THE GRAVE OF RICHARD JEFFERIES. [TO THE EDITOR. OF THE
"SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—A friend had told me that Richard Jefferies was buried in the cemetery at Broadwater, near Worthing, and I went to search for his grave. The sexton knew where to find it, for he said that many people had asked him where it lay. The tombstone is a simple and well-proportioned white marble cross, at the foot of which are the words : "In loving memory of John Richard Jefferies, who died at Goring, August 14, 1887, aged 38. Also in memory of Richard Olive Launcelot, his beloved youngest child, who died March 16, 1885, aged 1 year and 8 months, and was interred at Eltham." On the side of the cross are the words : " W. Hide, Goring." The sexton said that the tombstone had been put up by Mr. Hide, at whose house Jefferies was lodging when his fatal illness seized him. The marble is in need of cleaning, the grave mound ought to be returfed, and the cross a little raised so that the lower part of the inscription may be more visible. " About six years ago a gentleman, he had long hair and looked very delicate—perhaps you knew him, Sir P [No, I did not]—he said he could not bear to see it like that, so he paid to have the stone cleaned and the grave done up ; but no one has troubled about it since." So the sexton. Well, some one means to trouble about it now. But I would ask if there are not a few readers of his books who would contribute towards keeping that grave in order for at least another ten years. I would gladly arrange with the authorities that a small sum should be paid annually for cutting the grass and cleaning 'the stone. Perhaps some words about his birthplace and his writings might be added on the tombstone or placed on a foot- stone. He was but thirty-eight, and ill-health claimed the latter years of his life ; yet how much he had done, though he had to teach himself, and though he had all his life to struggle against poverty !—I am, Sir, &c:, J. G. CORNISH, 106 Marine Parade, Worthing. Rector of Lockinge.
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