Copying Book: Secretary's Letters, 1860 (page 085)

Boston Sept. 12. 1863

Chas. P. Curtis Esq
Chairman Comm^ee on Lots

Dear Sir,

I enclosed the Supt^d Rep^t
of present condition of lot no 1175, also
of lots 1875 to 1878 inclusive for which
latter a contract is sought to be
made including all the lots in one
sum.

You perceive Capt. Winsor's sug-
gestion of 700 or 750 for the whole.-

The by-law (p. 48 of Catalogue sc.) now stands
thus - "The Trustees may also guarantee the perpetual
repair of lots containing 300 feet & upwards, on pay-
ment to the Treas^r of a sum not less than $300,
and of lots containing less than 300 feet on the pay-
ment of a sum not less than $100."

Each of these four lots contains 300 feet.-
hence the by-law would require $1200.-

For lots contiguous and in one enclosure,
I am compelled to think the by-law is impracti-
cable. As it stood at first, $300 was the least
sum which could be accepted for the guaranty
upon any lot. Then came applications
for the perpetual care of small lots,
lots on which very small expense would
be required; and an amendment was
tasked on Oct. 3. 1859, providing that for
lots of ^^not less than 100 feet a sum not less
than $100 should be required.

And now comes another case, where
it is obvious that two, three, or more
contiguous lots improved in the same
manner, and at the same time, can
be taken for a much less sum than
if situated in different parts of the
Cemetery.

The truth is that the number of square
feet in a given lot, or enclosure containing
two or more lots, is a very poor standard
for fixing the requisite amount, because
it may cost more to take care of one
lot with 100 feet with its appurtenances,
than another lot with 200 or 300 feet.
Besides, the statement of a sum in
the catalogue operates to mislead per-
sons who do not read carefully. They
come with $300 fixed in mind, and
when $500 or $600 is asked, they appear
to be greatly surprised and disappointed.

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