[City documents, 1847-1867]
Roxbury (Boston, Mass.). Municipal government
53 Q EH o m Ph o p:? Fm O m to 2J - >^ -1 s?^ w CD,n ^ 13 -i^ 3 1-5 J-. w Q o ;*-. tS P fc. 0) « &" =1 (U 03 0) ^ c ^-.g M CL, & 3 <u O S ""^ i-» S^s^ ti s >, p 3M oO g^ < ° >^ W 15 s b£GO a> t^ &E^ <o ^=-1.S "City of Roxbury, Feb. 18, 1850. The undersigned, Joint Standing Committee on Accounts, in pursuance of the eighth section of the Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance establishing a system of Accountability in the expenditures of the City," requiring them "to audit the account of the City Treasurer, at the close of each Municipal year, and as much oftener as they may deem expedient," hereby certify, that we have examined and audited the within account of Joseph W. Dudley, City Treasurer, in account with Forest Hills Cemetery, and find the same correctly cast, and all payments and expenditures therein charged against the Cemetery, are sustained by the necessary vouchers. We find that there has been received into the Treasury, on account of the Cemetery, at sundry times within the year ending January 31, 1850, the sum of twelve thousand and seventy-seven dollars and eighty cents; and that there has been paid out from the Treasury during the same period, on the orders of the Commissioners, the sum of Eleven thousand two hundred and eighty-nine dollars and thirty-three cents, leaving a balance in the Treasury, January 31, 1850, of Seven hundred and eighty-eight dollars and forty-seven cents. WM. B. KINGSBURY, RICHARD WARD, JOSEPH N. BREWER, STEPHEN M. ALLEN, WILLIAM GASTON, Committee Accounts. In Common Council, Feb. 18, 1850. Read and accepted. Sent up for concurrence. JOSHUA SEAVER, Clerk. In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 18, 1850. Concurred. JOSEPH W. TUCKER, City Clerk. REAL ESTATE OWNED BY THE CITY, The City Hall (of brick) and land—about 11 acres, 30,000.00 The Alms House (of brick) and land—about 11 acres, 30,000.00 The Munroe Farm, about 22 acres, between Warren and Walnut sts. 35,000.00 The City Wharf at Point 8,000.00 The Flats, 72 acres, 1 quarter, in the dry basin, not valued Dwelling house and land on Washington street 2,000.00 The Brook Farm, West Roxbury 19,150.00 Land on Warren place, 28,341 feet 5,300.00 Land on Washington street, near "Wait's Mill" 600.00 Dudley School House (of stone) and land, Kenilworth street 1— nn nn Dudley School House (of brick) and land, Bartlett street 1— nn nn Washington School House (of brick) and land, Washington street 14,000.00 Westerly School House (of wood) and land, West Roxbury, Centre street 4,000.00 Central School House (of brick) and land, corner Brewer and Burroughs Streets 14,000 00 School House and land on Summer street, occupied by Primary Schools 1 and 2,000 00 School House, Centre street, Nos. 3 and 16 1,400 00 School House and land, Smith street, Nos. 4 and 26 3,000 00 School House and land, Centre street, No. 5 800 00 School House and land, Upper Canterbury, No. 7 200 00 School House and land, West Roxbury, No. 8 4,000 00 School House, Lower Canterbury, No. 9 — no land 200 00 School House, near Grove Hall, No. 10 — no land 500 00 School House, Mill Dam, No. 11 — no land 600 00 School House and land, Oxford street, Nos. 13 and 15 2,600 00 School House and land, Yeoman street, Nos. 14 and 17 2,600 00 School House and land, Orange street, Nos. 19 and 20 2,600 00 School House and land, Orange street, No. 21 4,000 00 School House and land, Eastis street, No. 21 4,000 00 School House and land, Land, Elm Street, No. 22 3,000 00 School House and land, Edinboro' Street, No. 23 3,000 00 School House and land, Vernon Street, No. 25 5,000 00 School House and land, Turnpike, opposite Green 3,000 00 Engine House and land, No. 1 Dudley Street 1,000 00 Engine House and land, No. 2 Centre Street 800 00 Engine House and land, No. 3 Centre, near Perkins Street, connected with No. 5 Primary School — valued in School No. 5. Engine House (brick) and land. No. 4 Centre street, Jamaica Plain 1,500 00 Engine House (no land), No. 5 Centre street, West Roxbury 500 00 Engine House, No. 6 Eustis street 800 00 Engine House (no land). No. 7 Ruggles street 500 00 Engine House for Hose Company, near Wait's Mill 310 00 Forest Hills Cemetery — not valued Burial Ground on Eustis street — not valued Burial Ground on Warren street — not valued Burial Ground on Walter street. Ward 8 — not valued Burial Ground on Centre street, Ward 8 — not valued Burial Ground on Centre street, Ward 8 — not valued PERSONAL PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE CITY. The Furniture in the City Hall — Mayor and A Aldermen's Room, Common Council Room, City Clerk's and City Treasurer's offices. In the several School Houses and Watch Houses. In charge of the Chief Engineer — 8 Fire Engines, 9 Hose Carriages, 4,450 Feet of Leading Hose, 208 Feet of Suction Hose, 1 Ladder Carriage, 18 Ladders, 10 Fire Hooks, 58 Buckets, Axes and other apparatus and furniture, 31 Reservoirs, 6 Hydrants, on Mount Warren, 4 Hydrants along line Cochituate water pipes. In charge of the Superintendent of the Alms House — Stock and Utensils at Alms House. Stock and Utensils at Brook Farm. 7 Horses, 5 Yoke of Oxen, 30 Hogs, 3 Cows, 2 Horse Wagons and Harnesses, 6 Horse and Ox Carts and Harnesses, 1 Horse Sled, 2 Stone Drays, Plows, Iron Bars, Drills, Drilling Tools, Hammers, Picks, Chains, and other tools. Produce raised on City Latids at Alms House. 300 Bushels Potatoes, 37 Tons Hay, 3,000 Heads Cabbage, 7 Tons Carrots, 350 Bushels Turnips, 20 Bushels Onions, and other garden vegetables, 14,813 Lbs. Pork raised and killed. Furniture, Beds and Bedding. 155 Beds and Bunks, 150 Under Beds, 35 Feather Beds, 500 Sheets, 200 Pillows, 310 Pillow Cases, 231 Bed Spreads, 60 Counterpanes, 20 Buffalo Robes, with Blankets and other articles of bedding. In charge of the Undertakers — 3 Hearses. 2 Yoke Oxen, 4 Cows, 1 Horse, 1 Horse Wagon, 1 Ox Wagon, 1 Ox Night Wagon. Ox Sled, Plows, Harrow, Rakes, Forks, Hoes, &c. &c. &c. Produce raised at Brook Farm. 65 Tons Hay, 600 Bushels Potatoes, 75 Bushels Corn, 34 Bushels White Beans, 3,000 Lbs. Squashes, 300 Heads Cabbage, 10 Bbls. Apples, 800 Gallons Milk. In charge of the Weighers of Hay- 2 Hay Scales. In charge of the Lamplighters — The Lamps. * The value of the Personal Property of the City was not ascertained by the Committee. REPORT OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. The Overseers of the Poor of the City of Roxbury, respectfully submit the following Report: In consequence of the contemplated removal of the poor to the farm which was purchased last spring for that purpose, as soon as it could be conveniently done, the expenditures upon the Alms House, other than those for the support of the inmates, have been confined to such repairs only as were deemed indispensable for the preservation of the buildings, and to render them commodious for the purposes to which they have severally been appropriated. The inmates at the Alms House at the commencement of the year, were Admitted. Present number. Births.... Deaths out of the House, and buried by the Superintendent. Adults, Americans 16 Children.... 6 — 22 Adults, Aliens, from England 7  to be killed Cows Hogs Horse and Ox Carts Horse and Ox Sled Stone Drays Stone Hammers Iron Bars, 6; drills, 13; striking hammers, 3; ox chains, 6; and various drilling tools. FURNITURE IN THE HOUSE. Bedstead and Bunk Under Beds. Feather Beds Sheets Pillows Bed Spreads Counterpanes Buffalo Robes With blankets and other articles of Bedding in sufficient quantities. PRODUCE RAISED ON ALMS HOUSE GROUND, AND THE WALNUT STREET LAND. Potatoes Hay, including that cut at Forest Hill Cabbages Carrots Turnips Onions Pork raised and killed 300 bushels 37 tons 3,000 heads 7 tons 350 bushels 20 bushels 14,813 pounds When the charge of the Brook Farm was confided to the Overseers of the Poor, a Committee was appointed to supervise its management, consisting of Thomas Simmons, Michael Whittemore and Ira Allen; and although the season for farming was far advanced when possession was taken Of that estate, the most efficient measures were adopted, by that Committee, for raising all that it was possible to accomplish. Most of the inmates who were able to labor, were sent there. The grounds had been much neglected and but little manure could be obtained. A very competent man, by the name of Cary, was employed, with his wife, to reside on the farm, the former to act as assistant, during the absence of the Superintendent, whose time was necessarily divided between the two establishments, under his control, and the latter to have the direction of the female department. The Fruit Trees were pruned, and between eight and nine acres ploughed and planted with corn, potatoes, beans, cababages and other vegetables. The shrubs and small trees in the pasture were dug up and removed, two acres of the meadow were ploughed, manured and sowed with grass seed, an acre of the swamp cleared up, five acres ploughed for planting in the spring, a large quantity of materials collected for forming compost manure, many rocks blasted and taken from the fields, and about fifty-five rods of stone wall built, between the city and Palmer's land and on the side of the pasture. During the warm months, the children were sent to the Pilgrim House, where they were well accommodated, and returned in excellent health, while the other persons, who remained at the Alms House, were far more quiet and comfortable. From the experiment which has been made, and under very unfavorable circumstances, in all respects, it is evident that with the ample means for obtaining vast quantities of the best kinds of materials for enriching the soil, the soil is of the best quality. In the land, which the swamps, barn-yard, and night-cart afford, that the extensive area and diversified quantities of the grounds can be rendered very fertile, and, within a few years, yield such crops as will greatly diminish the annual appropriations for the support of the Poor, and ultimately render the establishment as beautiful and valuable, as it will be convenient and pleasant for the inmates, and honorable to the city. PRODUCTS OF BROOK FARM. Hay , , , . 65 tons Potatoes 600 bushels Corn 75 " Beans 84 " Squashes 3,000 " Cabbages 3,000 " Apples 10 barrels Milk 800 gallons STOCK AND FARMING IMPLEMENTS. Oxen 2 yokes Horse. 1 C ows . Manure 125 cords Horse Wagon 1 Ox Wagon 1 Ox Sled 1 Ploughs 2 Harrow 1 Rakes, Forks, Hoes and 0 other Cools. The Superintending Committee state, in their Report, made to the Board of Overseers, on the seventh inst., that from the accounts furnished by Mr. Meserve, they estimated "the crop raised, together with the manure on hand, the tools, implements and stock, at a fair valuation." $2,862.50 Add to this the improvements on the farm, its increased value in consequence of new fences, from forty to fifty rods of stone wall, &c. &c. $400.00 Amount carried forward, $3,262.50 Amount brought forward, $3,262.50 Expenditures for stock, implements, provisions, &c., &c. $2,192.52 Balance to credit of farm $1,069.98 The Committee also state in their reports, "that much of the success which has attended the cultivation of Brook Farm, is due to the energetic and persevering exertions of the Superintendent;" and conclude their report as follows: "They cannot but feel that the sooner a suitable House for the accommodation of all the inmates of the farm." This House, shall be furnished by the City, at the Brook Farm, the sooner will the hopes and wishes of the philanthropic citizens of Boxbury be realized in having provided a suitable, healthy, agricultural home for the unfortunate recipients of their bounty. As it is of the first importance that the suggestion made by the superintending committee, as to the expediency of the removal of the poor to the farm, it is earnestly recommended that measures should be adopted by the City Council for accomplishing that very desirable object as soon as it is practicable; for it will not only be difficult, but much more expensive to cultivate the land, and perform all such other kind of work as is required for rendering the establishment available for all the great purposes for which the estate was purchased, so long as the existing Alms House is simultaneously maintained. As the Board of Overseers had been informed there was an opinion entertained that the poor of Boxbury were better, and consequently more expensively provided for than those in other parts of the State, a committee was appointed, consisting of Moses Gragg, George Gregerson and Ira Allen, early in the municipal year, to examine such Alms Houses as they might deem expedient for the purpose of making a just comparison of the systems by which they were severally managed; and in a report presented on the thirtieth of December last, they state, that they had visited those in New Bedford, Salem, Boston, Charlestown and Cambridge, and after giving a detailed account of the food furnished in each, every day in the week, they remark that "the amount of help employed differed very little. In proportion to the magnitude of the different establishments, if there is any one of them better provided than the rest, it is that at South Boston; and as to the manner of living, they observe that "New Bedford" is the best. South Boston next, and Salem next, and Charlestown, Cambridge and Roxbury so nearly alike we make no comparison. Annexed is a report of the physician, by which it appears that the whole number of patients during the year, has amounted to 403; of which 317 have recovered, 45 died, 18 have been discharged, or left the Alms House, and 22 are under treatment. The recommendation he has submitted in relation to the retention of the present Alms House for a hospital, and sending only the well-inmates to the farm, is considered as very objectionable; for in practical operation it would result in the foundation of two Alms Houses, in distant parts of the city, and involve a largely augmented and inexpedient expenditure. For if it is not to be an Alms House as well as a hospital for the poor, the destitute patients, when restored to health, must be sent to the farm; and if a hospital is not to be established at that place also, those who there become sick must be removed to the former; so that whether it be only a hospital, or an Alms House and hospital combined, the result in producing an augmented expense would be the same; and if only a hospital, then would there be not only an additional and very costly institution, but the inconvenience of being so far distant from the Alms House, that the trouble and expense of alternately removing The sick and the well from one to the other, would be double that of sending both classes to the farm, where the well could be better, and the diseased as comfortably provided for in all respects as at the proposed hospital. When the capital of the commonwealth, with a population of over one hundred thousand, has not a distinct hospital for the sick poor other than that connected with the Alms House, it cannot be expected that a city so small as Roxbury should incur an expense for such a purpose, when all its means are required to be prudently managed to meet the annual indispensable demand upon the treasury. When the inhabitants shall amount to eight or ten times the present number, and the resources will warrant the measure, it cannot be doubted that a portion of the large tract of land which has been procured for the express purpose of meeting the demand not merely of the age in which we live, but of the distant future, for sites on which eleemosynary and other useful and important institutions may be reared, will be appropriated to the establishment of such a hospital as may then be required; and fortunate will it be for the people when that period arrives, that they are enabled to have all such places of refuge. For the poor and the sick far removed from the midst of their dwellings; and what a cause of gratulation will it be to the afflicted and destitute, that benefaction had provided such a retired, appropriate and pleasant position for their abodes. The propriety of having distinct and isolated apartments for the sick of the Alms House establishment, has ever been considered of the first importance, since the great increase of the inmates, and so necessary was it found to be when a malignant fever prevailed, the year before last, that an edifice was erected for that purpose, as well as a second for patients afflicted with the smallpox. But at Brook Farm, some one of the large buildings can be used for a hospital, and the cottage as a pest house; for the edifice required for the reception of the poor, and other purposes, can be erected sufficiently near to render them available for those objects; and in such a convenient manner as to separate the well from the sick, and thus insure the comfort of both classes of inmates. It is believed that the land on which the Alms House stands could be sold for nearly a sufficient sum to pay for the farm, and to supply the wants of rearing such a building thereon as is required; it would therefore be highly impolitic to retain that establishment merely for the purpose of a hospital, when equally as good arrangements can be made for patients at the former place, and where alone they should be provided for them. In the last report of the Board, it was recommended that a building should be provided, to be used as a chapel, school room, and dormitory; but as it was afterwards concluded that one or more of the buildings at the farm could be converted to these purposes, no appropriation was made for carrying that recommendation into effect; and as the reasons then assigned for affording to the inmates the advantages and consolations of religious services on the sabbath, and the children a more spacious and commodious apartment for their instruction, can be reiterated with propriety, the necessity of a speedy removal of the whole establishment is rendered more apparent and imperious; for justice, humanity, piety, and the duties imposed upon the municipal government, all combine to urge forward and consummate the plan, which was so timely, promptly, and zealously commenced, for the amelioration of the condition of those deeply to be compassionated individuals, who rely upon the public bounty for relief, and at the same time enable the city to extend it in the best manner. and least onerous manner. RECEIPTS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE POOR, FROM FEB. 1, 1849, TO JULY 1, 1850: Balance undrawn Feb. 1, 1849 - $295.68 Received from the State Lunatic Hospital, for error in bill - Additional appropriation - Appropriation for 1849 and 1850 - Earnings on the Highways - Earnings graveling school house yards - Received from other towns for support of poor - Additional appropriation to be reim- bursed from State Pauper accounts Appropriation for repair of Alms House 10 00 2,726 7,000 1,933 21 00 39 Q6 00 85 73 5,000 : 600 00 00 EXPENSES : For support of Poor - - - 16,595 51 For repairs of Alms House - - 367 11 517,717 01 16,962 62 Unexpended balance Feb. 1, 1850 - - . 754 39 From which deduct amount received from other  - 754 39 U7,717 01 8,686 96 Leave the expense of the City for the Poor - |9,030 05 65 All the departments of the establishment have been well managed, and the Superintendent, Physician and Instructress of the children have performed their various and very respon- sible duties in such a faithful and meritorious manner as to entitle them to high commendation. H. A. S. DEARBORN, Mayor and ex-ojjicio Chairman B. 0. P. Roxbury, Feb. 11, 1850. In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 11, 1850. Report accepted and referred to the Committee on Ac- counts, with instructions to print the same. Sent down for conciirrGncG JOSEPH W. TUCKER, City Clerk, Concurred. In Common Council, Feb. 18, 1850. JOSHUA SEAVER, aerh. REPORT PHYSICIAN TO THE ALMSHOUSE. To the Overseers of the Poor of the City of Roxbury : Gentlemen : Four hundred and three patients have been admitted into the hospital attached to the Alms House during the past year. Their diseases and the results are indicated in the following table : Diseases. Recovered Under Treatment Left.* Dead. Total. 35 4 1 19 40 10 10 5 '3 19 1 3 7 *I 12 29 53 13 22 7 10 3 11 2 1 *3 *I *2 2 4 *i *4 "2 *i *i *i 43 Typhoid Fever, Intermittent Fever,.... 5 2 20 41 11 13 Consumption, 7 5 Debility, senile, " 33 55 17 1 23 Severe Fractures, Other Diseases, 7 12 16 Childbirths, 12 318 22 18 45 403 Left, or were removed by friends, when cholera patients were first brought to the house. Most of the insane who left were sent to Worcester. Others generally leave on recovery. Thus it appears that, during a year of comparative health, this hospital has had its full share of the diseases prevalent in the City. It is not improbable that a like proportion will continue as heretofore. Much good is effected by this charity, much suffering alleviated and many lives saved. Still too many defer entering until the period of relief is nearly, or hopelessly, passed. Individual suffering is thereby augmented, and the expense and loss to the community increased. A remedy for this and many other ills attendant on sickness, connected with poverty and destitution, has been repeatedly suggested to former Boards, and through them to the proper authorities. Your attention is again asked to those suggestions, especially as the present time offers a favorable opportunity for carrying out a plan similar to that so often proposed. The City Government, as you well know, has purchased Brook Farm for a Pauper Establishment, in order to give more profitable employment to the well and able-bodied, and to diminish the expense of their support. According to published documents, it will be necessary to erect buildings for the accommodation of both the sick and the well before the contemplated removal of the establishment can be successfully accomplished. There is, however, some reason to believe that the buildings now on Brook Farm may, by a moderate outlay, be put in repair, and be sufficient for the accommodation of the well for years to come, while it is doubted. Whether, leaving humanity out of the question, it will be good economy even to incur the expenses of removal without avoiding those evils of the present arrangement, which arise from congregating the sick and well in one household. "The comfort of the sick," say the Committee who purchased Brook Farm, and say truly, — "the comfort of the sick, and the health of the well, require that all the really sick should be kept altogether away from those in good health." It is therefore suggested, that when the Pauper Establishment shall have been removed, as contemplated, the existing brick building (near Highland street,) be converted into a General Hospital, for the City's sick, and others who, though destitute, should never be classed with common paupers. The City will thus be saved the expense of a new building for the sick at Brook Farm, and the sick poor, most of whom come from the lower wards, the evils City Document, No. 6, Sept. 1849. City Document, No. 3, April, 1849, p. 6. Of the more than fourteen hundred patients treated at the Alms House during the last three years, less than one hundred came from the three upper wards, and these mostly from a neighboring part of Ward 6. Very few have been taken sick in the house, except from exposure to those brought in sick — an exposure unavoidable under a system like the present, and a valid argument for the removal of the well from the sick. And dangers of distant removal, to say nothing of the extra cost thereof; while the separation of the sick from the well, so often urged upon the public attention, — and nowhere better than in the Report of the Committee above referred to, — will also be effectually and properly accomplished. Besides, the expense of maintaining the existing building, which is well adapted for the purpose, and in good condition, when thus converted into a Hospital, need not exceed that of a new building, when erected. Brook Farm. In these suggestions are only carried out the ideas of the Report before alluded to, wherein it is also truly stated that "the Hospital is becoming of more and more relative importance, and should be, as in time it must be to a great extent, a separate establishment." The above proposed plan is believed to be feasible, economical, and for the benefit of the whole City, and as such, worthy of consideration. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, B. E. COTTING, Physician to the Almshouse. Roxbury, January, 31, 1850. The beneficial effects on the sick of the removal of a large portion of the well to Brook Farm during some of the summer months, were very apparent, and excited remarks from all connected with the establishment. In fact, the number of the sick, as well as the amount of sickness, is always diminished by increasing the accommodations and comforts of the sufferers — a truth too well known and admitted to need discussion. Thoroughly built of brick; length 100 feet; width of main 55 feet, of wings 47 feet. Kitchen and wash-rooms in basement; three stories, and a good attic. Erected in 1831, when labor and materials were unprecedentedly cheap, at a cost of $16,500; a large part of the interior since finished. Really too good a building to be demolished when so much needed for purposes above mentioned. City Document, No. 3, p. 6. — For several years past, the admissions of the sick for the benefits of the hospital have exceeded one third of the whole from all causes. It should be borne in mind that this Report is predicated on the supposition that the establishment will sometime be removed. Undoubtedly, the chief objection to such removal will be its great expense. The Report proposes the attainment of a great goodly diminishing such expense — certainly not increasing it. For cheapness merely, the present establishment will probably never be surpassed, having, according to the best estimate that can now be made, never cost the City (after deducting State allowances, receipts, etc.) more than $6,000 a year. This estimate is probably much too large, since the net cost for the past year amounts only to $4,536.51. COUNTER REPOET. To the Son. Board, Mayor and Aldermen. Gentlemen: The undersigned members of the Board of Overseers of the Poor ask leave to submit a Counter Report. The undersigned do not charge the Report of the Board of Overseers with any intentions to misstate the facts; but, for the want of more and further information, they have been led into an error, inasmuch as they have given to Brook Farm a credit of $1,069.98; for it will be clearly shown that the credit ought to be the other way, — against Brook Farm, and not in its favor; for there ought to have been charged to the Farm, 1,500 days' labor for the inmates, who were supported at the Alms House, $150; 40 cords of manure taken from Alms House, $160; provisions consumed on the Farm, $265; use of horse belonging to Alms House, $100; services of Superintendent, $100,— making $1,375; subtract $1,069.98 from $1,375, and there is a balance against Brook Farm of $305.02. This balance might be increased with propriety, but this is enough to show the error. The interest on the purchase might be taken into consideration, if It were necessary. The undersigned differ in opinion from the Report of the Overseers, inasmuch as the Report recommends the immediate building of a house and other accommodations on Brook Farm, so that the paupers may be placed there as early in the season as it is practicable. It is true that we have acknowledged, and do acknowledge, that a house must be built at Brook Farm before the paupers can be placed there; but that is not recommending the immediate building of a house at this time; and, in our own opinion, there are many good reasons against such change. There is now within the limits of the Alms House yard a quantity of stone, which will employ all the inmates who are able to labor, for fifteen years to come, and it is the most profitable employment they can be set about, for there is no one material so much wanted by the City as stone, properly broken and prepared for the roads; and when this stone is all taken from the present situation, the grounds from which it is taken will be much increased in value, and the City will receive a two-fold benefit. The Report of the Board of Overseers in setting forth and stating the reasons why a separate hospital should not be maintained, has given good and sufficient reasons. For the Report says, when our population amounts to some four or five times what it now is, then it may become necessary, but at the present time would subject the City to an unnecessary expense; and what they say in regard to the hospital applies equally as forcible, if not more so, against the moving of the Alms House to Brook Farm. The undersigned most respectfully request that this Report may follow and accompany the Report of the Board of Overseers of the Poor. GEO. GREGERSON, WARREN MARSH, MOSES GRAGG. City of Boxbury, Feb. 18, 1850. In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 18, 1850. Referred to Committee on Accounts. Sent down for consideration. JOSEPH W. TUCKER, City Clerk. In Common Council, Feb. 18, 1850. The Council amend, "with directions to print the same." As amended, passed JOSHUA SEAVER, Clerk. In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 25, 1850. Concurred. JOSEPH W. TUCKER, aty Clerk. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FOREST HILLS CEMETERY. In conformity to the fifth section of "An Act relative to a Public Cemetery in the City of Roxbury," the Commissioners respectfully submit the following REPORT. The work at Forest Hills has not been suspended since that establishment was commenced, as it was ascertained that a few men could be as usefully employed during the winter as at any other season of the year, in grading lots in certain portions of the grounds, and in removing from the meadow a large quantity of vegetable loam, which has been extensively used for enriching the soil in the borders of the avenues and paths, and the surfaces of the lots, previous to their being covered with sods. As the demand for lots was very constant, from early spring until late in the autumn, and the proprietors being generally very desirous that they should be prepared for interments as soon as practicable, the chief attention of the commissioners was directed to the accomplishment of that important object, and in the construction of avenues and paths through those parts of the Cemetery where the lots had been selected; and as the earth within their limits could be advantageously employed in filling up or elevating such lots as required it, above the natural surface of the Ground, it was removed for that purpose to the depth of from two to three or more feet, and the excavations thus made filled with stones taken from the lots in the process of trenching and grading, and being then covered with gravel, a thorough drainage was secured, and the avenues and paths thereby rendered solid, dry, smooth and durable. The variously formed plots within the areas at many of the junctions of the avenues and paths, as well as the ends of the spaces between them, have been reserved, trenched, bordered with sods or stones, and planted with trees, shrubs and herbaceous flowering plants, for the purpose of more completely developing the remarkably picturesque features of the grounds, and thus rendering them more diversified, beautiful and interesting. The trees, with their roots, have been removed from four ranges of footpaths, which extend between White Oak and Cherry avenues, from Aspin to Fountain avenues, whose aggregate length is nearly four thousand feet, and will afford excellent sites for about three hundred lots, as the whole area of the grounds through which they pass is covered with a dense grove of native trees and shrubs. A receiving tomb has been constructed for the deposit of the remains of deceased persons until burial lots have been prepared for their reception. A spacious avenue has been formed, from the southern gate to Walk Hill street, through The land which was ceded by Dr. John G. Warren for that purpose; and a portion of the posts have been set for a division fence, which will be completed early in the spring. This new entrance to the Cemetery was very much required for the accommodation of those persons who reside in the southern portion of the city, and the wagons, who transport from Quincy large blocks of granite for monuments, the foundations of iron fences, and other purposes. This avenue is more than five hundred feet in length, and is thickly bordered with trees, in nearly its whole extent, as it was cut through a natural forest. The nursery, which was commenced in the autumn of 1848, has claimed special attention, and several thousand seedling forest and ornamental trees have been reared, which will be transplanted in April; and the seeds of many other varieties were sown in November. Eight thousand young trees, including fourteen kinds, which were imported from England last spring, arrived in a healthy condition, except some of the coniferous varieties, and have flourished remarkably well; and many of them have been removed to the borders of the avenues and paths. They cost, delivered at the nursery, less than three cents a piece, and will be a valuable addition to our numerous superb native species of forest trees, all of which that can be cultivated in this region, it is confidently believed will be seen growing at Forest Hills, within a few years, as well as all the elegant flowering shrubs to be found in the Northern States; and among them is the Rhododendron and the Kalmia, which are not surpassed in magnificence by any of those which have been grown. been introduced from other countries, and being evergreens, they are peculiarly appropriate for cemeteries. During the eighteen months which have intervened since the sale of lots commenced, three hundred and twenty-six have been subscribed for, and one hundred and twenty-six of that number since the last report. Two hundred and seven have been trenched and sodded. Thirty-five have been enclosed with iron fences, and thirty-one monuments have been erected. Six tombs have been constructed, and there have been two hundred and fifty-two interments. The Receipts and Expenditures have been as follows: Receipts. Balance unexpended Feb. 1, 1849, $116.69 Received for 109 lots, 5,665.10 " grading lots, &c., 6,146.01 " hay, 150.00 $12,077.80 Expenditures. Paid for labor in making avenues, paths, grading lots, &c., $7,176.24 For stone posts, 1,000.00 For bills of Abner Childs, 269.22 For J. T. Ellis & Co., for powder, lumber, &c., 240.81 For trees imported, 217.70 For John Parkinson, interest, 458.77 For Joel Seaverns, interest, 1,196.70 For Wm. Maccarty, for collections, 182.44 For Wm. Maccarty, for bricks, 165.75 For sundry bills for materials, work, &c., 339.70 For James Davenport, For guideboards, $42.00 Balance on hand, $788.47 $12,077.80 Balance on hand Feb. 1, 1850, $788.47 Amount due for lots and grading, $4,906.54 Amount carried forward, $5,695.01 Amount brought forward, $5,695.01 Amount due for 70 lots, partly graded, $1,750.00 Value of two tombs, $300.00 Leaving a balance of $5,246.01 The results which have so far been attained are much more favorable than was anticipated within so short a period. and full illustrate the propriety of having thus early laid the foundation of an establishment which will annually increase in grandeur and importance; for there must finally repose a large portion of the present, and of all the future generations of Roxbury, until "the dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." The living of each successive year will be anxious, from the dictates of affection, respect and piety, to establish and perpetuate the sepulchres of revered relatives and honored friends in such a retired, unbranching, magnificent and sacred garden, which will continually augment the number and variety of funereal monuments, as well as insure the erection of such other structures as may be deemed expedient, and thus ultimately render the grounds as eminently distinguished for the admirable manner in which the rural and artistic embellishments shall have been harmoniously combined, as they are for appropriateness of location, — the best to subserve the holy purpose for which they were solemnly dedicated. ly consecrated. Mr. Brims, the Superintendent, has continued to merit the highest commendations for the faithful and able manner in which he has discharged his various, difficult, and important duties. Annexed is a list of the names of the proprietors, with the numbers and situations of their lots. H. A. S. DEARBORN, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Forest Hill Cemetery. Roxbury, February 18, 1850. City of Roxbury, Feb. 18, 1850. In Board of Aldermen. Referred to the Committee on Accounts, with instructions to cause the same to be printed and distributed with the Annual Report. JOSEPH W. TUCKER, City Clerk. CEMETERY AT FOREST HILLS. COMMISSIONERS. Hon. H. A. S. Dearborn, Alvah Kittredge, Esq., Francis C. Head, Esq., Henry Codman, Esq., George R. Russell, Esq. CATALOGUE OF PROPRIETORS OF LOTS. Proprietors. No. Situation. Feet. Andrews, Henry R. White Oak Avenue. Albert, J. M. 84, do. do. Adams, Adoniram J. 11, do. do. Ames, Robert W. 358, Eliot Hills Path. Anderson, Rufus 130, Narcissus Path. Amory, Elizabeth 169, Violet Path. Ayres, John 282, Cherry Avenue. Allen, Stephen M. 187, Allen, Ira 188, Baker, John 342, White Oak Avenue. 154 Blake, Charles 10, do. do. do. Brownell, Uriah T. 13, do. do. do. Barnes, John 29, do. do. do. Bacon, Wm., Boston, 61, Cherry Avenue. Beal, Wilder  do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 63, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 64, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 65, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 65, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 66, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 67, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 68, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 69, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 70, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 70, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 70, do. do. do. Barton, Jabez W. 70, do. do. do Do. Blake, Jesse 153, Hemlock Avenue. Billings, George 341, Hawthorn Path. Blake, Samuel P. 137, do. do. Brims, Daniel 140, Green Brier Path. Barry, William 353, Jasmine Path. Basford, Henry 83, Red Oak Avenue. Blanchard, A.R. Mrs. 161, do. do. 330 Barry, James 126, Narcissus Path. Bartlett, Henry 204, Aspen Avenue. Blaney, Charles P. 114, Narcissus Path. 120 Bradford, Charles F. Willow Avenue. Blanchard, William 106, do. do. Bazin, George W. 280, Eliot Hills Path. Bell, Amory 304, White Oak Avenue. Brown, George 297, Strawberry Path. Brown, George One Lot. Burnham, T. O. H. P. One Lot. Bond, Sewall B. 174, Myrtle Path. 400 Brown, W. H. 154, Astor Path. 150 Boston, Roxbury. 77 Proprietors. No. Situation. Bacall, Thomas 186, Burroughs, Mrs. 191, Curtis, Francis 35, White Oak Avenue. Clark, Moses 241 and 242, do. do. do. Clark, Alexander 115, do. do. do. Curtis, Nelson 228, do. do. do. Cook, Betsy 237, do. do. do. Cary, Isaac 181, do. do. Cowan, Wm. H. 25, Cherry Avenue. Copeland, Benj. F. 49, do. Copeland, Charles 50, do. Clark, Appleton P. 56, White Pine Avenue. Cunningham, And. 184, Hawthorn Path. Copeland, Franklin 138, do. Comins, Linus B. 85, Red Oak Avenue. Chubbuck, S. E. 176, do. Campbell, Benj. F. 177, Red Oak Avenue. Cumston, William 356, Sweet Brier Path. Clarke, John J 265, White Oak Avenue. Clarke, Manlius S. 264, do. Curtis, Nahum 2, Bellflower Path. Cheever, S. G. 292, Mt. Warren Avenue. Coffin, Gardner S. 256, Aspen Avenue. Carter, Nelson 87, Heliotrope Path. Codman, Henry One Lot. Crossman, Nath' One Lot. Cotting, Benjamin E, One Lot. Campbell, R. C. 220, Heliotrope Crafts, Ebenezer 94, Dudley, H. A. S. D. 22, White Oak Avenue. Dudley, Joseph W. 21, do. do. Dudley, Sarah W. 23, do. do. Dorr, Nathaniel 33, Willow Avenue. Dudley, Eben'r 258, do. do. Davis, Gilman 160, Red Oak Avenue. Dove, John 162, do. do. Dickinson, Jos. F. 158, Holly Path. Dunbar, C. S. 149, Violet Path. Dearborn, H. A. S. 267, Sweet Brier Path. Dearborn, W. L. 268, do. do. 