42 
PARK AND CEMETERY. 
subject to inaccuracies, and, second, be- 
cause it leaves no definite points from 
which to take further notes. The method 
which should be used is generally known 
as cross sectioning. The land is divided 
into squares — that is, stakes are set at even 
distances each way at the corners of the 
squares. The usual size of these squares 
is 100 feet. Elevations are then taken 
with a level at these points, and at the 
ridge and valley lines and other breaks in 
grade between. It can be seen that the 
chances for inaccuracy are very small, as 
the work is easily checked. T rees, rock, 
and other features can be readily located 
from these stations, and moreover, when 
roads and lots are platted they can be 
related to these points; in fact, practically 
the whole development of the cemetery in 
the future can be based upon the original 
stations. Therefore, it is desirable to have 
at least every third or fourth stake an iron 
rod, set in concrete, so that the location 
cannot be lost. Also, the lines should be 
parallel and at right angles to one prop- 
erty line, rather than using as base lines 
two property lines which are within one 
degree or so of being at right angles to 
each other. The importance of having the 
cross section lines absolutely at right 
angles is a provision for the future, in re- 
lating lots to them, and in making calcu- 
lations for road locations. 
The scale of the topographical plat will 
depend upon the extent of the ground, and 
may vary from 20 to 100 feet to the inch. 
Forty feet to the inch is a convenient scale 
for cemeteries of medium size — that is, 40 
to 60 acres. The original drawing, and not 
merely a blue print of this plat, should be 
given to the landscape architect, as blue 
prints are always out of scale. 
This completes the work of the engineer 
for the time, and the landscape architect 
is now ready to proceed with his plan- 
ning. Except in very unusual cases, a 
visit to the ground is quite essential, and 
in most cases one or more visits should 
have been made in helping choose the site. 
Many mental notes of conditions and op- 
portunities, which would be difficult to re- 
cord in any way, but which are invaluable 
in designing, will be made almost uncon- 
sciously by the landscape architect. The 
soil and the native growth can be further 
observed, but more especially the special 
opportunities of views and vistas either 
distant or within the ground which should 
be preserved or opened, as well as those 
which should be screened. Hills, moun- 
tains, groves of trees, buildings or other 
permanent objects, even though beyond the 
limits of the ground in question, can often 
be “borrowed,” as it were, and incorpo- 
rated into the landscape. 
Investigation of the possibilities of wa- 
ter areas should always be made, as noth- 
ing adds so much to the completeness of 
a landscape as water. Constant reliable 
source of supply; the probability of the 
soil holding water; the drainage area and 
possibility of floods, and the amount of silt 
from cultivated land which is apt to fill 
the lake, are all important. The sizes of 
bridges or culverts which are or which are 
not adequate in heavy rains should be 
noted. Many things in the surroundings 
will, as was said, be noted almost uncon- 
sciously by one who is trained to watch 
for opportunities. Photographs from cer- 
tain definite points recorded on the plat, 
either in panorama or in certain direc- 
tions, will help to recall the land when 
working in the office. The stereoscopic 
\ 
EXAMPLE OF TOPOGRAPHY ON AN EXTENSIVE HILLY TRACT TAKEN BY CROSS SECTIONING. 
Showing 100 foot squares and five foot contour intervals. Elevations at 100 foot points were omitted on account of the small scale 
road system for this property, as designed by Hare & Hare, will appear next month. 
