Narrative
Type = American Hybrid. Per Hedrick (see citation): "Vine intermediate in vigor, doubtfully hardy, variable in productiveness, some seasons producing such heavy crops that the vine is weakened, and on this account a somewhat uncertain bearer . . . Leaves not healthy, medium to small, of average thickness . . . Flowers fertile, open medium late; stamens upright. Fruit ripens about with Delaware, keeps and ships fairly well . . . Berries small, roundish, pale red to attractive red when properly ripened, covered with a medium amount of dark lilac bloom, persistent, firm. Skin thin and tender but does not crack, contains no pigment. Flesh pale green, very juicy, tender, nearly melting, fine-grained, vinous, sweet or nearly so from skin to center, refreshing, very good to best in quality. The flesh characters closely resemble Delaware." Per Bush and Son and Meissner (see citation): "It is an admirable grape both for its beauty and fine quality; but a weak grower and often winterkilled. Cluster above medium, compact and well shouldered; resembles Delaware more than any other variety, but is about one-third larger, rather darker red with less bloom; quality best; no pulp, melting like Iona. Claimed to be very valuable as a wine grape. It ripens very early, with Hartford, and keeps a long time after being removed from the vine, tasting like raisins when shrivelled. As a dessert fruit it is considered by some good judges as equal to fine European grapes, but worthless north."