this 
journal begins its course, and in glancing 
through its past issues and comparing the 
signs of the times with the suggestions contained 
in its columns, it is particularly gratifying to note 
that much of its suggestive matter has been the 
forerunner of actual practice, in the particular fields 
it has been the aim of the journal to cultivate. 
Those of our readers who may be in touch with the 
movement in cemetery improvement will realize 
how strongly the principles of the idea are affecting 
communities all over the country. Likewise, the 
demand for park areas where none exist, and for 
increased acreage where parks have been developed, 
show that the efforts to educate along these lines, 
lines that are fraught with so much that is elevating 
and inspiring to man, are bearing fruit. The field 
of usefulness of Pakk and Cemetery is very 
broad, and in all its varied aspects the practical 
ideal has been its constant goal. There are 'always 
limits to the possibilities of the present, but by 
keeping up close to the possible and practical, as 
time progresses it makes less of a chasm to bridge 
in order to continue the advance into the next 
movement of progress. As though a leaven were 
permeating society generally, the improvement of 
home surroundings is becoming a constantly avail- 
able question for comment. These propositions, 
while they are all old, they have simply been wait- 
ing to explain their necessity; they have been kept 
in the background by the more sordid requirements 
of man, but at last stand prominently forward for 
adjustment. One of the favorable means to the 
end sought is the local improvement society; this 
is comparatively an old institution, but progressive 
conditions have promoted its revival in a marked 
degree, so that in assigning space in the new volume 
to a department devoted exclusively to such socie- 
ties we feel that we are advocating nothing new — 
rather, are merely falling into step with the times. 
It is true that in some parts of the country it may 
still be necessary to speak of the advantages of such 
organizations, but generally this goes without say- 
ing. It is already an accepted fact. What seems 
to be wanted is something definite as to the forma- 
tion and conduct of such associations, and perhaps, 
above all, hints as to their objects and the best 
means of attaining them. We hope and expect to 
make the new department of real practical value. 
We believe that the various divisions of the topic 
will be treated interestingly and vigorously. And 
if even radical measures are sometimes suggested, 
we know that our readers will understand that vigor 
includes enthusiasm, and that an enthusiast is likely 
to be something of a radical. Heroic measures 
are sometimes essential to success when individuals 
are to be roused to action and far-reaching . results 
are to be the issue. Half-hearted work is never 
effectual. So, if the editor of this department uses 
her pen as a sort of combination horticultural 
implement, or even occasionally as a warlike 
weapon, no industrious advocate of the work need 
tremble. She is only ambitious to add recruits to 
the force and force to the recruits now marching to 
victory over barrenness and squalor. 
