Prof. Mapes objects to the position taken by the Maine Farmer, that the English Crab is a distinct species from the common apple, and that the latter did not spring from the former as some have supposed, and as Downing and others maintained. Scientific authority and facts appear fully to establish the entire distinctness of the two. The celebrated English botanist, Ray, regarded them as distinct, and later authorities have given the following specific characters, which show them to be more unlike than many others universally admitted as distinct.

English Crab

Leaves ovate, acute, pillow underneath; styles bald; fruit acerb, astringent, austere.

Apple Tree

Leaves ovate-oblong, acuminate, glabrous; styles villous; fruit more or less sweet.

In accordance with these marked distinctions, is the experience of centuries; for the English crab has been propagated from seed from time immemorial, without changing its character, or presenting any resemblance to the fine varieties of the common apple. It may be observed that the American crab apple, is totally distinct from both.