1870-09-14 Trustee Committee on Birds, Report, 1831.035.001

The undersigned to whom was referred the communication of Mr W. F. Shaw relative to the planting of cherry and other trees likely to attract birds to the cemetery report:

The Trustees are not empowered to plant trees in private lots. Proprietors have theexclusive^{a limited} right to plant thereon such shrubbery as they may elect. It does not appear to be expedient to so far anticipate the tastes of future proprietors of the lots now on sale by^{as to}plan within them ornamental shrubbery which may not conform to the views of their purchasers, and which they would have the right to remove. The opportunities there fore for the Trustees to meet the wishes of Mr Shaw is quite limited, and not sufficient to accomplish any results.

There are moreover reasons that [?] some [restriction?] as to commending a general planting of the cherry, even within these restricted limits. It is not well adapted for growth in close proximity to other trees. In such positions it is wont to be not ornamental and unproductive. And, even under the most favorable circumstances it is generally not an ornamental tree, while the dropping of its fruit at certain seasons, is frequently a source of disfigure

ment to the grounds to its shades. Nor are there many varieties of birds attracted by its fruit. If the three hundred species that visit Massachusetts, we might almost count on the fingers of a single hand the kind that feed on the fruit of the cultivated cherry. There are other trees and many shrubs more [available?] for this purpose. The red-cedar the Sae[?], the cornets[?] and above all others, the mountain ash have their larger number of admirers. This matter of the selection of certain varieties of fruit-bearing shrubbery is a subject worthy of our attention. A list of such suitable fruit-bearing shrubbs as we can recommend for planting in the cemetery would be a valuable acquisition and is a matter well worthy the consideration of the Commmittee on grounds. Its preparation, however, can only be completed with time and the experience of several years. To this subject we recommend the attention of our Superintendent in the hope and belief that a careful study of the respective active in this connection, of different varieties of trees and shrubs would lend to valuable knowledge and be made the means of cor-

tributing both to the ornamenting and adding to the attractions of the Cemetery-

T. M. Brewer E.S. Rand

Report on Com. on Birds; in reply to communication of W. F. Shaw Accepted, & recom^d thereof adopted. (V=2.4 September 14, 1870