The governing body of any city of the second class may purchase, hold and pay for, in the manner hereinbefore mentioned, lands not exceeding eighty acres in one body outside the limits of such city, for the purpose of burial of the dead. The council shall provide for the survey, platting, grading, fencing, ornamenting and improvement of all the burial and cemetery grounds and the avenues leading thereto owned by such city, and may construct walks, and rear and protect ornamental trees therein, and provide for paying the expense thereof.