1871-05-09 Trustee Committee on Grounds: Folsom to Bradlee, 1831.033.038

[Letterhead: Mount Auburn Cemetery.

SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.

( P. O. ) Mount Auburn, Mass., May 9 , 1871 .

C. W. FOLSOM, SUPERINTENDENT.]

John T. Bradlee, Esq. Chairman Common Grounds,

Dear Sir,

In [?] of the conversation held with the Comm. on Grounds, I have the honor to submit the Enclosed Experimental sketch of my proposed design for the improvement of the "Stone Farm".

This design is made without any accurate preliminary topographical survey of the ground; and is therefore not absolutely correct. I have so carefully studied the natural features, however, that I feel confident it is very near what I should finally recommend on a more thorough examination .

Some of the rules which have guided me have been these;

1^st, to avoid all straight

Stone Farm - Comⁿ from Supt. respy. [?] =out, &c, Ordered to be placed on file. May 10⁼, 1871. (V= 84.)

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lives, because they are not picturesque or pleasing to the eye; and because they involve more expense, by cutting across all the hills and hollows, instead of winding gently around them.

( The idea that a curved avenue is not as economical of land for lots is, I think, a mistaken one; and has a - risen from the fact that in the early laying out of lots in Mt. Auburn care was not taken to adapt the shape and position of the lots to that of the curved avenues.

We have found no difficulty in economizing all the land on Ash, Fountain, Halcyon, or other of the newer curved avenues, and they are most popular.)

2^d. To give none but easy curves for driving purposes.

[Letterhead: Mount Auburn Cemetery. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, ( P. O. ) Mount Auburn, Mass., _____, 187]

3^d To follow, as ready as practicable, the natural "lay of the land"; so that a carriage will meet no abrupt hills or hollows, but have a smooth and easy grade; and also so that the avenues and lots will be graded with little expense.

4^th To reserve a sufficient number of small or large open spaces to admit of ornamentation; and to protect the most prominent corners from the accident of being neglected, which often follows if sold. (The space marked "Lawn" is naturally suited for such; and forms a conspicuous object from the [Tower or Lower?]- )

5^th To provide a main Central Avenue of extra width from

the back entrance; withe the ornamental grounds close to it.

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The "order of operations", for ease and economy in laying out this or any other piece of ground would be this -

1^st. A topographical survey of the ground, which can be made in no very long time at small expense; mostly by help I have on hand-

3^d. A delineation or staking out of the avenues on the ground; showing clearly their course,

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[Letterhead: Mount Auburn Cemetery. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE ( P. O. ) Mount Auburn, Mass., _____, 187 ;

so that they can be driven over ^^{for inspection.}

4th If their lines are approved, their advantage should be taken in the spring or fall months to cut the sod from the avenues, for our own use. (This would be an important [saving?].)

5^th After removing the sod, the grading and gravelling of the ^^principal avenues for driving purposes should be commenced; and finished before much attempt is made to lay out or sell lots.

These operations might consume time as follows: -

To survey ^^ground, plot & stable out avenues, 3 months, To cut sod, (spring or fall weather,) 3 m To grade avenues, ~ ~ 6 m Thus allowing about 12 months