1. Can. Hort., 11:287. 1888. 2. Rural N. Y., 49:737, fig., 739, 856. 1890. 3. U. S. D. A. Rpt., 1892:264. 4. Bush. Cat., 1894:138. 5. Am. Pom. Soc. Rpt., 1894:75. 6. Mich. Sta. Bul., 169:171. 1899. 7. Ga. Sta. Bul., 53:45. 1901.
Hosford’s Mammoth Seedling (2). Hosford’s Seedling (1).
Hosford is an offspring of Concord, differing from the parent chiefly in the greater size of bunch and berry and in being less fruitful. The variety is surpassed by Worden and Eaton, of the same type, and is probably not worth cultivation. It is claimed by some that this variety is identical with Eaton. It is true that Hosford has a marked resemblance to Eaton but there are noticeable differences in both vine and fruit characters and the pure seedlings of the two varieties are entirely different, those of Eaton being much darker in color and more vigorous. Hosford was sent out several years before Eaton. The vine of this variety looks very much like Concord except that the indentations along the margins of the leaves are deeper.
As a rule the black seedlings of Concord which have been introduced are larger in cluster and berry than the parent and either not as high in quality or no higher, differing materially from Concord’s light-colored seedlings, which are usually smaller in bunch and berry, or at least not larger, and of distinctly better quality. Hosford is a typical black seedling in the above respects.
This variety originated in the garden of George Hosford of Ionia, Michigan. It was found by the owner about 1876 as a chance seedling growing between two Concord vines.
Vine not very vigorous, nearly hardy, unproductive. Canes short, few in number, rather slender; tendrils continuous, bifid to trifid. Leaves medium to below in size, intermediate in thickness; lower surface grayish-white to bronze, heavily pubescent. Flowers semi-fertile, open in mid-season; stamens upright. Fruit ripens shortly before Concord, does not keep very well. Clusters medium to large, tapering, slightly shouldered, moderately compact. Berries large to medium, roundish to slightly oval, dull black covered with abundant blue bloom, persistent. Skin medium to thick, tender. Flesh very pale green, unusually juicy, fine-grained, rather tender, vinous, sweet, good in quality. Seeds not numerous, nearly large, very broad, blunt, plump.
HYBRID FRANC.
(Vinifera, Rupestris.)
1. Am. Vines, 1903:190.
Franc’s Hybrid (1).