After its introduction the variety was tested wherever grapes were grown in the United States and Canada,--and for a generation. Its high quality, entirely free from what was then considered objectionable foxiness, handsome appearance, with some other qualities of its Vinifera parent, at first indicated that it was a most valuable acquisition; but it soon developed the tenderness of vine and susceptibility to fungi and insects which have come to be the distinguishing marks of the primary hybrids of native species and the European grape. Its cultivation has long since ceased and it has now a place only in the history of American grape-growing. It has been one of the parents of a number of other grapes, chief of which is Lady Washington, produced from a cross between Allen's Hybrid and Concord. The grape is lost to cultivation but the name should be perpetuated as commemorating one of the great events in American viticulture. Allen's Hybrid was originated by John Fiske Allen of Salem, Massachusetts. In the winter of 1843-44 he fertilized the blossoms of an Isabella vine growing in a greenhouse with pollen from Chasselas de Fontainbleau. Seeds were produced and planted the next year the vines of which began to fruit in 1853 and 1854. One of these seedlings of greater merit than the others was saved and named Allen's Hybrid; the others were destroyed. "The vine is not hardy, and requires winter protection, but is vigorous and productive, ripening quite early, and in sheltered situations is a desirable variety. Bunch medium to large, shouldered, compact; berry medium to large, round, sometimes depressed; skin thin, white, changing to pale yellow when fully ripe; flesh tender, juicy, sweet, rich, with a delicate slightly vinous flavor, and one of the best in quality."[158] AMBER QUEEN. (Vinifera, Riparia, Labrusca.) =1.= _Mass. Hort. Soc. Rpt._, =1870=:33. =2.= _Ib._, =1873=:101. =3.= _Bush. Cat._, =1883=:70. =4.= _N. Y. Sta. An. Rpt._, =8=:342. 1889. =5.= _Ib._, =17=:548, 552. 1898. =6.= _Mo. Sta. Bul._, =46=:42, 44, 46, 76. 1899. =7.= _Ga. Sta. Bul._, =53=:40. 1901. Amber Queen is interesting chiefly as having sprung from three species, _Vitis vinifera_, _Vitis labrusca_ and _Vitis riparia_, and as showing the characters of all in some degree. The fruit strongly indicates the Vinifera parentage, the continuous tendrils Labrusca, and the vine, in vigor of growth and several botanical characters, shows its descent from Riparia. The variety has never been much grown, and when cultivated could be best characterized by its faults--of not setting fruit well, susceptibility to mildew and black-rot and of unproductiveness. It is, however, reasonably successful in especially favorable localities.