Mount Auburn Cemetery

25

Oct. 14^th [187]9

J.N. Ballard Esq

Dear Sir

In looking up the enclosed bill, I find that only the usual charges have been made you, and as far as I can understand for just what was ordered, and at prices agreed on at the time. I enclose the copies of the orders given us. The myrtle I suppose you understand is not an annual, but will last for a number of years.

If this explanation is not satisfactory will you let me know what will be.

Yrs very truly J.W. Lovering

Oct. 18^th [187]9

F.M. Brewer M.D.

Dear Sir

Your iron fence will be worth $8⁰⁰, and four of the corner posts can be recut and placed at the corners and the number cut for that sum. I think the four would be better than more, and the fence would not bring enough to pay for cutting the additional posts. To cut them would cost $6.00.

Yrs truly J.W. Lovering

26

Oct 22 [187]9

J.N. Ballard Esq

Dear Sir

Your favor received. As to the shrubs, proprietors usually prefer to pay a price above the market value & cost of setting out, and then when the shrubs do not live call on us to replace them, which of course could not be done if not charged for at a higher price. I will alter the price as you suggest.

In regard to the myrtle one hundred and twenty five and often more plants are used on a single grave. When the florists put in myrtle they usually put in a much smaller number of plants and it takes much longer for the grave to become well covered. Then again two loads (cart loads) of loam and one fourth a cart load of manure was put on the graves in place of the gravel, as we find that if not well prepared the myrtle does not do well, beside which the myrtle needs constant watering which has been given it all summer. As I said, I charged you the usual price which is not an unreasonable one for the work done, and supposed