CRAB-APPLES. 



225 



Shields. Fruit small, angular, flattened, somewhat ribbed, un- 

 equal; surface a bright solid crimson, the coloring thinner on shady 

 side showing a little yellow ground; dots few, minute, obscure; 

 cavity regular, obtuse; stem three-quarters inch long; basin flat, 

 slightly corrugated; calyx closed; segments divergent. Core closed; 

 cells round, entire; tube conical; stamens marginal; flesh white, 

 juicy, acid, good for culinary use. September, October. 



Soulard. Considered to be a hybrid of the wild crab and the 

 common apple (Pyrus lowensis X P. Mains) ; the first of its type to be 

 brought under cultivation. Originated near St. Louis, Missouri, 

 about 1844; introduced by Hon. James Soulard, of Galena, Illinois. 

 The fruit is used for preserves as a substitute for quinces. 



Soulard Crab. 



Fruit one and one-half to two inches in diameter, oblate, regular; 

 surface green, very oily; dots obscure, many, gray, minute; cavity 

 wide, obtuse, regular; stem long; basin wide, shallow, ribbed; calyx 

 closed, pistil and stamen vestiges often protruding; segments erect 

 convergent. Core closed; cells obovate; tube broad, cylindrical; 

 stamens extremely marginal, touching segments; seeds few, large, 

 plump, some imperfect; flesh greenish white, astringent, sharp acid. 

 Late winter and spring. 



