Staunton Nurseries
Staunton Va Nov. 28th 1839

Dear Sir,
In reply to your note of the 15th [?] (which has just been received) Allow me to express my regret that you were disappointed by not finding the Cranberry plants amongst the moss that was used in packing your trees. When Mr. Keus Saw you he expected we would procure our moss at the accustomed place and as a matter of course the Cranberry plants would be gathered with it as they grow amongst the moss. We however sought a more convenient place for gathering moss where no Cranberry plants grew- the reason [?] did not

them as Mr. Keus anticipated.
I was not aware that you 
were very anxious to get them or 
I should have dispatched one 
of my men to get them.
I will now endeavor to make 
amends and if this weather remains 
favourable for a few days I will 
procure them for you this fall. 
If not you may rely upon 
getting them in the Spring. 
I cannot promise you enough 
to plant the whole plot but 
will do the best I can for you.
I cannot speak from 
experience with regard to the culture 
of the Cranberry but will 
give you such information as 
I have received from intelligent 
and successful growers. 
Sand moisture and air are 
of the most essential items 
for Cranberry culture.

stagnant water is however unfavoured 
a covering of 2 to 4 inches of sand 
will be found of great advantage 
unless sand already predominates 
to a great extent. Stimulating 
manures [?] fertilizers of all 
kinds should be avoided as 
the produce vines & not fruit. 
A situation that can be overflown 
will be found important as 
by that the plants can be protected 
until the Spring frosts are over. 
When this is to be done it is 
best to have the land graded to 
a common level if not naturally 
so, a smooth surface also aerates 
the gathering of the fruits
before planting the ground should 
be freed from all vegetable 
growth-plowing and harvesting 
as in preparation for a crop of [?]. 
The [?] which the [?] should be set from each

depends partly upon the sort of 
plants used and partly upon the time 
you are willing to wait for a 
full crop. The closer they are 
planted the sooner they will cover 
the ground. The distance varies 
with plants from 18 inches to 3 feet. 
When large tufts are used, 3 feet will 
do very well but in setting single 
plants 2 feet will be about the 
proper distance. When large tufts are 
used a shovel is used to make a 
hole large enough to admit them. 
Single plants after having their 
roots dipped in a bed of mud
may be planted by making a hole with 
a sharp stick or dibble 3 or 4 inches 
in depth. Then lay the plant down 
and cover all of it except for the buds 
of the [?] & they will take root 
as each joint & cover the ground 
much sooner than were the root only 
planted. In 2 years the surface 
should be kept free from weeds after 
which the Cranberries will take 
care of themselves. I will write 
you again before sending them.

Very Respectfully Yours
Obedient Servent
F. Davis

J. Tyler