Mount Auburn Cemetery

Octo. 30 [186]5

Rev^d Dr. Burroughs

Dear Sir,

Your brother brought in a note from you a few days since in which you were pleased to refer to my judgment respecting the improvement of your lot at Mount Auburn in terms of confidence, and asking him to advise with me as to the kind of fense &c. to be erected.

I have since learned from the Superintendent that nothing has been done to the lot, as he waited for instructions from somebody, and supposed he should soon receive them. He does not usually put parties to unnecessary expense, as he would do in enforcing at once what you will perceive from your deed is the rule -- i.e. within sixty days grade bound & number the lot, unless the proprietor proceeds to do so, where he supposes they intend to enclose the lots with granite curb, or even iron fence. No expense has therefore been incurred, and if you intend to go on with the erection of a fence it is best to let the grading of the lot remain until that is done.

Now, as to the style of fence. Whether you have iron or stone -- there are so many varieties, and it is so much a question of taste for the proprietor to decide upon himself, that it is unwise for anyone to undertake that task for him. Iron fences are liable to rust, unless frequently painted, and are rather out of date now, as there is a growing feeling that a cemetery while is well protected with a high iron enclosure does not need the additional protection to it, small subdivisions or lots in the form of other iron fences, though this feeling, & the finding

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