Mount Auburn Cemetery

44

certificate of record.

It is doubtless, as you remark, unusual for one to put on record the evidence of his title, to real estate. This usually becomes apparent from his possession. But it is a matter of great convenience to proprietors to be able to so with reference to lots in our Cemetery, where there are upwards of 3000 proprietors, each of whom has a fee, it is true, but whose interest is limited by, and must be held in subordination to such by-laws as are made by the Trustees. Every lot owner, I think, will see, upon a moment's reflection, how necessary is the proper record of these titles, that the officers and servants of the Corporation may have the requisite knowledge to guide them in their duties, as none of them can be supposed to have so wide an acquaintence with mankind as to remove this necessity.

That George Derby W. is the only surviving child of the late Mr Welles does not appear from the will itself, and, hence, an affidavit, in addition to the record of the clause of the will, might seem to be necessary. Indeed it could be the course in almost every case where there is no documentary evidence at hand. I have no right, as recording officer,