540 [ THE VINE. 



it has never spread notwithstanding its valuable qualities. 

 The vine has a quick and large development ; with large 

 five-lobed leaves, having a closed petiolar sinus ; dark 

 green on the upper surface, heavily covered with a cot- 

 tony web on the under surface. The bunches are fairly 

 large, long, conical, winged, rather loose. The berries 

 are roundish or round, fairly large, whitish green and 

 pellucid, with a slight bloom. The rind is thin but tough, 

 the seeds are few and small, and the pulp is soft watery, 

 sweet, with a fine and delicate flavour. It is a table 

 grape of good quality, and very early, usually maturing 

 well by the end of July. The vine is productive, and 

 should be more grown on account of its earliness and 

 fine flavour. 



74. MARSUSA or MARSUSA BAJDA. (lt.-=Albana, 

 Albana biinca, A. gentile, A . di 7oscana, Biancame). 

 This ancient vine is very vigorous and is suitable for 

 trailing on pergolas and trees, requiring rather long 

 pruning. The leaves are broad and rounded, deep 

 green, five-lobed, with the upper surface often blistred 

 or rugose, with a dense cobweb of hairs on the lower 

 surface, and with a reddish leaf -stalk and midrib. The 

 bunch is conical, and usually winged, generally compact, 

 but may be slightly loose. The berries are of medium 

 size, round, slightly covered with bloom, becoming yel- 

 low or golden yellow at maturity, sometimes blotched or 

 marbled with rust. The pulp is soft, sweet and juicy. 

 Matures rather early and yields a wine of good quality 

 and of a golden yellow col our. It is a very good wine 

 grape for these Islands, and is also a good sort for the 

 table. Other forms of this vine, having smaller leaves 

 smooth on both surfaces, and bearing less compact 

 bunches, are also cultivated. 



75. MARSUSA SEUDA, (lt. = Albana nera, Albani- 

 na). This vine is only grown here and there ; and is 

 generally confused vttfh. gelhuza seuda. The plant is very 



