208 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



The following letter, from Mr. Soulard, was presented as giving 

 the history and origin of this apple. 



HISTORY OF THE SOULARD CRAB. 



At the request of the Horticultural Society of Jo Daviess coiinty, 111., I proceed to 

 give a statement of this extraordinary hybrid. It originated on a farm about twelve 

 miles from St. Louis, Mo., where stood an American crab thicket not inclosed, near the 

 farm house, about twenty-five years since. It was cut down, and the ground cultivated 

 some two or three years ; culture being discontinued, another crab thicket sprang up ; 

 when bearing, one tree (the identical kind now called Soulard Crab) was discovered. The 

 fruit astonished me by its remarkable large size, being sent to me by a friend, whose 

 widowed mother, Mrs. Freemon Delauriere, occupied that farm, and I immediately 

 propagated by grafting upon crab stock, and upon our common seedlings, both produc- 

 ing the same fruit ; thriving admirably on both, and disseminated it among my friends 

 as a very desirable fruit, having nothing of the Siberian type. 



It is to me conclusive that this crab is the offspring of an accidental hybridization of 

 the wild crab by our common cultivated apple. The tree, its foliage, habit, increased 

 •size of tree and fruit, and decreased acerbity, convince me it is a hybrid, and as far as I 

 know, the first instance of such a cross. I consider it the most desirable of all crabs 

 that I have seen. Adding sweetening, it is delicious baked. It makes most excellent 

 preserves, being large enough to be quartered, and unsurpassed by any crab for jams, 

 jellies, etc., imparting its delicate taste and rich crab aroma. The largest have meas- 

 ured over seven inches around. In form, color and smell it is like the common crab, 

 hanging on the tree until destroyed by frost. It will keep two years, with common care, 

 in a cellar, and will stand repeated freezing and thawing in a darkish place. It is agree- 

 able to many palates in the spring. 



Tree is an immense grower in the nursery, coming early into fruit, and making but 

 little growth afterward, and is an immense and regular bearer. I have made some cider 

 as clear as wine, with sugar, or a quarter part of sweet apples. It will make delicious 

 strong cider. 



Tree perfectly hardy, having stood the severest winters here, and at St. Paul, Minn., 

 for twenty-five years. 



I have none for sale, and never expect to dispose of any, not the smallest hatchet to 

 grind ; I am too old. But believe there is money in it for younger ones. 



Very respectfully, 



JAMES G. SOULARD. 



Galena, Feb. 13, 1869. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE AD-INTERIM. 



As Chairman of the Ad-Interim Committee, it is proper to give a brief explanation of 

 the arrangement under which the Committee was to fulfil its duties. At the Freeport 

 meeting, immediately after their appointment, the Committee convened for organization 

 and consultation. It was then decided that as our Society is not favored with funds to 



