MS Plymouth and West Devon Area Record Office Acc No 308

My dear Mary

I think the Grapes are always given to the sick. We held one bunch this year hung on a tiny wheat sheaf. I think those two should go together at a harvest feast, as marking the Greatest and holiest use of both, sanctifying the harvest and the fruit. Our bunch as there was nobody very ill in the parish went to a good old parishioner who was in his daughters at Winchester – dying, he was the good man who for 21 years was Dr Moberlys bailiff at Field house then came and gardened for Mr Wither and Mr Elgie till he was past work, he had saved, and the Bp helped him and came to see him, last year his good old wife died and he went to live with his daughter and on Saturday we buried him here, and Mr Elgie spoke of him in his sermon as one of the faithful

We have never had enough corn to make it possible, but at many places the wheat sheaf is kept separate and sent to be ground for the Bread. I don’t like anything of fruit like apples or pears for I know it would excite the boys – we do most with corn, scarlet geraniums and wild guelder rose berries, also some large brown headed reeds at the river. My Pampas grass has come out early and two or three heads have been broken by these storms.

The little boy 5 years old who was so hurt by the cart, returned thanks yesterday, his father making him attend. He was such a pet in the hospital that I expect he will be more of what his sister calls ‘a little Turkey’ than ever

your affectionate cousin
C M Yonge