Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-05-04
The Cemetery.

Few things more strikingly indicate a high
state Of cultivation and refinement. either in
town or country, than a well located, Judi
eiously arranged, and ornamented depository
for the dead. 1t shocks a refined mind to
see the bones of the Flowed and the lost"
scattered here and there in different portions
of village or town, or about the gardens
and plantations of the country, ofeentimes as
they are in this country, unprotected against
the depredations of man or beast, and with
few, if any mark of respect for the fathers
and mothers or other kindred who have fall
len asleep. Yet how common is this, even
among what is called a refined and intelligent
population.
Throughout our land, family burial grounds
or grayeyards for a neighborhood, are to be
seen, in unsuitable positions, without a stone
wall, or even a slab, to mark the spot where
the dead lie, and often without an enclosure
or fence to afford them any protection. Ina
few short years, the homestead passes out of
the hands of the family, the rude pillow levels
the graves of the silent sleepers, tall wheat
or corn cover the spot, and soon it is quite
t forgotten, where such and such a family were
2 buI5ed. Such barbarism belongs to another
age and another cline. Humaniey natural
: affection and civilization, alike, raise their
voice against it.
Every village and town in the land should
have its cemetery,-a common resting place
for the dead, where all may lie,-located Just
beyond their limits, in a quiet, beautiful
le place, accessible to all, where curiosity or af-
a lection may lead the thoughtful mind, to wan
h der among the tombs. Motives of health
OF and other consideration. Should positively
e forbid the burial of human bodies in the
midst of a stirring, active population.
ar Every country neighborhood should have
to a neatly enclosed cemetery, properly arrang-
it ed and cared for. Near a country Church, is
Id the best spot, if you would have it perpetual.
ted and properly watched and protected
What sight more interesting than this to til,
traveller And where would one prefe
Kill more to lie, when he has 'shufHed off thi
ose mortal coil"
Several things are important to be consiC
cred in locating a cemetery. 1t should /
ing sufficiently convenient for all, rich or poo
but quiet and retired. A square plot
an ground, with the native oak, hickory or elm
hey interpreted here and there with a weepir
of willow or the cedar, would be preferable
was any other shape or a cleared field. 1t shou
It of be large enough to allow ample space f
GERS wide walks, and large family plots. Itshou
: flu be slightly undulating if possible, and esI
cially with a good, deep, clay foundation.
,tion Porous earth is wholly unsuited for a cen
few terry. In a solid, clay soil, the coffin, t
most bones and sometimes the Uniformed bod
ID to with the grave clothes on, have been presel
rage ed for a century; while in a porous soil
ouse have known every vestige Of the coffin a
null bones to disappear in twenty-five years.
light Boys and damp spots should also be avoid
Having secured a plot of ground, with
n ex- many of the above advantages as possible,
a strong enclosure be thrown around it,
les at a ditch of suitable dimensions
it entirely. Let then the walks ~suficien
wide be carefully laid off, and each side W
well set in box, interspersed with the m
durable rose bushes and other flowers. II
es by ie1 l'nihy PiolS DC measured numbered
posted. If there be no natural growth,
~, i suitable trees be planted in proper orde
i CON an early day.
S, and IN such d Spot "hether II DE on the
of skirts of a town or city, or contiguous to
state country Church, one might covet to ]
ptable "Ae" INC I'LL oi N : oa'te : huSheu ah'
noaco has sunk quietly to rest. In such a pl
we love to linger, and unconsciously Il
. ,r;u softly, as if we would not wake the sleep