Vine not uniform in vigor, doubtfully hardy, quite variable in productiveness, inclined to be an uncertain bearer, subject to attacks of fungi. Canes medium to below in length, numerous, intermediate in thickness, light brown but conspicuously darker at nodes, surface covered with thin blue bloom; tendrils intermittent, bifid. Leaves small to medium, thin; upper surface light green, nearly dull, smooth; lower surface pale green, almost glabrous; veins indistinct. Flowers semi-fertile, open early; stamens upright.
Fruit ripens soon after Concord, keeps and ships well. Clusters medium to large, long to medium, of average width, cylindrical to tapering, frequently with a medium to large single shoulder, variable in compactness but often loose and with many abortive fruits. Berries large to medium, roundish to oval, somewhat flattened at point of attachment to pedicel, dark purplish-black, glossy, covered with thick blue bloom, persistent, firm. Skin intermediate in thickness, tough with wine-colored pigment. Flesh greenish, juicy, fine-grained, tender, vinous, sweet, good in quality. Seeds separate readily from the pulp, medium to nearly large, broad to medium, slightly notched, long to above medium, dark brown; raphe shows as a moderately distinct cord; chalaza small, above center, distinctly oval. Must 93°.
SENASQUA.
(Labrusca, Vinifera.)
1. Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1868:10. 2. Downing, 1872:120 app. 3. Am. Jour. Hort., 8:9. 1870. fig. 4. U. S. D. A. Rpt., 1875:384. 5. Bush. Cat., 1883:138. fig. 6. N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt., 9:327. 1890. 7. Ib., 11:636. 1892. 8. Ib., 17:535, 546, 547. 1898. 9. Ga. Sta. Bul., 53:49. 1901.
It is almost a sufficient characterization of Senasqua to say that it is a Labrusca-Vinifera hybrid. The merits and demerits of the cross-breeds of these two species are so similar in the varieties of them now in cultivation that they can be placed in a group having as few variations as can be found in the parent species. The characters of these hybrid grapes have been well discussed in writing of the varieties sent out by Rogers and the place of Senasqua is well designated when the statement is made that it is very similar to Rogers’ hybrids. The vine lacks somewhat in vigor, hardiness, productiveness and health. The grapes are of good quality and when well grown the variety is up to the average of such hybrids in fruit characters so far as the palate is concerned. Unfortunately the berries have a tendency to crack which is aggravated by the fact that the bunches are so compact as to crowd the berries and thus add to the cracking. Senasqua is one of the latest to open its buds and is therefore seldom injured by late frosts. This variety is hardly as well adapted for commercial viticulture as several other such hybrids and can be recommended only for the garden for the sake of variety.
Stephen W. Underhill of Croton Point, New York, originated Senasqua from seed of Concord pollinated by Black Prince. The seed was planted in 1863 and the resulting variety introduced about 1870. This variety, although it attracted much attention at the time of its introduction, was never popular. It was rather widely tested but was soon dropped and is to-day practically obsolete. The foliage and vines of Senasqua show little trace of Vinifera but the descent from the foreign species is plainly marked in the fruit.