PYRUS IOENSIS 259 



distinct from the eastern crab, which I have ever found, 

 is Wood's characterization of as it P. coronaria, var. 

 loensis, in 1860, as follows: "Lvs. (when young), 

 pedicels and calyx densely tomentous. Lvs. ovate and 

 oblong, distinctly lobed ; (fr. not seen). Sent from 

 Iowa by Dr. Cousens." Pyrus loensis is a variable 

 species. The leaves on young and strong shoots 

 are sometimes triangular-ovate, but the blunt teeth, 

 thick petioles and white tomentum distinguish them 

 from P. coronaria, the leaves of which upon similar 

 shoots are very sharp-toothed. The flower -clusters and 

 accompanying foliage, barring the white pubescence, 

 are often much like P. angusti folia. It is not improb- 

 able that it may be found to simulate P. coronaria 

 upon its eastern limits. I am convinced that this 

 prairie states crab is sufficiently distinct from the east- 

 ern crab to be held as a valid species. It has a nor- 

 mal range, marked technical botanical features, and 

 a very distinct fruit. Figs. 46-48 are characteristic. 



In their native and unmixed state, the fruits of 

 these wild crabs offer little promise to the horticul- 

 turist. In newly settled localities they are sometimes 

 gathered for winter use, but they are then used in 

 cookery, although I have known of the fruit of Pyrus 

 coronaria being buried until spring, when it becomes 

 fairly edible, when other fruit is not to be had. Cider 

 has also been made from these wild crabs. Sargent 

 says of Pyrus coronaria : " The fruit is used for pre- 

 serves, and is often manufactured into cider;" and 

 the same remark is made of P. angusttfolfa. Hum- 

 phrey Marshall, over a hundred years ago, speaks of 

 the fruit of Pyrus coronaria as "small, hard, roundish, 

 umbilicated, and extremely acid. It is frequently 



