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History of the town of Hingham, Massachusetts

Boston Public Library Boston, MA 02116

HISTORY

OF THE

TOWN OF HINGHAM,

MASSACHUSETTS.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

Volume I. — Part I. HISTORICAL.

PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN.

1893.

5 oosox fl£f

/■ /

<9tottocrsitu IQrrss : John Wilson and Sox, Cambridge.

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PREFACE.

TN the year 1827 a History of Hingham was compiled by Solomon Lincoln, Jr., which was published by- Caleb Gill, Jr., and Farmer and Brown, of Hingham. It was a small volume of one hundred and eighty-three pages, the work of private enterprise, and only three hundred copies were printed. Many of the copies have been destroyed or lost, or distributed among the families of persons who have removed from Hingham ; collec- tors of rare books have also contributed to make the work still more scarce, and of greatly enhanced money value ; so that it has been difficult to secure information concerning the early annals of the town. Moreover the last half-century has been prolific with changes in our local affairs as important as any in all our previous history. It therefore became a matter of sufficient public interest for the town to take some action in relation to the publication of its history, and at the annual meeting in 1882 a committee was appointed to consider the expedi- ency of publishing a History of Hingham. This committee made a report at the annual town meeting, in 1883, recom- mending " that the town cause a History of Hingham to be prepared and published, and that a committee be appointed to have entire charge of the publication."

vi Preface.

The report was accepted, the recommendations adopted, and the following committee appointed to carry the same into effect, viz. : —

George Lincoln. E. Waters Burr. Edmund Hersey.

Fearing Burr. Elijah Shute. Amasa Whiting.

John Cushing. Henry Stephenson. Joseph 0. Burdett.

Francis H. Lincoln. John D. Long. Walter L. Bouve.

Amasa Whiting was unable to serve, and Arthur Lincoln was appointed in his place.

Liberal appropriations have been made by the town from time to time, for the accomplishment of the work.

The first question which confronted the committee was, " Who shall write the History ? ' It was agreed at once that for the preparation of the Genealogies of Hingham families Mr. George Lincoln was best fitted, on account of the amount of material already in his possession, his many years of research, and his familiarity with the families of the town. He was therefore employed by the com- mittee to furnish that portion of the work. Had there been known to the committee any one person possessing the ability and taste for historical writing, the leisure to devote to it, and familiarity with the history and tra- ditions of our town, he would have given to the work a uniformity of style and continuity of narrative which is very desirable. But no one answering this description appeared to be available, and as assurances of a willing- ness to write upon special topics were given by several of our citizens, who seemed to be well adapted to such special work, the plan was decided upon which has its fulfilment in the following pages of " Historical " matter. The work of these authors has been without compensation other than

Preface. vii

the pleasure and satisfaction gained from the study of the past, and at much cheerful and voluntary sacrifice of time and strength. Many of the illustrations have been procured through the enthusiasm of some of our local amateur photographers.

The work has grown far beyond any original expecta- tion of its magnitude, and, as it is, much has of necessity been omitted which it might be profitable and interesting to preserve ; the patience of the town has been taxed through many years of anxious waiting ; but it is hoped that the perusal of these pages, with their narratives of past accomplishments, may inspire a patriotic pride among our citizens to maintain an honorable place in the world's history for the Town of Hingham.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Volume 1. — Part I.

Page

The Geology of Hingham . . . Thomas T. Bouve . . 1

Mineralogy '• '• . . 75

Notes on Animal Life .... •• •• ... 79

The Botany of Hingham ... '•' •• 87

Trees and Shrubs of Hingham . Edward T. Bouve . . . 139

Ancient Landmarks " '•' ... 157

Early Settlers John D. Long .... 201

Military History Walter L. Bouve . . . 209

ILLUSTRATIONS

Volume I. — Part 1.

Page

Portrait of Thomas T. Bouve i!4

Union Street Dike 34

Beach Street Dike 35

From a drawing by Edward T. Bouve.

Double Dike, Rocky Neck 49

From a drawing by Edward T. Bouve.

Pot Holes, Cohasset 54

Pot Holes, Cohasset 56

Kames near Great Hill . 60

Bowlder, Cobb's Bank 67

From a drawing by Edward T. Bouve.

Bowlder, Derby Street 68

From a photograph by George E. Siders.

Main Street, Hingham . 140

From a photograph by Francis H. Lincoln.

Old Elm, East Street 150

From a photograph by Francis A. Osrorn.

Old Elm, Prospect Street 150

From a photograpli by Francis A. Osborn.

Tittling Rock 164

Engraved by Wallace Corthell from a photograph by George E. Riders.

Pond Rock, Scituate Pond 169

Engraved by Wallace Corthell from a photograph by George E. Siders.

Home of General Lincoln ISO

Main Street, South Hingham 184

From a photograph by Henry F. Guild.

Thaxter House 188

From a photograph by William Hudson.

Corner of Main and Leavitt Streets 190

From a photograph by Francis A. Oshorn.

xii Illustrations.

Page

Glad Tidings Eock ...... 195

Engraved by Wallace Cortiiell from a photograph by George E. Siders.

Sprague's Bridge, Union Street 196

From a photograph by Henry F. Guild.

Portrait of Joseph Blake 256

Portrait of General Lincoln 304

General Lincoln's Monument 306

Portrait of Governor Andrew 342

Statue of Governor Andrew 368

From a photograph by Henry F. Guild.

Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument 371

From a photograph by Fraxcis H. Lincoln.

MAPS TO ILLUSTRATE GEOLOGY.

General Map of Hingham 4

District between Crow Point and Huit's Cove .... 30

District between Lincoln Street and Beal's Cove . . 42

Rocky Neck on Weir River 46

Hingham Village and West Hingham 52

HISTORY

OF THE

TOWN OF HINGHAM,

MASSACHUSETTS.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

Volume I. — Part I. HISTORICAL.

HISTORY OF HINGHAM

THE GEOLOGY OF HINGHAM.

BY THOMAS T. BOUVE.

INTRODUCTION.

Boundary Lines.

The boundary-line of Hinghain, commencing on the water- front at Cohasset, near the head of Nantasket Beach, runs west through an elongated inlet of the sea or bay which lies east of the lower waters of Weir River, and from thence follows along this river, and subsequently skirts the coast at the base of the hills known as Planters' and World's End, in a northwesterly direction until it passes the latter, when it turns westerly and crosses outside the harbor of the town and the shores north to the mouth of Weymouth Back River. From there this river forms the boundary between the town and a part of Weymouth to the head of navigation, about three and a half miles. The other boundary-lines are artificial, dividing the town on the west from a part of Weymouth not separated by the river, on the south and southeast from Rockland and Norvvell, and on the east from Cohas- set. The boundary-line of the harbor leaves exterior to it Bunkin Island, which belongs to Hull, and that of the southern boundary crosses Accord Pond, the beautiful sheet of water from which Hingham draws its abundant supply.

The shore-line of the water-front of the town, as distinct from that of the boundary, is much more extensive, following as it does the numerous indentures of the coast, and embracing the circum- ference of the islands. Notice should be taken of the distinction between the boundary and shore lines, as they comprise the limits between which the marine forms of life appear that may be here- after mentioned.

The coast bordering upon the Weir River and Bay is of varied and picturesque character, with its alternating rocky projections and swampy plains. The shore-line, too, from Crow Point west

VOL. I. — l

2 History of Hingham.

to the mouth of Weymouth River presents much diversity, and at Huit's Cove, where the rocky cliffs are covered with forest growth, the scenery becomes again quite interesting, and continues so upon the river front to the head of navigation.

"O'

The Harbor.

The harbor of Hingham, properly so called, is embraced within an extension of land on the east side which rises into hills of con- siderable magnitude, the outermost of which is World's End, and an opposite shore of less extent, which presents itself partly as a sandy and stony beach, but having towards its extremity some rocky prominences, finally terminating at an elevation of land which received at an early period the name of Crow Point, prob- ably from the great number of crows that congregated there. In the harbor, which is from three fourths of a mile to a mile in width and about one mile and a half in depth, are three beautiful islands, bearing the names respectively of Ragged, Sarah's, and Langlee's ; of which the first named is particularly picturesque, from the rugged outline of its coast and the dark savins upon its crags. They are all of moderate elevation, and shrubs of low growth cover their undulating surfaces. Only one deciduous tree is seen, and that a Linden of considerable size, upon the one known as Langlee's.1 Besides these three islands, there is yet another near the shore of the town, and which from its diminutive size received the name of Button Island. The harbor itself is a charming one when the tide is in, and by no means lacks beauty when this has ebbed. True, the lovely sheet of water has disappeared from view, but the exposed flats are covered everywhere with the dense sea- grass that rests recumbent on their surfaces, and there is seen meandering through its sombre green a silvery channel pleasing to the eye, and which is of sufficient width and depth to admit the steamers and other vessels that approach the town. Other large islands lie off the coast of Hingham, but the town line separates them from its possessions. Particular attention is called to those of the harbor and to the contour of the coast, in order to the better understanding of the geological phenomena to be hereafter presented.

Area.

The area of Hingham, as given in the Town Report for 1885, p. 76, is 12,973 acres.

The greatest length of the town is that shown by a line from World's End to the southwesterly point at Rockland. This is over eight miles.

1 Since the above was written young trees set out upon the two islands, Sarah's and Langlee's, by the present proprietor, are becoming conspicuous, and promise to add much to the beauty of their surfaces and of the harbor generally by their growth.

The Geology of Hingham. 3

The greatest width across the town, direct east and west, is from where Scituate touches the boundary to Weymouth. This is five miles. Across the northern part of the town, at the point of its junction with Hull and Cohasset, west to Weymouth River, the width is a little over four and a third miles. Between these two measurements it narrows on an east and west line to about three and a third miles.

Topography.

The topography of Hingham is of sucli marked character as to make it of exceeding interest to those who are at all acquainted with surface geology. The writer therefore hopes to be able to impart such knowledge of this in later pages devoted to the phe- nomena of glacial action as will add much to the pleasure of townsmen and strangers alike in travelling over its territory.

The most noticeable features arise from the great number of the beautiful hills belonging to a class called by Irish geologists, Drumlins, signifying long, rounded hills, and by our own country- man, Prof. Charles H. Hitchcock, Lenticular Hills, from their lens-like form. They are distinguished by their oval and sym- metrical outlines, by their composition, and by the direction of their longest axes, which in this region is approximately north- west and southeast. They are products of the ice period, in the treatment of which a full account of them will be given. Otis Hill, Turkey Hill, Prospect Hill, Baker's Hill, Squirrel Hill, Great Hill, Planters' Hill, the Hills of World's End, the Hills of Crow Point and neighborhood, and many others of lesser magnitude, are of this character. Of much less prominence, but of not less interest to students of surface geology, are the Karnes, so called, consisting of ridges, hills, and hillocks, which occur over a large portion of territory in the western part of the town. These, like the Lenticular Hills, owe their origin to glacial action.

In a very general way it may be said that the settlements of the town rest upon four surfaces of different elevations, namely : one along the harbor and spreading west towards Fort Hill and Wey- mouth River ; Lower Plain, so called, which rises from the first- mentioned, half a mile or more inland ; Glad Tidings Plain, a slightly higher level which succeeds the last, three or four miles inland, and which is separated from it by a depression of the land ; and finally, Liberty Plain, the highest of all, reaching to the southern boundary.

This statement, however, though true of the several settlements of the town, affords but a very inadequate idea of the diversified character of the whole territory, for even the lowest region has several of the high hills mentioned rising from it, and bordering the second is Turkey Hill, having an altitude of 181 feet, which is only inferior to the highest of all in town.

4 History of Hingham.

One of the most prominent of the elevations of the lowest plateau is Otis Hill, which rises quite near the harbor on its western side. The views from this are very fine, and should be seen by all who keenly enjoy an extended prospect. It is said that Daniel Webster ascended the hill whenever opportunity presented itself, feeling amply repaid for the necessary exertion in reaching its summit. On the east, beyond Nantasket Beach and the rocky shore of Co- hasset, the open sea spreads itself to the vision until lost in the distant horizon ; north, the coast of the opposite side of Massa- chusetts Bay may be traced until it, too, fades from sight towards Cape Ann ; and northwest, the domes and spires of the great city, with the expanse of water gemmed with islands and dotted over with vessels gliding among them, afford an enchanting scene. The height of Otis Hill is about 129 feet. The still higher ele- vation of the second plateau, Turkey Hill, before mentioned, affords yet grander views. No one who has not been here can appreciate the transcendent beauty of such as may be enjoyed from its summit, in looking towards the west and northwest just as the sun is sinking beneath the horizon, especially when hover- ing clouds are lit up by its rays and the intervening water is tinted by their reflections.

The highest elevation of all is that of Prospect Hill, and it is worthy the name. This is in the south part of the town, and has a height of 218-^ feet. Measurements of other hills give the fol- lowing results : —

Baker's, 141 feet; Squirrel, 133 feet; Great Hill, 120 feet; Planter's, 118 feet ; Old Colony, 70 feet ; Liberty Pole, 107 feet ; the highest of the World's End hills, 92, the lowest, 66 ; Crow Point Hill, 81 ; Pleasant, near Crow Point, 93 ; Bradley's, 87 ; Tucker's, between Crow Point and Pleasant, 65.

Much of the remaining territory presents itself in rounded hil- locks of various elevations, and in the west part of the town these prevail over a great area. Unfortunately they have to a. great extent been denuded of trees. Barren wastes are found, unsightly to the eye where beauty might abound, and where profit might be realized if the surface could be devoted to forest culture. Nothing could be done that would be more advantageous to this almost destitute portion of the town than to cover it with the white pine, as there can be no doubt but that it would be a wise investment of money to do this if proper precautions were taken to protect the growth from destruction by fires.

Independently of the interesting features of the landscape men- tioned, there is such variety of surface over the town as to make all parts attractive.

In some portions are miles of rich and rocky woodlands, in other portions swamps impenetrable from forest growth. In places, high cliffs of rock rise from above the general level ; in others, green meadows of peaceful beauty stretch far before the

The Geology of Hingham. 5

vision. Here may be seen from some elevation tree-clad hills and dales ; there, water checkered with islands, and the ocean itself receding in the far distance from sight. Here one may wander along a rock-bound coast, with objects of interest everywhere in view; or he may seek and find, in deep dark woods, sequestered glens as far remote seemingly from all human surroundings and associations as would be to him the recesses in the distant moun- tains. Few towns, indeed, can present more diversified features.

Swamps.

There are numerous swamps in the town, some of which are quite extensive, as Bare Swamp, which extends over a considera- ble tract of country, from the neighborhood of the West End depot to French Street, near Weymouth ; Hemlock Swamp, which lies between Hobart and High streets ; and several others southwest of these.

Rivers.

Excepting Weymouth Back River, which borders a part of the town on the west, and Weir River, there are none worthy the name. Many streams contribute to the latter, the most important of which has its origin in Accord Pond. Others of its tributaries flow from the swamps of the town, which, as before stated, are numerous, especially in its western portions.

Ponds.

Of the ponds of the town delineated on the map, Cushing's, Trip-Hummer, Fulling-Mill, and Thomas', are all artificial. The only natural one of any considerable area, of which any portion is within the borders of Hingham, is Accord Pond. This seems sin- gular, considering the many natural line sheets of water which are found in the surrounding territory. What Nature has, however, denied, has been in part provided through the enterprise of the inhabitants, who for manufacturing purposes have dammed the streams, spread their waters over surfaces bounded by hills, and thus greatly enhanced the beauty of the scenery in many locali- ties. Cushing's Pond resulted from the damming of one of the tributary streams of Weir River, known as Plymouth River ; Trip- hammer Pond, from the damming of another tributary known as Beechwood, or Mill River ; Thomas' Pond from the damming of the main stream ; and Fulling-Mill Pond from a small stream, sometimes called Cold Spring.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS ON GENERAL GEOLOGY.

Any account of the Geology of Hingham would necessarily be but of little service to the unscientific reader, unless preceded by some remarks upon the several ruck formations of the earth and the periods of their deposition. The advance of knowledge respecting these has been so rapid that the very terms but re- cently used to designate their relative age are not only obsolete to a considerable degree, but often misleading. For instance, it is not long since the word '; primitive " conveyed to all students the idea that the rocks so designated, the granites, were the earliest formed of all the earth's strata ; but now it is a well-recognized fact that these have been produced in nearly all periods of geo- logic time. All ideas based upon views taught in the books of a past generation respecting Primitive, Transition, and Secondary rocks should be dismissed from thought as being now but of little or no significance.

In order that the mind may be receptive of the grand ideas which a knowledge of geological phenomena cannot fail to im- part, it is necessary first of all to disabuse it of the narrow con- ceptions of creation which have too long prevailed among men. It must recognize the sublime truth that the great Power which permeates and controls all matter has been for inconceivable ages evolving from the chaos of things the innumerable worlds that compose the universe ; and in fine must look upon the earth we inhabit, with all its multitude of living and ever-changing forms, as the result of the constant and never-ceasing action of creative energy for not only thousands, but for very many millions of years.

The calculations relative to the age of the earth have been based upon several grounds, — one astronomical, by estimates of the time which would be required to reduce the sun from the dimen- sions embraced within the orbit of the earth to its present size. This Professor Newcomb makes 18,000,000 years. Add to this the time which he concludes might have passed before the tem- perature of the globe itself would have been reduced so as to allow of the existence of water upon it, 3,845,000 years, and the time estimated by him for the development of the several forma- tions composing the earth's strata, which he embraces within

The Geology of Hingham. 7

a period of 10,000,000 years, and we have a total of 31,845,000 years since the globe was separated from the sun in a gaseous condition, and of but 1:3,815,000 years since the first incrusta- tion of its surface.

Another method of determining the age has been to base esti- mates upon the internal heat of the globe and the rate of cooling. Sir William Thomson thus concluded that about 80,000,000 years must have elapsed for the globe to cool to its present con- dition, dating from the first incrustation upon its surface.

Another method has been to base calculations upon the geo- logical changes that have been going on during comparatively recent times, b}' which sedimentary deposits have been formed at a known rate of thickness within certain periods. Dr. Croll estimates in this way that not less than 60,000,000 years must have elapsed, and probably much more since sedimentation began. Another investigator, Dr. Haughton, on the same basis extends the time to more than 200,000,000 years.

It is unnecessary to add more on this point. It is sufficient to state that no man capable of forming a judgment, and who has duly investigated the question, has been able to come to any other conclusion than that our good mother the earth has been revolv- ing in her orbit, since incrustation and the commencement of sedimentation, for millions of years, and whether these be num- bered by tens or hundreds can be but of little moment, when the feast mentioned is more than long enough to appall the mind in its contemplation.

It is however desirable, in view of a better understanding of what may follow relative to different periods in the earth's history, to give a table showing the estimated duration of each, assuming the whole length of time since incrustation to be 80,000,000 years, as calculated by Sir William Thomson. Of course, if it should be assumed that the whole period since incrustation was more or less than 80,000,000 years, the time estimated for each period would be proportionately lengthened or shortened. The time ratios of the several periods have been determined by Pro- fessor Dana from the relative thickness of the rocky sediments, and of the probable time required for their deposit, and though estimates thus based must necessarily be imperfect," yet by them we can approximate somewhat nearer to the truth than in any other way. The presentation will be useful in impressing on the mind of the reader the remote antiquity of the rocks of Hingham ; for if, as generally claimed, the greater portion of them had their origin in Archaean Time, basing their age on Sir William's esti- mate of the ao;e of the world, tbev must have been formed more than 30,000,000 years ago. The table is abbreviated from one presented in the very valuable work of Alexander Winchell, LL. D., Professor of Geology and Palaeontology in the University of Michigan, called " World Life, or Comparative Geology."

8

History of Hingham. Estimated Length of Geological Periods.

Formations.

Kock Measure. Feet.

Percentage.

Thomson's Basis. Years.

PYROLITHIC TIME ....

123,200

27.77

22,216,000

ARCHAEAN TIME.

01,600

13.88

11,104,000

Eozoic Age.

41,200

9.20

7,408,000

20,400

4 62

3,696,000

PALAEOZOIC TIME.

Silurian Age.

Primordial Period

16,400

3.70

2,960,000

Canadian Period

45,400

10.23

8,184,000

Trenton Period

14,700

3.32

2,656,000

Niagara Period

7,100

1.60

1,280,000

Salina Period

2,050

.46

368,000

Lower Helderberg Period . .

7,500

1.69

1,352.000

Devonian Age.

Oriskany Period

720

.17

136,000

Corniferous Period ....

2,800

.63

504.000

Hamilton Period . . . .

6,000

1.35

1,080,000

Chemung Period

4,900

1.11

888,000

Catskill Period ......

7,544

1 70

1,360,000

Carboniferous Age.

Lower Carboniferous Period .

7,500

1.70

1,360,000

Upper Carboniferous Period .

14,570

3.28

2,624,000

MESOZOIC TIME.

31,540

7.11

5,688,000

8,200

1.85

1,480,000

Cretaceous Period

5,020

1.26

1,008,000

CJEXOZOIC TIME.

11,735

2.65

2,120,000

Post Tertiary Age.

1,956

.44

352,000

Post Glacial Period ....

978

.22 100.00

176,000

Total Crust

443,073

80,000,000

It is proper to state here that investigations within a few years past by Dr. G. Frederick Wright, the author of the " Ice Age in North America," Warren Upham, and other geologists who have made special study of the phenomena of the Glacial Period, have satisfactorily determined that all that has happened on the surface since that period may not have required more than from ten to fifteen thousand years. When the above table was prepared, much less was known of glacial action than now.

The Geology of Hingham. 9

A second table is presented, giving a list of the formations ; the forms of life that appeared in the several periods ; and some general remarks upon the land surfaces, the climatic conditions, and the mountain elevations. Periods not recognized in the first table are presented in this.

Formations.

PYROLITHIC TIME.

ARCHAEAN TIME.

Azoic Age.

Eozoic Age. Laureutian

Period. Huronian

Period.

PALAEOZOIC TIME.

ilurian Age. Primordial Period.

Canadian Period.

Trenton Period.

Note. From lack of definite knowledge of the particular pe- riods in which insect forms first appeared, mention of them is onl_y made after the close of remarks upon other life in the several periods of each Age.

Indications of Marine Plants and of Protozoa, the lowest of the forms of animal life.

General Remarks.

Age of Invertebrates.

Marine only ;

Plants, sea-weeds. Ani- mals, all invertebrates. Protozoa, Radiata, Mol- lusca, and Articulata. Trilobites in immense numbers and of mam/ species are found. The largest of these became extinct before the close of this period. Crinoids ■ and Sponges appear.

Marine only :

Plants all sea-weeds. Animals, invertebrates. Among Cephalopods Or- thoceras first appear.

Marine almost entirely. Some late discoveries of land plants have been made in Ohio and Ken- tucky. Animals all in- vertebrates.

Physical condition making life im- possible.

The continent in the Eozoic Age was limited to a region mostly within limits of British North America, but embracing, outside, the Adirondack region of N. Y., a region in Mich, south of Lake Superior, a long belt, including the Highlands of N. Y., and the Blue Ridge of Penn. and Va., also areas along the Atlantic Coast in Nova Scotia, Newfound- laud, and Eastern Mass.

A long but narrow ridge existed along the line where afterwards were raised the Rocky Mountains. Four-fifths at least of the present surface of the continent were under water.

A mild climate certainly prevailed in the Arctic regions during these periods, as proved by the forms of life found in high north- ern latitudes.

The Appalachian region, embrac- ing that of the Green Mountains, was one of shallow waters, whilst areas of the rocks of Archasan Time formed islands and reefs. A barrier was thus partially formed, which led the interior continental sea to be compara- tively quiet, where flourished crinoids, mollusks, and corals, the detritus of which made up the growing limestone. This period of physical quiet, Dana remarks, was probably as long continued as " all the time that has since elapsed," a remark cal- culated to impress the mind very forcibly of its duration.

10

History of Hingham.

Formations.

Niagara Period

Salina Period.

5

«2

Lower Helder- berg Period.

Oriskany Period.

Devonian Age.

Corniferous

Period.

Marine only :

Plants, sea-weeds. Animals, invertebrates. No evidence yet of fishes or of fresh-water life.

Almost destitute of fossils.

Fossils of the same generic character generally as in preceding periods, the species distinct.

Trilobites common, but with them a new Crus- tacean appears for (lie first time, the Euryp- terus remipes, a foot or more in length.

Plants generally marine. One species of Lijcopo- dium (ground pine) has, however, been found.

No fishes yet noticed in American beds of this period, but in Europe their remains are met with in the Ludlow rocks, which are equiv- alent to the Lower Hel- derberg and Oriskany of America, and are the first vertebrates yet dis- covered in formations earlier than the De- vonian.

Of the Class Arachnida: articulated animals having the body generally divided in two parts, as Scorpions, Spiders, Ticks, etc., — the first represented in the earth's formations were found in the Upper Silurian. Three species, all Scorpions. Of the true Insects, one specimen has been found in the Upper Silurian, but the character of this has not been clearly made out. It belongs to one of the orders of the Hexapoda.

Age of Fishes.

Marine Plants include a

new form, the Spirophy-

ton cauda galli.

General Remarks.

The Niagara Period was one of subsidence of the land over ex- tensive regions.

The rocks of the Salina Period yield salt from brines contained in them. The subsidence men- tioned as occurring during the NiagaraPeriod continued through this.

The extinction of species during the progress of the Silurian Age was great. ] )ana says, " There is no evidence that a species existed in the later half of the I'pper Silurian that was alive in the later half of the Lower Silurian."

The greater part of the continent yet remained under water at the close of the Silurian Age.

There is no evidence that the cli- mate, even in high latitudes, had become otherwise than warm and temperate as in the Lower Si- lurian Periods.

During the Corniferous Period, a large part of the continent was covered with shallow seas, in

The Geology of Bingham.

11

General Remarks.

Hamilton Period.

Chemung Period.

Catskill Period.

Land Plants :

Lycopods, Ferns, and

Conifers. Corals in great numbers,

Echinoderms, Trilo-

bites. Fishes, first appearance

of in American rocks:

Sharks, Ganoids, Placo-

derms ; but no osseous

species.

Land Plants : Lycopods, Ferns, Eqoiseta ; but as yet no flosses.

The Vertebrates are rep- resented only by Fishes.

Goniatites, a group of Ce- phalopods first appear.

Land Plants of like gen- era as in the preceding period.

Trilubites, so abundant in former periods, have be- come rare.

Remains of life rare. The plants are similar to those of the Chemung Period.

The change in life during the Devonian Age was marked by the introduc- tion of many new forms and the extinction of many old ones, as in pre- vious ages.

which corals of great variety flourished. The climate was warm, and proba- bly so over the Arctic regions.

Articulates of the Myrio- poda, a class allied to In- sects, worm-like but having many segments and nu- merous feet, first appear in the Devonian Age.

True Insects, of the class Herapoda, appear in several species.

In the Hamilton Period, extensive forests of Lycopods. some similar to modern spruces and pines and others widely different from any known family, undoubtedly ex- isted, as shown by the Lepido- dendra and Sigillaria found in the strata.

At the close of the Devonian Age the area of the continent had much increased, and embraced a large part of East Canada and New England, but the greater part of North America yet re- mained beneath the waters. Neither the Rocky Mountains nor the Appalachians yet existed. The Green Mountains were low hills compared with their present height.

Great" disturbance seems to have followed the close of the age over the eastern part of the continen- tal area leading to elevation of a great portion of Maine, etc.

The occurrence of Devonian species in the Arctics shows, as Dana remarks, that there was but little diversity of climate between the regions" now called Temperate and Arctic Zones.

12

History of Hingham.

Carboniferous Age. Sub-Carbonifer- ous Period.

Carboniferous Period.

Permian Period.

Sea-weeds similar to tbose

of the Devonian. Land Plants :

Lycopods, Ferns, Coni- fers and Calamites. The animal life was abun- dant, as shown by the profusion of the remains of Crinoids. Of Radiates : Polyp

Corals. Of Brachiopods : Spi-

rifer Productus. Of Cephalopoda : Go-

niatites, Nautilus. Of Articulates : Trilo- bites, ( >rthoceratites, Scorpions, etc. Of Fishes : as in De- vonian Age. Of Amphibians : Foot- prints.

Immense development of the coal-forming plants, the Tree-ferns, the Ly- copods, Sigillarids, the Fquiseta, Conifers, and Cycads. The latter first appeared in this period.

No Angiosperms, no Palms, no Mosses yet discovered.

Plants similar to those of the Coal Period.

Of animal life, Goniatites, which first appeared in the Hamilton Period, and Trilobites, which appeared in the Primor- dial Period, both had become extinct.

Several genera of the Mol- lusea, as Productus, ( )rthis,and Murchisonia, are not found later than this period.

As might have been ex- pected from the immense development of vegetable life under tropical tempera- ture, the remains of great numbers of insects are found in the deposits of the Car- boniferous Age, during which theif first appeared. Species of the extinct Order Palseodictyoptera are espe- cially abundant, embracing

General Remarks.

During the Sub-Carboniferous Pe- riod a great mediterranean sea, as previously, covered a large area of the interior of the continent, and the temperature being fa- vorable, there was a great devel- opment of crinoids, corals, and the many forms of life now found in the strata.

Forests and marsh areas were ex- tensive. The period was one of subsidence. The condition of the Arctic regions was yet undoubt- edly similar to the more southern portions of the continent, the air being warm and moist.

This Period, differing from that of the Sub-Carboniferous, was one of extensive emergence instead of subsidence.

As yet the Alleghanies did not ex- ist, but over their area were great marshes, where flourished the coal-making plants of the period.

The beds of the Permian are marine.

Palaeozoic Time has now come to an end. Great disturbances fol- lowed, leading to the elevation of the Alleghany Mountains and

The Geology of Hingham.

13

Formations.

MESOZOIC TIME Reptilian Age. Triassic Period.

Jurassic Period.

Cretaceous Period,

ancient types of cockroach- es, walking-sticks, May-flies, etc.

< )ther extinct Orders are also represented.

Plants :

Cycads and new forms

of Ferns, Equiseta,

Conifers. No species yet met. ivith

of Grass or Muss. No Palms.

No Angiosperms, the class which includes all our New-England plants having a bark, excepting Conifers, as maples, wil- lows, birches, oaks, etc. Animals :

Vertebrates in great numbers and of great size. Fishes, Reptiles, perhaps Birds. First appearance of

Mammals.

Plants :

Similar to those of the Triassic Period. Animals : Gigantic Reptiles, among

them flying lizards. Marsupial mammals. First appearance of os- seous jishes. Birds.

Plants :

First appearance of the

Angiosperms. Of the Angiosperms,

oaks, beeches, poplars,

willows, hickories, and

others existed. First appearance of

Palms. Animals :

Reptiles were very nu- merous and of great size, one genus of which, Mosasaurus, had species varying from forty-five to eighty feet in length, and having been snake- like in form, may well be termed, as by Dana, sea-serpents of the era.

General Remarks.

In the deposits of the Pe- riods of the Reptilian Age, first appear insects of the

to preat changes along the coast of New England, in New Bruns- wick, Nova Scotia, and generally over all the surface east of the Mississippi.

The forests of this period differed much from those of the Carbon- iferous in having neither Sigil- larids nor Lepidodendrids. Tree- ferns, Conifers, and Cycads were the prevailing forms.

There were great disturbances of the surface during the Triassic Period, as shown by the vast ridges of trap rocks which were forced up through the strata in a molten condition, and now form some of the prominent elevations of tiie eastern part of the conti- nent, as Mounts Tom and Holy- oke of Mass., the high hills near New Haven, Conn., the Palisades of the Hudson, etc.

The Jurassic Beds of Europe em- brace those of three epochs, — - the Liassic, Oolitic, and Weilden.

The first of these have yielded some of the best preserved and finest fossils that are to be found in our collections.

Cretaceous rocks are common over a considerable portion of Europe, in the southeastern and southern parts of the United States, and in the Rocky Mountains. The well-known chalk composes great beds in England, and is found in France and other parts of Europe.

Great changes of level seem to have taken place towards the close of this period, leading to increased height of the land in' the northern regions, causing much change in

14

History of Hingham.

Formations.

CJENOZOIC TIME. Tertiary Age. Laramie Pe- riod (or Lig- nitieP.).

Note. — This period is included by some geologists in the Cre- taceous of Mesozoic Time.

Alabama Period (same as Eocene).

General Remarks.

Orders Orthoptera, Neurop- tera, Hemiptera, Hymenop- tera, Coleoptera, JJiptera, and Lepidoptera.

Plants :

The deposits of this pe- riod yield great num- bers of the leaves of Augiosperms, — species of oak, poplar, maple, hickory, fig, magnolia, and others ; also of Con- ifers and palms. Nuts of some species are common.

Animals :

Freshwater shells and some manine species. No mammals. Pishes and Reptiles have been found in the Laramie beds.

Plants :

Trees mostly of the same genera as those of the present period. The infusorial deposits near Richmond, Va , yield a large number of species of Diatoms.

Animals:

The remains, vertebra;, and teeth, in great num- bers, of a large animal allied to a whale, called the Zeuglodon Cetoides, are found in the de- posits of this period in the States of Georgia, South Carolina, Mis- sissippi, and Alabama. The animal was at least seventy feet in length

In beds of this period in the west are found remains of species similar to those of the present, as the rhinoceros, Mexican wild boar, horse, mon- key, and others, among them the earliest of the squirrels. Of the birds, one species from the Eocene of New Mexico was larger than the ostrich.

the climates and a general de- struction of the life then existing upon or near the surface in both hemispheres.

Estuary deposits in Mississippi, in the region of the Upper Missouri, in the Rocky Mountain region, and at Brandon, Vt.

Called the Lignitic Period because of the prevalence of Lignitic beds in the deposits.

Great disturbance of the surface in North America at the close of this period, that led to the eleva- tion of mountains in California, which, increased undoubtedly by subsequent movements, are now 4,000 feet high.

Further disturbances at the close of this period, raising the bor- ders of the Gulf of Mexico, and probablv elevating above the pre- vious height the Rocky Mountain region.

The Geology of Hingham.

15

Formations.

Life.

Yorktowu Period. (Miocene.)

Sumter Period. (Pliocene.)

Quaternary Age. Glacial Period.

Champlain Period.

Animals :

Whales, dolphins, seals, walruses, bones of ta- pir-like animals, and of new species of horses and of hogs, rhinoce- roses of several genera, wolves, lions, beavers, etc.

Animals :

Of Birds : eagles, cranes,

and cormorants. Of .Mammals elephants, camels, rhinoceroses, deer, tigers, horses, and the jirst of the mastodons found in American deposits.

All the Orders of Insects the remains of which are found in the Mesozoic de- posits are also represented in the Caenozoic. Great numbers of species have been preserved to us in amber, a fossil gum of the Tertiary Age.

Entire destruction of life over the glaciated North which extended in the eastern part of the United States as far south as Pennsylvania.

Animal life : read under next period.

The animal life of the two earlier periods of the Quaternary Age was of remarkable character, especially as shown by the remains of the Mam- mals found both in Europe and America. These show species were

that the of enor- mous size compared with

General Remarks.

During this period, and culminating at its close, there is evidence of great disturbances over a large portion of the continent. By great volcanic action, extensive regions of the Pacific slope were overflowed by igneous rocks to the depth of thousands of feet, and the Rocky Mountains raided to their present elevation. Their uprise during the Tertiary Age, according to Dana, could not have been less than 11,000 feet. The height at which the deposits of the Miocene Period are found on the southeast and southern coast, being several hundred feet, shows the extent of the move- ments.

The phosphatic beds of South Caro- 'ina are of this period.

A period generally regarded as one of extreme cold, but there is rea- son to think the degree of this has been exaggerated. Ice cov- ered Eastern North America to the height of from 2,000 to 6,000 feet.

The period of the passing away of the ice, and of great floods ; a period, too, of considerable de- pression of the surface and of extensive alluvial deposits.

16

History of Hingham.

Formations.

Recent Period.

those of more ancient or of more recent times. In North America, roaming over the sur- face, were elephants, mastodons, horses much larger than the present, bison, tapirs, beavers of huge size, lions, bears, and others. In South America, massive sloth forms, as the megatheri- um, mylodon, and mega- lonyx, were numerous, as were many species of other genera. In Eng- land and other countries of Europe, bears, lions, hyenas, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, deer, were common. Man undoubtedly existed in this period, and proba- bly in the early portion, as his remains and the implements of his hands have been found with the bones of the Cham- plain animals, as the mastodon and reindeer There is evidence of man having appeared at a still earlier period, — possibly in the Tertiary Age.

The animals of the Cham- plain Period largely passed away in the early part of this, destroyed undoubtedly by the colder temperature, and species of less size took the places of the huge forms that preceded them. Although man, as previously stated, was in existence, it was not until the modern era of this period that he attained the domin- ion over all other races since possessed by him.

General Remarks.

The deposits of this period are alluvial beds along rivers, drift- sands, deposits of rivers in the ocean, or from the washing and wearing away of the shores, coral-reef formations, shell lime- stone growth in the ocean or inland waters, bog-iron ore in marshes, stalactitic and stalag- mitic formation in caves, deposits from springs, lavas from volcanic action, etc.

There was an elevation of the land in the high latitudes in the early portion of this period, which re- stored its height to about the de- pression of the Champlain. The temperature of the North, par- ticularly over Asia and Europe, became again extremely cold.

The terraces so common around lakes and along river-courses in parts of New England owe their origin to the rise of land after the Champlain Period, and the action of waters.

The Geology of Hingham.

17

Explanation of Names of Formations, etc., mentioned in the Tables above.

Pyroliihic. From the Greek, fire-stone.

Arclwan. Ancient; the beginning.

Azoic. Without life.

Eozoic. Dawn of life.

PaUeozoic. Ancient life.

Mesozoic. Middle life.

Ccenozoic. Recent life.

Primordial. First in order.

Silurian. Geographical, first applied to

rocks of Siluria. Devonian. Geographical, first applied to

rocks of Devonshire. Carboniferous. Having the great coal

fields. Cretaceous. Latin, for chalky. Triassic. Named from a series of three

kinds of rocks.

Jurassic. Geographical, from rocks of Alt. Jura.

Permian. Geographical, from rocks of Permia, an ancient kingdom of Russia.

Tertiary. Adopted from old classifica- tion, when the terms Primary, Second- ary, and Tertiary embraced ail the rock formations.

Corniferous. From Latin cornu, horn, and fero, I bear, the rocks bearing seams of hornstone.

Quaternary. From Latin qnatuor, four, applied to strata following Tertiary (third).

Salina. From its salt-bearing brines ; salina, in Latin, being a place where salt is made.

Other names geographical of known localities will not need explanation.

Pyrolithic Time. — As the name denotes, the Pyrolithic for- mations were igneous only, for the condition of the molten, but gradually cooling globe admitted of none other. The immense period required for any approach to stability of the surface must have witnessed constant changes upon it, and over and over again must the earlier incrusted portions have been broken up and re- melted as they became from time to time, through the shrinking consequent upon refrigeration, submerged in the incandescent sea. At length when consolidation of the surface had increased, rocky masses undoubtedly appeared above the general level, but these were necessarily of a different character from any now known. They were the truly primitive rocks, and it is very doubtful if any trace of them can be found on the earth.

Archaean Time. — Previous to the formation of the rocks of. Archaean Time, the cooling of the globe had proceeded to a de- gree allowing the existence of water in the atmosphere and its deposit upon the surface. Of its earlier rocks we can know as little as of those of Pyrolithic Time, for all now recognized appear to be the result of the wearing down of pre-existing formations, the deposit of their debris in the form of sands and clay as sedi- ments in water, and the subsequent crystallization of much of the material into gneisses, mica slates, etc. Other rocks of the time are conglomerates, sandstones, and clay slates.

There is evidence that both vegetable and animal life existed in this early time, but only in its lowest forms.

Paleozoic Time ; Silurian Age ; Primordial Period. — The rocks of this period were formed from the wearing away of those of Archaean Time, and the reconstruction of the material into new strata. Great interest is felt in these because, so far as clearly shown, they contain impressions of the remains of the first organ-

VOL. I. — 2

18 History of Hingham.

ized forms of life that have left impressions, the characters of which can be deciphered. All that can be known of the early species, therefore, vegetable or animal, must apparently be learned from what has been, or may yet be discovered in them. The estimated duration of this period, taking Thomson's basis as shown, by the table, is nearly 3,000,000 years. The forms of life preserved by the strata are all of course marine, and consist largely of impressions of Trilobites, — animals that lived in the shallow waters of the coasts, upon the muddy and sandy surfaces below, and finally became entombed in their substance. There were many species of these animals in these and later formations, but they all became extinct before the close of the Carboniferous Period. The fortunate discovery by Prof. Wm. B. Rogers of the remains of some of these in the slate rocks of Braintree, furnished proof that a part at least of the slate of the Boston Basin belongs to the Primordial Period.

We will now pass over the immense time in the history of the earth, numbering many millions of years, during which other rocks of the Silurian and of the Devonian Ages were deposited beneath the sea to the enormous thickness of one hundred thousand feet, all abounding in forms of life, as scarcely more than a mention can be made of any period that has not left mementos of its pas- sage over or about this particular territory.

Carboniferous Age. — Of the Carboniferous Age, it may be said that notwithstanding the contrary views hitherto held by geologists, it is yet by no means settled that the Conglomerates and Associated rocks of Hingham are not formations of this age rather than of the Primordial Period of the Silurian Age. However this may be, it is certain that a considerable portion of the rock formations near and south of Hingham, bordering Rhode Island and extend- ing into that State, is made up of the deposits of the Carboniferous Age, embracing not only Conglomerates of like character as those of the Boston Basin, but also large beds of Anthracite with the accompanying shales and fossil plants, demonstrating them to be contemporaneous with those of the great coal-fields of Pennsyl- vania and other regions of the continent. This fact suggests, what it is well to bear in mind, that the temperature of the region we inhabit, as well as that of the whole North, was then very much warmer than in succeeding ages, sufficiently so to allow the growth of tropical plants of which coal itself is a product, not only in the Alleghany and the western coal regions, but in those of Massachusetts, of Cape Breton, and of the Arctic Circle. It is certainly a striking fact that upon the surface of this town, where in after ages rested for thousands of years ice of great thickness, flourished tree-ferns, and other plants of forms now found only in the torrid zone ; but there can be no question that this was the case. The rock formations of the Carbon- iferous Age measure in thickness about 22,000 feet, and the esti- mated time for their deposit on Thomson's basis is about 4,000,000

The Geology of II Ingham. 19

years. It was not until after the close of this age that the Alleghany Mountains were elevated, bearing up with them the Carboniferous matter which now makes up the great body of the coal found in their strata.

To the Carboniferous Age succeeded the Triassic, Jurassic, and the Cretaceous Periods of Mesozoic Time, and the several periods of the Tertiary Age in Camozoic Time. It was during the Creta- ceous Period of the former, and the periods of tbe latter that deposits were made along the eastern and southern shores of North America, forming strata which by subsequent elevation now compose a considerable part of the middle coast States, and nearly the whole of those that border the Gulf of Mexico, and it was, too, during these periods that a large portion of the strata now composing the Rocky Mountains were formed beneath the waters. These mountains did not attain to their present elevation until near the latter part of the Tertiary Age. The Reptilian and Tertiary Ages passed without leaving any traces now recognizable on the territory of Hingham.

We have now reached a period which has received the name of Glacial, and which calls for particular notice, because nowhere perhaps can results of the extraordinary phenomena attending it be more readily seen than in Hingham. The extent of the change made upon the whole surface of the land north of Pennsylvania can never be fully realized, and it was probably as great over this town as over a like area anvwhere. What were the distinguish- ing characteristics of this period ? We have seen that in a pre- ceding ao;e, when the coal of the threat coal-fields of the continent

CO? O

was laid down, the climate everywhere north was tropical. We now find it to have changed to one of great cold, and that this continued, if we may rely on the estimate made by Thomson, more than 350,000 years. Life became extinct under its influ- ence, and over nearly the whole land north of Pennsylvania there came to be a covering of ice several thousand feet in thickness, which, governed by the same influences that affect the great bodies of ice in glacial regions at the present time, moved steadily and majestically towards the south, throwing off icebergs where it reached the sea, as is the case with the glaciers of Greenland now, and gradually melting and thinning out as it approached warmer latitudes on the land surface.

Through the investigations of the Rev. G. Frederick Wright, Mr. Warren Upham, and others, we now have certain knowledge of a great part of the boundary line of the glacial sheet over the land, from as far west as Illinois to the Atlantic, this being well- marked by the morainic deposits of the debris brought from northern regions in and upon the ice, and deposited at its margin. Want of space will not permit the writer to dwell upon these, but the reader is assured that their character cannot be mistaken. The terminal moraine has a very irregular course east from Illi- nois, passing through the States of Indiana, Ohio, a part of Ken-

20 History of Hingham.

tucky, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, reaching the ocean at Perth Amboy, where it is lost to sight. It is not difficult, however, to trace the limit of the ice sheet east from the land. The evidence by morainic deposits shows its front at one period to have been over Long Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, from which it unquestionably extended far out over the ocean in a northeast direction, the shallowness of the waters at the Great Fishing Banks being due to the immense deposits from the glacier.

What brought about the great change that converted a large area of the earth from one teeming with life to one where the silence of death reigned supreme, we may never certainly know. If not due entirely to the elevation of the land in the northern regions of the earth, which occurred in the later Tertiary Age, there can be no doubt but that this was a potent factor, for the Glacial Period was one of high latitude elevation ; nor can we fully account for the great subsecjuent reconversion of the same area, or much of it, to become again the abode of life after long ages of desolation. It is only with the results of the action of the ice upon the surface of the land that we have now to concern our- selves, and it is absolutely necessary to understand these in order to have the slightest appreciation of observed phenomena in Hing- ham as well as elsewhere over the North, consequent upon the great ice movement during the long period of its domination. One certainly was the bearing forward of a great part of all the loose material beneath its mass formed by the disintegration of the rocks, and redistributing it on the line of its advance south. Hence, a considerable portion of the rocky masses, bowlders, and pebbles, as well as of the gravelly and sandy material in which they are imbedded, now forming the surface upon the hills and fields of New England, have been borne from the North ; and whenever such bowlders and pebbles are of marked character, they can generally be traced to the locality of their formation. A good instance of this is seen in the bowlders and pebbles of porphyritic iron ore, found everywhere between Cumberland Hill, R. I., and the shores of Rhode Island, south, all on the line of the ice movement, — the masses, as might be expected, being generally of smaller and smaller size as the distance increases from their source, where a great bed of this peculiar ore exists in situ. The quantity of earth-substance moved forward over the surface must have been enormous, as is shown by the fact that many of the hills of the glaciated territory are composed en- tirely of it, and in the southeast of this State, over a large area, the rocky strata are buried beneath a covering of it to the depth of three hundred feet. Another result of the movement wras the wearing down, the planing, so to speak, of the rocky surfaces ex- posed to the great friction of the detrital material carried forward under the mass of the superincumbent ice. Whenever bowlders such as are seen everywhere in our New England soil, or even large pebbles, were torn off from the places of their origin,

The Geology of H Ingham. 21

and became imbedded in the substance of the glacier below, they must necessarily have exerted an immense gouging force as they were borne on ; and consequently we see everywhere upon the rock-surfaces of New England deep traces of their passage, always showing the direction of the great glacial movement. These generally are found to be not far from south, 40° east, in this region. Many thousands of years have elapsed since these were traced, but still they are distinctly visible.

The Glacial Period of intense cold, of the wearing away by the ice of the rocks over which it passed, of the excavation of valleys by its action, at length came to an end, and was followed by the Champlain Period. This period was of marked contrast with the preceding. It was one of great depression of the whole surface of the North in both hemispheres, and this was probably the cause, partly at least, of the great increase in the temperature which led to the melting away of the ice sheet that had for an immense period covered the earth. Land that now stands at considerable height was below the level of the sea, as shown by forms of marine life found at various elevations in northern New England, where it is evident they lived and died when submerged in the waters. Contrary to views that have been hitherto presented, this depression did not affect the surface to any considerable degree south of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The occurrence of shells and other marine remains in elevated posi- tions above the sea, often cited as proofs of depression, at Point Shirley near Boston, and at Sancati Head, Nantucket, has been satisfactorily demonstrated to have been the result of the scoop- ing up from the bottom of the adjacent waters by the ice-sheet the material forming the Till Hills, in which such remains have been found. In these hills the shells do not occur, as in Maine and elsewhere north, in beds, showing the places they occupied in life, but scattered indiscriminately throughout the mass of ma- terial, and generally in a fragmentary condition.

The degree of subsidence north, as shown by the heights at which remains of marine life have been found, increased with the latitude. On the coast of Maine the highest stated is 217 feet above the sea ; at Lake Champlain near 400 feet ; on the St. Lawrence near Montreal, 500 feet ; about the Bay of Fundy, near 400 feet ; on the Labrador coast, from 400 to 500 feet ; and at places in the Arctic regions, 1,000 feet. These figures are taken from Dana.

As the glacier melted, great floods poured over and from it, and the stones, sand, and gravel in it were distributed over the land. It was a period of deposition of earthy matter from the ice, and of subsequent redistribution of portions of it by the waters. The direct deposits as now found are not stratified, or but very partially so, and are known as diluvium, while those which fol- lowed, the result of the action of the waters in redistributing the material, are known as alluvium. It was in this period that

22 History of Hingham.

were formed the terraces so common along the borders of some of the river valleys of New England, and of the kames, so-called, of which notice will be presented hereafter.

Following the passing away of the ice-sheet came another great change over the area which it had so long occupied. The sun's rays again rested upon and warmed the surface of the land, ren- dering it a fit abode for the manifold forms of vegetables and animals that appeared upon its remodelled hills and plains. The green herb and the fruit-bearing tree sprang up, and adorned the landscape with beauty. Rivers again teemed with life, birds and insects hovered in the air, and beasts small and large trod the earth ; while among these last walked with majestic mien Man, the crowning glory of all created forms.

The remains of life of this period, and even of the Glacial pre- ceding it, demonstrate the existence of a great number of species of enormous size, such as were not found in either earlier or later eras. Of course, while the ice covered the surface but few forms could maintain life within its area, but it was otherwise south of its margin, and when it had passed away huge monsters roamed over the surface, spreading from more southern regions far to- wards the Arctic Circle in both hemispheres. In Europe, elephants of great size, gigantic deer, tigers surpassing the Bengal of the present day, horses and oxen proportionally large, and many other beasts occupied the land in vast numbers ; while in America there were elephants, mastodons, horses, beavers, and sloths, including the megatherium, the mylodon, and megalonyx, — all of colossal dimensions compared with the animals of like character now living. But of far greater importance than all else, Man as stated, undoubtedly appeared. With feeble frame he came among races of gigantic stature and strength ; but he came to wield do- minion over them, and to subdue and conquer by other power than that hitherto possessed on earth. It is not known precisely when Man first appeared, but the evidence is strong that it was in a pre-glacial period, as implements undoubtedly of human con- struction have been found in transported material from deposits of an anterior date.

Again, a great change in the surface level of the North, and increased cold followed in Europe by a second glacial era, which by its sudden advance carried death to many of the animals that had found a home far north in the warmer Champlain Period. This is shown by the carcasses of elephants, and the perfect preservation of their flesh in Arctic ice. The change must have been not only sudden, but the cold extremely severe to account for these encased remains, and for other phenomena, such as the extension of the range of the reindeer and other Northern species to southern France where their bones have been found abund- antly. This, and the advance of ice again over parts of northern Europe gave the name of Reindeer, or Second Glacial Epoch to the early part of the Recent Period. There is no conclusive evidence

The Geology of H Ingham. 23

of a second advance of the glacier on the American continent, though there is abundant proof of great refrigeration in tempera- ture, which was probably the principal cause of the extinction of most of the large animals, the elephants, mastodons, horses, and other species before mentioned, that roamed over the northern plains.

The modern era of the period, that of the reign of Man, shows that the same causes that have produced changes of level of the surface and of temperature are yet active. There is evidence of the gradual subsidence of Greenland, and that it has been sinking slowly for centuries, and that a like change has been going on along a great part of the eastern coast of the United States. On the other hand it is shown that in other regions there has been a gradual elevation. The formation of rocks still goes on as in former times ; the ocean depths receive as in past periods the remains of siliceous and calcareous shells from the multitudinous forms that live in its waters ; the coral animals yet build up their reefs to become part of the strata of the dry land of the future ; volcanic action continues as of old to add to the surface its lavas, and vegetable life as in earlier ages of the earth's history, by ac- cumulation of peat and other plant structure, contributes some- thing towards future formations.

Having thus by a rather elaborate preliminary essay presented what the writer has deemed essential to an understanding of the Geology of Hingham, by those who have not made the earth's history a study, he proceeds to remark upon the phenomena observable within the town limits, referring to what is exterior only as far as may be necessary for a clearer idea of the subject.

24 History of Hingham.

GEOLOGY OF HINGHAM.

The geology of Hingham, particularly that of the northern part of the town, though interesting, is of too abstruse a character to be even partially understood except by those who have made the rock-formations of the vicinity of Boston a study ; and its elucida- tion will require on the part of the writer much reference to what is exterior to the limits of the town. That of the greater portion of its territory inland is more simple, exhibiting Granite as the prevailing rock, but having some areas of Diorite, and occasion- ally dikes of Diabase, which cut through the others, and appear at the surface as black or dark-green rocks traceable often for considerable distances, having a width sometimes of but few inches, but frequently of several feet. Petrosilex is also found associated with the granite, but in very limited exposures.

GRANITE.

This has been mentioned as the prevailing rock of a large por- tion of the town. It seems necessary to first define what is meant by the name before referring to its particular exposures on the surface and its variation in character. Until quite recently geolo- gists called all such rocks as were composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite ; using the term " syenite " to distinguish those which had hornblende in the place of mica. When all four min- erals were found together, the rock was called hornblendic granite. The advance of the science of lithology has led to more strict defi- nition. Now the use of the name u syenite " is restricted to rocks composed of orthoclase (one of the group of feldspars), or ortho- clase and hornblende, or orthoclase and mica ; while the essential constituents of granite, as now defined, are quartz and orthoclase. If to these mica is added it is called micaceous granite, and if hornblende, hornblendic granite. Hence the rock of Hingham, as well as of Quincy, is granite, and not syenite, as it is often designated.

Over the whole of South Hingham and the greater part of Hingham Centre, wherever there are exposures of rock above the surface it is granite, excepting only the material of the dikes which are frequently found within it, and which will be hereafter

'?c

/

The Geology of Hingham. 25

mentioned. Granite too underlies the whole of the areas named now covered over by the clays, the sands, and the gravels of the glacial period. It also extends north to the shore on Weir River, and to the coast line of the harbor on the eastern shore, where it is found bordering the channel from near the steamboat landing to Martin's Well, and showing itself prominent upon the adjacent uplands. It appears also within the harbor upon the small island known as Button Island. The rock varies in different localities, being sometimes found composed entirely of quartz and ortho- clase,but sometimes with mica added, making it a true micaceous granite. The color varies generally with that of the orthoclase, which is often of a reddish hue. Quartz veins are not infrequent in it, but these rarely furnish crystals ; some, however, of fine amethvstine tint were obtained a few years since from the rock of Old Colony Hill.

The granite of Hingham is generally too much fissured to afford good blocks for building, though there are locations where, if better situated for cheap transportation of material, stone might be quarried to advantage. Near Long Bridge Lane a quarry was opened and worked for several years by Mr. Israel Whitcomb, and much excellent stone was obtained and made use of for local requirements.

There are many places where fine red granite is found, but the color is not often persistent over any considerable area, and the stone is not sufficiently free from cracks to admit of good blocks being procured, though possibly these might disappear to some extent at a small distance from the surface.

The exposures of granite are very numerous. A few that differ from the rest in general character are here mentioned : —

er

In Laseil .Street, reddish with epidote.

In Central Street, red and flesh-colored from the tint of the orthoclase.

In Union Street, with flesh-colored orthoclase.

In Thayer Street, red, nearly binary.

In French Street, flesh-colored, with mica and hornblende.

In Whiting Street, very fine structure, light-colored and micaceous,

with very numerous joints. In Summer Street, red, mostly binary. In Emerald Street, red, mostly binary. In Beechwood Street, decomposing. In Thaxter Street, finely porphyritic with red orthoclase crystals.

Specimens of these may be found in the collection of the Public Library.

DIORITE.

Diorite, as mentioned, is found within the region generally occupied by the granite rocks, but it nevertheless may be noticed that in Hingham it is not found far from the sedimentary forma-

26 History of Hingham.

tions, no exposure of it having been observed in all the region south of Hingham Centre. This rock contains necessarily but one constituent, a triclinic feldspar, usually oligoclase, but it has generally associated with it hornblende. Sometimes mica is also found in it and not infrequently particles of quartz.

In Hingham, when composed of feldspar and hornblende in nearly equal proportions and when the grains of each are clearly perceptible, it appears not unlike granite, but having no quartz as a general constituent it may be readily distinguished. In limited areas it is found almost entirely of feldspar, when it presents itself simply as an impure white rock, its character being conse- quently more obscure.

One of the best exposures on a highway of the town of typical diorite occurs in Summer Street, on the right side going south from the railroad crossing, and within 100 feet of Kilby Street. It juts into the road from the adjoining field, and presents itself with a smooth, rounded face about twelve feet across, on which the two minerals, feldspar and hornblende, are well defined and plainly visible. Two other exposures may be seen between the one men- tioned and Kilby Street, and in the field back from the road are several ridges of it.

Another interesting exposure of diorite on a highway is to be found on the surface at the top of Fort Hill, just front of the cemetery. Here it is cut through by numerous narrow veins of a whitish granite, which by distortion and separation of parts afford an interesting studv for the observer. The rock of this locality should not be disturbed, as there is no other known instance in town where granite can be seen so clearly to have been intruded in veins into the diorite. The exposure here, too, is interesting from the glacial striae which may be plainly seen upon its surface.

Diorite occurs abundantly on East, Kilby, Weir, and Hull streets.

Going northeast from Horticultural Hall on East Street, some rocky elevations appear on the left side of the road which are known as Andrew Heights. The rocks of the slope facing the street are diorite, with the exception of an intervening portion of granite. This last rock also appears on the land opposite the diorite back from the road. Beyond the heights mentioned, all, or nearly all, the rocks of the street and of land contiguous are diorite until Kilby Street is passed.

Intermediate between Andrew Heights and Kilby Street, by a reduction of the level of the road over an elevation, and the neces- sary excavation of rock, there is left exposed on the left side a cliff of considerable interest. The main body is a dark diorite, but there may be seen by close examination a distorted dike of felsite eight or ten inches in width, and a mass of diabase trap, both of which have been intruded into it. The trap contains an

The Geology of Hlngham. 27

unusual quantity of sulphide of iron in crystals, as may be seen in specimens from this locality deposited in the general collection of the Public Library.

The diorite of the area of this rock under consideration does not follow on East Street beyond Kilby, as its trend which is northeast and southwest, leads to its development along the latter street which has the same direction, and where it is found show- ing itself on the road and adjoining lands at various points for more than half a mile. At the junction of East and Kilby streets it follows the curve from the former to the latter directly in the roadway. Passing northeast on Kilby, it may be observed in lim- ited exposures on the left of the road until the crossing of the rail- road is reached, where there is a lateral extension of it 300 feet west on the line of the rails, and 150 feet east. About 500 feet from the crossing it again appears on the left side of the street, followed at a short distance by granite. On the right side of the road at 940 feet from the railroad may be seen a rock exposure presenting a face towards the street of about thirty feet, the first portion of which for twenty feet is diorite, the rest being granite. Proceeding; 420 feet more along the road there will be seen ledires on the left side back from the street which extend for a further distance of about 270 feet. These are all diorite. After passing these 130 feet, there may be observed on the right of the road, and just beyond the fence which borders it, a face of rock about twenty feet in width, the first portion of which, about one third, is granite, and the rest diorite. The two rocks are separated by a diagonal line having a declination of 45° N. E., thus showing the latter rock as resting somewhat upon the former. Just beyond this exposure granite follows for a distance of about 70 feet. There are no fur- ther exposures of diorite on the road towards Rockland Street, the few outcrops of rock observed there being all granite.

Another area of diorite exists near the eastern border of the town towards Cohasset, showing itself extensively on Weir, East, Side Hill, and Hull streets.

On Weir Street going from East Street, there is scarcely any other rock observable for at least one third of a mile. Beyond this, it alternates more or less with granite for about one eighth of a mile, when it gives place entirely to the latter. On the east side of the street, 2,310 feet from East Street, there is an exposure of rock presenting a face to the carriage-way, showing a singular mixture of both diorite and granite.

This will be again and more particularly referred to in remarks to follow upon " mixed rocks," — a name given by Professor Crosby in treating of a like association observed by him at Marblehead and Salem.

As a general fact, it may be stated here that the diorite of Weir Street is not so clearly typical as that of East and Kilby streets before described. A preponderance of the feldspar and partial decomposition, gives it in some cases a dirty white exterior.

28 History of Hingham.

On East Street, passing from Side Hill Street towards Cohasset, may be found in the fields adjoining the right side of the road and back from it many extensive ridges of rock. Short of 200 feet a small exposure of granite occurs just within the fence-wall, and a little further on, say twenty or thirty feet, is one of diorite. Back of these about sixty feet is another of diorite. Following the road 310 feet from these, rock appears in patches over the sur- face for eighty feet, extending some distance back from the fence, which is likewise diorite. Passing beyond these exposures 140 feet, fields of rocks are reached occupying a great part of the sur- face for at least 700 feet. Some of them are diorite, some granite, while others among them, presenting surfaces of both diorite and granite, are apparently of the singular combination mentioned as mixed rocks. It would, however, be necessary to blast them in order to verify this.

On the left side of the road there are but few exposures, and these are of the same general character as those mentioned.

On Side Hill Street, and in fields adjoining, diorite appears abundantly. At a distance of 310 feet from East Street, a small exposure may be found on the right side of the roadway, and fifty feet beyond this another just within the border fence. Proceeding 300 feet further there is within view on the fields at the right many ridges and smaller rock masses extending over an area of two or three acres, all or nearly all of which are of the same rock. On the left of the road, 620 feet from East Street, a long ledge of rocks skirts the carriage-way, which extends 280 feet. For the first few feet it is diorite, the rest of it is granite. Granite is also the pre- vailing rock on the high ground of the adjoining field.

When entering Hull Street from East Street, diorite appears on the right side, close to the junction of the two streets, both on the border of the roadway, and within the enclosure of the adjoining estate. Proceeding on Hull across the railroad, a high cliff of rock is seen back from the street. 200 feet or more in length, which exhibits upon some portions surfaces of diorite, upon others granite, — showing it to be probably of the mixed character mentioned in previous cases and to be described hereafter. This is succeeded by granite, and there is no more exposure of diorite on or near the street until about 2,060 feet from the railroad, where a ridge of it appears on the field at the left, not far from 200 feet from the fence ; and 300 feet farther some may be seen on both sides of the road. The rock exposures beyond these are all granite, until after passing Canterbury Street between three and four hundred feet, when there may be seen ridges on the fields skirting the left side of the road and extending for a quarter of a mile or more, which are likewise of the mixed diorite and granite. The rocks of the last 300 to 400 feet of the street within the town limits are all granite.

All the exposures of diorite within the territory of the town that may be observed in passing along the streets and lanes have been

The Geology of Hingham. 29

mentioned, except a limited one on Central Street, between four and five hundred feet from Elm Street, in a field adjoining the west side of the road, and two others of small area on a field at the corner of Central and Elm streets. Away from usual travel between Fort Hill Street and Weymouth River the rock appears in numerous exposures. Reference to the map will give their location.

MIXED ROCKS.

The rocks so-called by Professor Crosby, though simply com- posed of a mixture of the two kinds already described, are of such peculiar combination as to seem worthy of notice under a separate heading. There is no appearance among them, as far as observed, of anything like a dike of either penetrating the other. There is found simply a mixture of masses of every size and shape, each single mass being clearly distinctive as granite or diorite, the ele- ments of one in no case coalescing generally with the other. The locations of these rocks have been mentioned in the remarks upon the diorite.

There seems no way of accounting for such mixture except by supposing that at the time of their eruption the rocks existed sep- arately beneath the surface in two contiguous zones, both being in a plastic condition, and that when forced to the surface they were made to intermix so as to present themselves as now found.

PETROSILEX.

The rocks of Hingham hitherto known as porphyry, compact feldspar, and felsite, the writer classes under the name of petrosi- lex, as with but one or two exceptions to be mentioned, all belong to that division of such rocks as contain over 63 or 64 per cent of silica, and which Phillips and others have designated as petrosilex, retaining the name felsite for those of a more basic character, and having a plagioclase feldspar instead of orthoclase as a constituent.

The name " porphyry " is no longer in use as a substantive by geologists. It was applied by the ancients to rocks generally ho- mogeneous, but which contained crystals, commonly feldspar ; and this use continued to modern times. As, however, the rocks so- called differed widely in composition, and it became necessary in the progress of science to define their character more particularly, the name became obsolete. The word " porphyritic," however, remains in common use as an adjective expressing the texture of rocks of a homogeneous base, having crystals disseminated through- out their mass. Thus petrosilex with enclosed crystals is called porphyritic petrosilex, and diabase, the rock of trap dikes with enclosed crystals, is called porphyritic djabase or porphyritic trap.

The writer, in communications to the Boston Society of Natural

30 History of Hingham.

History and otherwise, has expressed the opinion that much of the pctrosilcx of the Boston Basin, and particularly the red rock of Hingham, was derived from conglomerate. This view is not held by others, whose opinions are entitled to respect ; but this has not shaken confidence in his own. There is petrosilex, however, in Hingham of quite a different character, but which he claims has another origin. Mention of that will follow some further remarks upon the red variety.

Prof. Edward Hitchcock, in his great report upon the " Geology of Massachusetts," mentions under the head of Porphyry the red rock now under consideration, as occurring in Hingham in ridges a little north of the village. Undoubtedly this accurate observer found such ridges, though but one small exposure can now be found above. the surface. This is near the junction of Crow-Point Lane and Downer Avenue. Masses of this beautiful /ock may be seen in the stone walls of Lincoln Street near Thaxter, and sug- gest to the mind that in widening this street for the greater con- venience of travel the ridges noticed were dcstroved.

The rock is called above beautiful. Professor Crosby speaks of it as the most beautiful of any in Massachusetts, and it undoubt- edly is so. The color is a bright red, with interspersed spots of lighter or darker hue. The variation was caused apparently in some cases from the enclosure of pebbles, which, with the general mass, became more or less fluent. The pebbly structure can be better seen on weathered surfaces than on those caused by recent fracture.

The other variety of petrosilex referred to above, differs essen- tially from the red, being of different color, rather more glassy in lustre, entirely homogeneous, and presenting no appearance indi- cating enclosed pebbles. Of the origin of this variety there can be no question. It has the chemical constitution of granite, oc- curs associated with it, and is undoubtedly the same with granite, excepting that its mineral constituents are not crystallized, the rock being too rapidly cooled to admit of crystallization. This variety is always in Hingham associated with the granite. It may be found with the granite that forms the cliffs of Peck's Pasture, bordering the Home Meadows, and also on Lincoln Street, in the rear of the first house next north of the Unitarian Church which faces Fountain Square. Specimens from these and other localities are in the collection of the Public Library, where may also be seen those of the red variety.

PORPHYRITE.

The name Porphyrite has been given to basic rocks differing but little in composition from Diorite and Diabase. Like them they are composed of a triclinic feldspar with hornblende or augite, but they are not, like them, crystalline granular. They

The Geology of Hingham, 31

contain from 56 to 58 per cent of silica. Rocks of this character, of various shades of color, are found at Nantasket, but only one exposure has been noticed in Hingham. This is on the shore of the marsh land that borders Weir River, quite near Rocky Neck. At this place it is of a dark-brown color, similar to that of the brown sandstone commonly used in structures of Boston and New York. It is a heavy, tough rock, and undoubtedly owes its origin to volcanic action, being, like melaphyr, an ancient lava.

DIABASE.

Diabase, like Diorite, is composed partly of a triclinic Feldspar, generally Labradorite, but differs from it otherwise in having Augite associated with it instead of Hornblende. Not unfre- quently Mica is found in its composition, and often Pyrite, though these are not essential ingredients. This rock is generally known as Trap, and the dikes which it forms in all parts of the town are called Trap Dikes. The rock as exposed at the surface exhibits more or less the results of decomposition, becoming of a dull green color, from the change of the Augite to Viridite. It has a much higher specific gravity than granite, and is exceedingly tough. The bluish, close-grained masses often found in the soil and called Blue Rocks are of this kind.

Diabase forms dikes alike in the granitic rocks of the town, and in those of the Slates and Conglomerates to be hereafter mentioned.

DIKES.

Having now noticed all the rocks of the Crystalline series found in Hingham, — Granite, Diorite, Petrosilex, and Diabase,- — and as each of them is found in dikes within the Boston Basin, two of them at least in Hingham, it seems fitting to present here some special remarks upon the form of structure known under that name, and to give an account of localities where they may be observed.

Dikes are igneous, unstratificd rocks, which occupy fissures in the formations, and which have been forced up from beneath the surface of the earth in a liquid or semi-liquid state, into the superincumbent rocks.

This molten material undoubtedly at first spread itself, as does the modern lava of volcanoes, over considerable areas after reach- ing the surface. As seen in Hingham, the rock of the dikes is usually found only within the walls of the fissure that gave it pas- sage, the decomposition and washing away of the hundreds of feet of solid matter that once formed the surface having generally left for our view only what is now seen within narrow limits. Often, in forcing a passage through the invaded rock, masses of the latter

32 History of Hingham.

were torn off and enclosed in the molten matter, and it is not therefore uncommon to find in Hingham instances of the enclos- ure of granite within the darker trap rock of the dike.

The name Trap has heen generally used to designate the dark- green or black rock forming dikes ; but as it is now recognized that different rocks of like appearance constitute the invading ma- terial, it is necessary to be more definite in scientific description. The dikes of Hingham as far as examined, with two or three ex- ceptions only, are all of Diabase.

In narrow dikes the rock has a homogeneous structure, as the sudden cooling prevented a crystallization of its mineral constitu- ents, but in those of any considerable width where the material cooled more slowly, it is often porphyritic towards the central portion, crystals especially of feldspar being disseminated. Upon the invaded rock the action caused by the introduction of the molten matter is generally more or less perceptible by a change in its structure near the junction of the two rocks, and frequently by the production of minerals along their margins. In Hing- ham, Epidote is not uncommonly found as the result of this action. Mention will now be made of some of the dikes which have come under the observation of the writer.

Meeting-House Hill, Main Street, South Hingham. — There is a dike in the granite of this elevation but a few steps north from the church which may be seen on the surface of the rock and traced sixiy to seventy feet to the margin of the carriage road. It is from five to six feet in width, and runs in a northwest and southeast direction. Generations of men have come to the temple here to worship, wholly unconscious that their footsteps were over a record of events that took place millions of years before man breathed the breath of life.

Leavitt Street and Jones Street. — Between these two roads on land of Mr. James Jones is a rocky hillock of granite about equidistant from both, in which may be found three trap dikes not far apart, one of which has the considerable width of ten feet. To readily find these, proceed from the bridge that crosses Weir River 700 feet in a southeasterly direction on Leavitt Street, which will bring one to Mr. Alanson Crosby's house on the left side. By passing to the rear of the house about 300 feet from the road, the rocks will be reached with their en- closed dikes. The most northerly of the three is about two and a half feet in width, the second, eighteen feet from the first, is ten feet wide and exposed for a distance of seventy-five feet. These two show well on the face of the granite cliff which en- closes them. The third, forty feet from the last-mentioned, is from three to four feet wide. This will not be readily perceived without close examination, as it is only on a comparatively level spot and obscured somewhat by surface soil. The direction of these dikes is east and west. Two hundred and fifty feet, more or

TJie Geology of H Ingham. 33

less, east of these dike exposures occur considerable bodies of trap, but the connection with them is not perceptible.

On Leavitt Street, about a mile and a half from Leavitt's Bridge going east, and less than a quarter of a mile before reaching the town line, a trap dike crosses the road diagonally. It appears first on the right side for a few feet, and the exposure on the left is seventy-five feet from where the first is lost to view. In neither place does it show above the surface more than a few feet, nor can it be traced beyond the two exposures. Its width is about six feet, and it is porphyritic. Its direction is east and west.

Lasell Street. ■ — Considerable elevations of granite skirt Lasell Street on the left side, some of which approach and border the high- way. After passing Free Street 740 feet, one of these is reached, which presents a bold front, having a very interesting dike of about six feet in width. Lichens obscure this somewhat, on the face of the rock as seen from the street, and one needs to climb to the upper surface to study it to advantage. Here it is found extending itself a considerable distance east, showing, away from its margins, a porphyritic character, the crystals of feldspar being quite distinct. Fifty feet south of this is another dike, parallel with the first, but having a width of only thirty-two inches. This does not exhibit crystals of feldspar so perceptibly, its cooling having been too rapid for their favorable development. This dike cannot be seen from the street, as the front face of the rock has retreated from its border. The two dikes have both an east and west direction by compass, as have nearly all that are found in the granite not approximate to the rocks of the sedimentary series.

Long Bridge Lane. — At the granite quarry of Mr. Israel Whitcomb, about a quarter of a mile from Union Street, may be seen two dikes east and west by compass, one about a foot wide, the other twenty-two inches. They are not far from thirty feet apart.

Friend Street. — On the right-hand side of this street, pro- ceeding from Main, and not far from the latter, may be seen two dikes cutting through the granite of the roadway, both having a general direction of east and west, and both of which may be traced for considerable distances. The first is found 330 feet from Main Street, and varies from four to six feet in width. This may be observed in the adjoining field, 80 to 100 feet east from the road, and has been traced west across meadow land in differ- ent ledges, nearly 1,000 feet. The second one is about forty feet beyond the first-mentioned, and has a width of about two feet. It appears on both sides of the carriage way in the bordering ledge through which the street was cut, but is not so readily seen on the left as on the right without close observation. This has been traced 120 feet or more.

Union Street. — There is a dike on this street, 360 feet from Lasell Street going east, which may be seen in a ridge of granite

VOL. I. 3

34

History of Hingham.

which extends along the left side of the road for a distance of about 120 feet. It varies in width from fifteen inches to nearly two feet, and is much distorted. The general direction is, how- ever, east and west. It may be traced nearly the whole length of the ridge.

About 2,000 feet beyond this, going from Lasell Street, another dike occurs which crosses the street diagonally. It may be seen on both sides of the roadway in the granite, and may be traced into the adjoining field on the left seventy-five feet or more from the fence. Its width is about three and a half feet; its direction east and west. See Figure No. 1. The crosses (x x) represent exposures of the granite.

I

/

45 ft. from Me

X

XX

X

XXX

X X

6 ft. between

20 ft between

A*»X X X

STREET

Dike about 3% ft. wide. Traceable about /OO feet.

Figure jSTo. 1.

Old Colony Hill. — Proceeding from the harbor on Summer Street towards and up the slope of Old Colony Hill, there may be seen on the right side just above the surface a small exposure of trap, being part of a dike which passing east is lost to sight by the covering earth, but which again appears just in front of Mr. Bouve's stone wall, near the corner of Rockland Street. Here it presents a flat face upon which may be observed numerous glacial stride. The distance on the street is about 250 feet. From here the dike is lost to view for 130 feet, but may be found in an east- southeast direction upon the adjoining field, where it continues above ground 85 feet. It then again sinks below the surface, but reappears 190 feet further on in the same direction, and there shows an exposure of about 160 feet before finally disappearing. The whole length as thus presented is 815 feet. The width of the trap as it appears above the soil varies from five to twelve feet.

Hull Street. — Two trap dikes, one three feet wide, the other over four feet, were observed on this street. Their direction was found to be east and west, but irregular.

The Geology of H Ingham

35

Weir River. — In the granite rocks of the east side of Weir River, north of Rockland Street, may be seen several dikes. One may be found a few hundred feet below the Riverside House, ex- tending from the river bank in an east-southeast direction, having a width of six feet. There are two others not far distant having the same general direction, each about two feet wide. Still another was noticed of less width than either mentioned, having pieces of granite, through which it had cut, enclosed.

Beach near Summer Street. — On the beach east of Hersey's wharf, near the steamboat landing and about ninety yards from it, may be seen a trap dike running east and west, having a width of nine feet. This dike has veins of epidotc.

About twenty-eight yards beyond this there is another east and west dike of the same character, which is somewhat irregular and intermixed with granite, but showing, where distinct, a width of two feet.

Fifty yards farther a dike is reached which crosses the beach in the granite, and which is particularly interesting, because it shows within its body a continuous mass of granite which was torn from the walls of that rock and enclosed in the igneous ma- terial, when this was irrupted from beneath in a molten condi- tion. See Figure No. 2.

Figure No. 2.

One hundred and twenty-five feet farther east a small cove, called Mansfield's Cove, is reached, where may be seen just at its

36 History of Hingham.

entrance a dike six feet in width, of porphyritic texture and par- tially decomposed, its direction being, like the others, east and west.

The cove is about ninety feet deep, and is bordered on its south- erly side by granite, having here and there more or less mixture of trap. Some Melaphyr is also seen in juxtaposition with the granite, and this rock also appears on the adjoining land near, but to a limited extent.

Martin's Lane. — On the right of Martin's Lane and just beyond its termination, a dike may be observed within granite walls, having an east and west direction and traceable 100 feet. Its width is about six feet.

JOINTS.

Joint structure properly finds place here, as all the rocks of the town exhibit it, and none more than the granites.

Probably there can be found no reader of these pages resident in Hingham who has not observed lines of fracture both in the granitic and the sedimentary rocks of the town, as his eyes have rested upon its numerous ledges. To explain these it will be well to give some account of different kinds of joints that occur in rocks, as they vary in character, have an entirely different origin, and give rise to varied structure.

The first to occupy attention, then, are such as arise from the contraction by cooling, as in the case of igneous rocks, or by desic- cation, as in the case of sedimentary strata. This contraction results in cracks never parallel or intersecting, and are generally short and not continuous. In some igneous rocks the contraction tends to the formation of polygonal columns, which the joints then surround and embrace. The best exemplification of this structure is seen in the Basalt of the Giants' Causeway in Ireland, where this structure presents the whole rock mass in beautiful prismatic columns, each column separated into blocks having concave and convex surfaces. They vary in dimension and are somewhat irregular, but have been regarded by some as resulting from im- perfect crystallization. There is, however, nothing of crystalliza- tion in their formation, this being without doubt entirely due to contractive action. Professor Crosby has mentioned a case where the columnar structure was observed by him in the felsite of Needham, but no instances of the kind have been noticed in the rocks of Hinscham.

The joints next to be mentioned are such as have now re- ceived the name of Joints of Expansion. Almost all rocky masses have, in addition to those of other character, joints, or seams as they are often called, that arc approximately horizontal, or nearly parallel with the surface of the ground. They may be observed in any quarry. They divide the rock into layers, and

The Geology of H Ingham. 37

thus enable the workmen to get out blocks much more easily than would be otherwise possible. The origin of this kind of jointing, as first suggested by Professor Shaler, is now generally admitted by geologists to be due to the effect of the sun's rays upon the surface, leading to a permeation of more or less heat to a con- siderable depth, with consequent expansion, and finally to a sepa- ration of the rock into layers.

The last kind of joints to which attention is called, and the origin of which has been by far the most difficult to explain, are those which are most readily observed upon all the exposed rocks of this town. They may be seen in parallel lines upon their sur- faces, sometimes extending for considerable distances, and often intersected by other lines which are also parallel with each other. These joints are approximately vertical and vary much in direc- tion, which, in view of their probable origin, is an important matter of consideration.

Examination of the direction in many localities shows as follows : —

North and south.

North by west and south by east.

North-northwest and south-southeast.

Northwest and southeast.

North-northeast and south-southwest.

Northeast and southwest.

East and west.

East-northeast and west-southwest.

East-southeast and west-northwest.

Others are found varying in direction from all these, but they are not so noticeable.

One of the best localities to observe this joint structure on an extensive scale, although not in this town, will be mentioned here, because it is within a short distance from its boundary and easily- observed. It is on Beach Street in Cohasset, very near Sandy Cove, where a large area of rock surface extends from the road- side west on an upward slope, covering a space of several hundred feet. The joints on this surface are particularly well-defined.

The parallel lines under consideration may be observed on almost every exposure of rock, sometimes several feet apart but in other cases only a few inches. At one granite locality on Whiting Street they occur so near each other in some instances as to enable one to pry off pieces not over half an inch thick, specimens of which may be seen in the collection of the Public Library, made to illustrate the geology of the town.

It has always been a source of great astonishment alike to students and casual observers, to find that in the severance of the conglomerate rocks the parts are often found divided as smoothly as if a knife had cut them asunder, and that the very pebbles contained in it are divided with the rest of the mass, instead of

38 History of H Ingham.

being left intact upon one of the sides of the joint, as would have been judged likely, whatever the force that rent the rock apart.

When two series of the joints under consideration are observa- ble upon any rock surface, those of one series running in a cer- tain direction will be found often to be intersected by those of the other, the result being to separate the rock more or less vertically in rectangular or rhomboidal divisions, and when, as is often the case in slates, there are also joints of expansion, cleavage planes, or planes of stratification, which are more or less transverse to the two mentioned, the rock will break into rectangular or rhomboidal blocks.

Such may be obtained at Huit's Cove or more readily at Slate Island just outside the town limits. Fine specimens may be seen in the town collection of rocks from the former locality.

It remains now to state the probable origin of the vertical in- tersecting joints. Much study has been given to the subject by several o-eolos;ists. To Professor W. 0. Crosbv is certainly due the credit of susro-estini:; and ablv advocating a theory that seems to the writer after much consideration, conclusive. The theory is that eartbquake action caused the phenomena. Space will not here allow further remarks, but the reader who wishes to learn more of it, is referred to the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, vols. xxii. and xxiii.

THE BOSTON BASIN.

The border line of the granitic and dioritic rocks of the town, whether near or far from the coast and however irregular its course, may be regarded approximately as part of the border of a great area which is known by geologists as the Boston Basin, and which embraces a portion of the towns of Cohassct, Hull, Hing- ham, Weymouth, Quincy, Milton, Hyde Park, Needham, Newton, Brookline, Somerville, Cambridge, Watertown, Maiden, Medford, Everett, and the city of Boston, with its harbor east to the outer islands, and possibly a considerable distance beyond, the diameter east-west being not far from twenty-five miles, and having a north- south diameter averaging about twelve miles.

It is absolutely necessary to know much of the history of the formations of the Boston Basin in order to appreciate what may be said of that portion embraced within the limits of Hingham. There has been much discussion carried on over a long period respecting the age and the sequence of its formations. Recent investigations in all parts of it by Professor Crosby have thrown much light upon the subject, changing materially his own views and those of others, who have been informed of his important observations.

One result of his work has been to establish the fact, that in- stead of there beino: but one formation of slate, as advocated by himself, there is shown clearly to be two, as claimed by other oh-

The Geology of H Ingham. 39

servers; and another is to demonstrate that instead of the sedi- mentary rocks of the basin being of one period, the Primordial, a large portion of them are the deposits of a later age.

Before going further the reader should recognize that in a very early period, probably in Archaean Time, there came to exist over the area of what is now known as the Boston Basin, a groat de- pression of the whole surface, probably largely due to subterra- nean igneous action, aided perhaps by long continued erosion by the sea. The certainty that in subsequent ages, through perhaps millions of years, the whole area became as it were a great crater, with violent volcanic action at many periods and in many parts of it, during which vast flows of lava were poured into it, form- ing a considerable portion of its rocks, makes it probable that subterranean action was the chief cause.

Appreciating highly the value of the recent investigations of Professor Crosby referred to above, and agreeing with him gen- erally in his conclusions, the writer believes that he can do no better than to follow him in presenting a summary of the prin- cipal events in the history of the formations within the basin before giving a detailed statement of the sedimentary and asso- ciated rocks of Hingham.

The formation recognized as the oldest in the basin is that of the primordial slates and accompanying Quartzite, known to be of primordial age by the discovery in the slates of Trilobites of that age. These slates occur at Braintree, where only such fos- sils have been found, at Weymouth near by, and in numerous places in the northern portion of the basin. As stated by Pro- fessor Crosby, they probably underlie a large part of the basin covered by the rocks of a later age.

Subsequent to the deposition of the primordial strata a period of violent volcanic action followed, during which were torn asun- der the slates and the quartzite, and vast floods of basic lava, now known as Diorite, were poured in among them and over their surfaces. Following this, there appears to have come a long period of repose and erosion, which was terminated by another of prolonged violent igneous action, bringing to the surface and spreading over it the acid lavas which formed the granite and the pctrosilex. As the diorite is found intrusive in the primor- dial strata, and the granite and petrosilex are alike intrusive in the diorite and the primordial strata, it is clear that the latter are the oldest of these, and that the granite and pctrosilex are the most recent. If the granites and allied rocks of eastern Massachusetts are, as has been taught by Dr. T. Sterry Hunt and other geologists, Archaean, it may possibly be that these un- derlying the primordial and subjected to intense igneous action, became locally fluent, and thus were injected into and over the superincumbent strata. While, therefore, all thus injected and reformed above the primordinl may be regarded as more recent, it may not be true of those outside the basin. There is much,

40 History of Hingham.

however, that can be said in favor of the view that all the gran- ites and other rocks of the region, hitherto considered Archa3an, are more recent than the Primordial, including even those of the well-known Quincy Hills. Indeed, the evidence that this is the case is well-nigh conclusive. Certainly there can be no question but that considerable areas of the granite were fluent and erup- tive after the primordial slates were formed. A very valuable and instructive article was published in the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History in 1881, by Professor M. E. Wadsworth, on the relation of the Quincy granite to the primor- dial argillite of Braintrec, in which he demonstrated that in dif- ferent localities the granite was eruptive through the slates, as shown by the close welding of both rocks, and by the effect of the contact in altering the character of both near the line of junction.

After the events narrated, the area of the basin became one of slow subsidence that must have continued through a vast period of time, as during its ages the oreat bodv of the rocks that form the conglomerate series was formed, — the conglomerates and sand- stones near the margins of the coasts, and the slates, the material of which was deposited by the rivers, in the deeper portions. As subsidence continued, the sea encroached more and more upon its shores, the margins of the land became more remote, and the great body of the slate was gradually laid down in the deep waters to a thickness of more than a thousand feet.

Before proceeding further in the history of the basin, the writer will express views long held by him relative to the origin of the pebbles that made up the great body of the conglomerate in- cluding the sandstone, which is only rock of the same character formed of finer material, and of the slates.

Of the conglomerate it may be said that the formation of this rock wherever found has generally been regarded as mainly due to the action of water, and its existence in the Boston Basin has been ascribed to the force of the waves beating for countless gen- erations against, and making an inroad upon, the coast, resulting in the wearing down of the rocks, and the formation by attrition of the bowlders and pebbles which subsequently were cemented into compact strata. This view the writer does not concur in, as he judges it impossible that in any number of ages the action of the waves alone on the area of the basin could have led to the production of such a body of bowlders and pebbles as make up the conglomerate. He believes there was a far more potent cause for their origin silently at work moulding them into form long anterior to their submergence in the surging waters. This cause is to be found in the highly corrosive character of the atmosphere in the early ages of the earth's history, by which the hills, origi- nally of course but rock elevations, became under its action rap- idly disintegrated. Such elevations of early periods in southern regions yet exist as monuments of this corrosive action, for the

The Geology of Hingham. 41

decayed material remains upon them, showing, though but par- tially, the extent of the corrosion, much of the substance having been washed oil' the surface by the denuding action of rains.

There is certainly no reason to suppose the general condition of the surface of the land prior to the glacial period was different over the area of the early formations of New England from what prevailed over formations of a like age south of glacial action.

We may therefore picture to ourselves, with good reason, the country everywhere in the neighborhood of Boston covered with hills of considerable altitude, composed of the decayed material of the rocky formations, and having disseminated through it bowlders and pebbles of every size, that had not yet yielded to the decomposing influence. It is well known that corrosive action tends to produce such forms, though of course it is not questioned but that subsequent action of water and attrition had much influence in working a large portion of the pebbles found in the conglomerate into the shapes which they now present.

The subsidence of the area of the basin after the primordial period mentioned, extending the water surface to the base of hills filled with the material for the conglomerate, the igneous action that followed and was active at times during the formation of that rock, causing more or less of oscillation and change of level to the surface, and the subsequent action of the waves upon the cliffs and beaches of coast margin, together, will amply account for the production of the conglomerate, but it will be recognized that the main factor in such view is to be found in the disintegra- tion of the rocky hills long before the action of other forces.

The presentation now made of the origin of the conglomerate of the Boston Basin is greatly strengthened by the fact lately called to the notice of the writer by Professor Crosby, — that no pebbles of the basic rock diorite are found in the conglomerate with those of the acidic rocks. All will agree in the statement that pebbles of the granite, the quartzite, and the petrosilex rocks of the northern border of the basin, have contributed largely to make up the conglomerate ; but what became of those of the diorite, a rock quite as abundant in the ancient hills as any of them ? Its absence can only be accounted for by the view that it could not like the others withstand the corrosive action, as did partially the others, and therefore not even pebbles were left to help form the newer rock. Respecting the slates, their origin is clear. Simultaneously with the depression of the area of the basin below the sea level, there would commence a deposit of the finer sediment brought down by the rivers. This may well be thought to have been copious considering the char- acter of the country passed through, everywhere composed of the decayed remains of the earlier rocks. Indeed it cannot be doubted that the streams would be turbid with argillaceous mat- ter, and, as well known, this would be immediately precipitated upon coming in contact with salt water. Thus the material for

42 History of Hingham.

the slates of the basin must have steadily accumulated through long ages.

The origin of another abundant rock of the basin, associated with the conglomerate, the melaphyr, long continued to be a ques- tion of much discussion, but there is now no doubt concerning it. During all the immense time that subsidence continued, and while sedimentary strata were gradually accumulating, the area of the basin remained a great centre of igneous action, and vol- canoes here and there within it belched forth from time to time floods of lava which spread itself over the surface. Professor Crosby has made out in the Nantaskct region several flows of it, each of which alternates with deposits of conglomerate and sand- stone. In such cases the outpouring was probably beneath the surface of the water, where the deposits followed each period of activity. In Hingham the melaphyr is found in very great bodies not separated by deposits of the sedimentary rocks.

One more great event in the history of the basin is yet to be mentioned. Long after the volcanic action tbat had produced the basic lava, melaphyr, bad ceased, and after all the sediments were deposited that produced the rocks known to us as the conglomer- ates, the sandstones, and the slates, a great disturbance occurred over the whole area of the basin and of the crystalline rocks surrounding it, caused by another manifestation of igneous en- ergy, which changed the whole character of the surface. With- in the basin, apparently from immense pressure exerted in north and south directions, the rocky strata were forced up in folds or in broken ridges. Through crystalline rocks and sedimentary strata alike, subterranean action brought to the surface, and probably poured over it, vast quantities of lava of highly basic properties, different from those of the previous eruptions, now known to lithologists as Diabase, an account of which has been given. The great erosion of after ages is undoubtedly the rea- son why the rock Diabase is not found spread over the surface, as well as within the walls of dikes.

At length the disturbing action ceased, and the earth, which had been shaken from its foundations to its surface, and rent asunder in a thousand localities, once more became quiescent. The effect upon the area of the basin was great, for where the waters had for an immense period spread themselves over the surface, and under which conglomerates and slates had been laid down, dry land appeared.

How strange to reflect that in these three words is embraced a fact without which all the stupendous events that have been mentioned, occurring over millions of years, would have re- mained entirely unknown to mortal man ; for with the waters covering the basin, where could a trace of its long history have been found ?

The rocks of the Boston Basin as they present themselves in Hingham will now be noticed. Unfortunately the non-occurrence

The Geology of Hingham. 43

of fossils in any of them makes it impossible to determine defi- nitely their age. The fact of slates within half a dozen miles of the town containing trilobites, thus showing them to be primor- dial, has led reasonably to the view that a part at least of those in Hingham might be found to be also primordial. The super- position of the strata, however, and their inclination, as far as these can be studied at their exposures, militate against this view. Nevertheless, considering how much is hidden from obser- vation where the great body of slate lies, towards Weymouth River, and the disturbances to which the formations have been subjected, it is by no means to be regarded as settled that slate of primordial age does not exist in Hingham as in other parts of the basin. It cannot, however, be shown that any is found resting; beneath the rocks of the Conglomerate Series. That which occurs alternating with the conglomerate must be regarded as of the same age as the conglomerate itself. The great body of slate referred to above, towards Weymouth River, seems by its dip, as far as this has been determined, to be superior to the strata of the conglomerate series, and therefore a later rock.

This slate, on the maps is designated separately from that of the conglomerate series, as belonging to the Slate Series.

The Conglomerate Series comprises Conglomerates, Sandstones, Slates, and Melaphyr, which have together a thickness of nearly one thousand feet. The great disturbances alluded to, by which all these rocks were rent asunder by faults, and forced into ap- proximately vertical positions, will be more clearly apparent by a glance at the maps than by hours of reading.

THE CONGLOMERATE SERIES.

Conglomerate is formed of pebbles or angular fragments and gravel derived from pre-existing formations, these being cemented together into a compact rock. Sometimes the enclosed masses are of considerable dimensions, being several feet in diameter. When the enclosed stones are pebbles, that is, are rounded, the rock is called Pudding-Stone ; when they are angular it is called Breccia. The pebbles or fragments vary much in character, — those of Petrosilex, Quartzite, Granite, and other rocks being often found in close juxtaposition. Such is the case with the conglom- erate of Hingham, as may be seen at almost any exposure. When the rock is "found made up exclusively of fine material, small gravel, and sand, it becomes a sandstone, and as such occurs in Hingham alternating with the coarser portions.

Conglomerate is the predominant rock over considerable areas of the town. It presents itself prominently in the harbor, com- posing the strata of the islands known as Sarah's, Langlee's, and Ragged, and its walls face the water along the coast front of Melville Gardens. It crops out upon the surface in great abun-

44 History of Hingham,.

dance over the hilly region between South and Elm streets, appear- ing near the former in cliffs of considerable altitude, and it forms, with the amygdaloidal melaphyr, a part of the shore rocks of Rocky Neck that border Weir River, east of Planter's Hill. It also occurs abundantly about and over the high lands contiguous to Unit's Cove.

Away from the coast and the islands in the harbor the most imposing exhibition of this rock may be found in a narrow, pri- vate road that runs from Real Street towards Weymouth River, some distance north of the Hockley Lane. Soon after entering this road it turns towards the north, winding about the base of some exposures of the conglomerate which lie between it and Beal Street. Following the passage through low ground and through forest growth for the distance of about a quarter of a mile, there suddenly appear high cliffs of the rock partially ob- scured by trees, rising to the height of forty to fifty feet, and pre- senting the appearance of having been torn asunder by some convulsion of nature, large masses being found in the foreground. The rocks extend along the road and near it six to seven hundred feet. The exposure here is well worth visiting.

The conglomerate rocks of Hingham were originally deposited upon the more ancient rocks, perhaps much farther inland than is now apparent, and were worn away by the erosion of the sur- face in after ages. At some localities, however, a partial coating of the conglomerate may be seen upon the granite, occupying depressions in it, showing where it once rested probably in con- siderable beds.

CLAY SLATE, OR ARGILLITE, OF THE CONGLOM- ERATE SERIES.

The slate of the conglomerate series in Hingham occurs, as may be seen by the maps, quite abundantly in the northern parts of the town, alternating with the conglomerate. The color of these slates varies considerably, a portion being of the ordinary bluish shade, while other portions are red or reddish. Both these colors are found quite near each other in the same exposure, as in Hersey Street on the left side going from, and not far from, South Street.

The slate of the slate series will be mentioned after notice of melaphyr, which is included in the conglomerate series.

MELAPHYR.

The name Amygdaloid commonly applied to this rock was given because of the frequent occurrence in it of cavities filled with other minerals than those constituting its mass, which are often approxi-

The Geology of Hingham. 45

mately almond-shape in their outline. These cavities, how- ever, may be entirely wanting, when of course the name amyg- daloid loses its significance. Moreover, rocks of a different composition have sometimes the same amygdaloidal structure. The name now applied to the rock by geologists is Melaphyr, and nowhere does it present itself in its typical and varied char- acteristics more advantageously for observation and study than in Hingham. The composition is the same as that of Basalt, which has as its essential elements, augite, magnetite, and titaniferous iron, but often containing a triclinic feldspar and other minerals, — the only difference being apparently the result of a change of some of the constituents by decomposition. Here it is found beautifully amygdaloidal over extensive areas, the amygdules being filled with minerals of several species which are sometimes arranged in concentric bands, the most common being epidote, quartz, chlorite, and calcite. At one locality, on land bordering Unit's Cove, there is an exposure of melaphyr, forming an escarp- ment on the slope of a hill, which is quite dark in color and in portions free from amygdules, and where these occur they are of calcite. This is found in the immediate neighborhood of other melaphyr, full of amygdules containing the various minerals men- tioned as common in the rock.

The best exposures for the study of melaphyr may be found at the northeast part of the town along the shore of Rocky Neck, on the northeasterly slope of Squirrel Hill, Lincoln Street, and at Huit's Cove. At all these places the amygdaloidal rock is abun- dant, and specimens of much beauty can be easily obtained. In the amygdaloidal melaphvrs of Rocky Neck fine red jasper and vellowish white epidote occur, both in nodules and in veins.

CLAY SLATE OF THE SLATE SERIES.

This slate, which forms a great body resting with apparent con- formity over the rocks of the conglomerate series, has a thick- ness of over one thousand feet, and undoubtedly is spread, as indi- cated on the maps, over a great area of the town toward Weymouth River. Its exposures are, however, not numerous, as the drift of the glacial period covers it from observation. It shows itself on the border of Weymouth River at Deal's Cove, and also at Huit's Cove. At the south side of the latter it forms a point of land which extends into the water. Here it is well-jointed, and the lines of stratification are distinctly perceptible. The dip is west- erly, and the inclination about 60°. On the north shore of the cove it appears associated with conglomerate and melaphyr, and portions of it show clearly lines of cleavage which are not often manifest at the exposures of slate in Hingham.

In a region where the rock formations have experienced great disturbance, as in Hingham, the dip of the strata varies very

46 History of Hingham.

much at the several localities. In attempting to obtain this, it may be well to admonish the reader, if not a geologist, that in the case of slates and some other rock's, the true lines of deposition by no means correspond with the lines of cleavage. It is owing to the planes of the latter that the rock is serviceable for the uses to which it is put in the arts, as a roofing material, and for other purposes. This kind of cleavage is called Slaty Cleavage, and it is unquestionably due to great lateral pressure of the material of which slates are composed, after its deposition. The fact of such pressure being exerted upon the strata beneath the surface is well-known, and experiments by Sedgwick, Tyndall, and Daubree, upon clay and other substances, demonstrated that the effect of pressure was to produce lamination.

The writer has thought it well, before closing his remarks upon the rock exposures of the town, to suggest two excursions that may be made to advantage by students interested in them. One of these is through the northern portion of Hersey Street, from South Street to Elm Street. The rocks mentioned rest immedi- ately on or quite near the margin of the road, and may be seen without going any distance from it in the adjoining fields. Since the examination has been made there has been some change on the east side of the street by the erection of a building, and the covering over of a portion of the rocks near ; but thus far none that will lessen interest in inspecting those yet undisturbed. The other excursion suggested is that of a visit to Rocky Xeck and a walk along its shores, as promising more pleasure and instruction than can be found in any other locality.

Hersey Street.

This street, in its northern part, affords a good opportunity to observe a succession of the sedimentary rocks of Hingham with the intrusive trap which is found with them. In ascending the rising ground from South Street, there occurs, on the right side, about 240 feet from the commencement of the road and back from it, an exposure of Conglomerate. It shows itself quite near the house of Mr. Allen A. Lincoln. Its face is parallel with the side of the house and at right angles with the road. On the next estate, 60 feet beyond, there is rock exposure near and facing the street, the first part of which is composed of trap and constitutes a dike six or more feet in width. This is succeeded bv conglom- erate, with which it makes a close junction. This conglomerate extends about 15 feet and is followed by a reddish slate extend- ing 20 feet, in the centre of which is a second trap dike. Suc- ceeding the slate is more conglomerate, which shows itself 50 feet or more. There is no further exposure on the right side of the road for 1090 feet, and then it is found that the limit of the

Geology of Hingham. s«l'Timfl

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ON

Weir River.

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EXPLANATION OF COLORS

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The Geology of H Ingham. 47

sedimentary rocks has been passed, as granite now appears. This extends 30 feet and is followed by an exposure of trap. Beyond this trap, which here crosses the street, the rocks are all granite.

On the left side of the street, ascending the hill from South Street and about 310 feet from it, there is an exposure of rocks which present themselves in the following order: conglomerate nine feet, slate six feet, sandstone twenty feet, slate again twelve feet, this last being succeeded by a dike of trap about nine feet in width. Beyond this trap there is no exposure for about 60 feet, at which distance another ledge appears, the first part of which shows blue and red slate six feet, the rest of it being conglom- erate, which extends 36 feet. Another space, of 72 feet, without rock follows the conglomerate, when this rock reappears in another ledge, — composing the first part of it for six feet, the rest of it, 45 feet, being blue and red slate. Still another space of about 80 feet occurs without rock, when sandstone appears along the road for the very considerable distance of 110 feet. Trap, partially covered with soil, succeeds the sandstone for about 40 feet, then conglomerate with an exposure of six feet. Beyond this conglomerate, which is the last seen on the road of the sedi- mentary strata, no other rocks appear on the left side of it for 650 feet. Then appears a considerable elevation of trap rock, which extends along the street about 30 feet and back upon the adjoin- ing fields towards Elm Street. As stated above, when mention- ing the portion of this dike exposed on the right side of the road, there are no other rocks beyond it excepting granite.

Rocky Neck.

East of Planter's Hill, and partially separated from it by a depression of the surface, is an elevation of land forming a prom- ontorv, which is bordered bv Weir River on its north and east- erly shores. The rocks here, finely exposed as they are along the water's edge, and exhibiting well their relation to each other, afford one of the localities the best worth visiting of any within the town. The map of course shows the development over and beneath the surface of the land as made known by the rock expos- ures ; but a statement of what may be readily observed in a walk along the margin of the water will perhaps help visitors to understand what they pass, and thus make such a trip the more interesting.

At low water on the river front of the meadow that lies south of Rockv Neck, mav be seen close to the water's eds;e a small ridge of rocks which the student should especially notice, as they are composed of the basic rock Porphyrite, and no other exposure of this rock is known in Hingham. Following the shore north of the porphyrite and just where the land rises from low and marshy ground, the first rocks which appear above the surface and rest-

48 History of Hingham.

ing somewhat back from the beach are conglomerates. Proceed- ing further a short distance, two dikes of diabase jut upon the beach, and not far inland may be seen to have cut through con- glomerate, the line of junction on a facing of one of them towards the water being distinctly perceptible The lirst of the dikes is about 450 feet from the porphyrite on the line of the beach, and the second about 40 feet further. The former of these will be more particularly mentioned before the close of these remarks upon Rocky Neck. Beyond the dikes, extending over the beach and along the shore for 350 feet or more, is a confused mixture of melaphyr with other rocks, petrosilex, porphyrite, granite, quartz- ite, etc. In portions the melaphyr forms with them a conglom- erate of which it is by far the larger part. Other portions can hardly be designated as conglomerate, being apparently the result of the intrusion of the melaphyr in a molten state among pebbles and masses unconsolidated, and absorbing them in its substance, each being now found surrounded entirely by the melaphyr.

It is in this portion of the rock of the shore that there is found much good red jasper, affording cabinet specimens of some beauty. The formation of this was clearly due to the chemical action arising from the union of the molten melaphyr with the material invaded. There are some veins of quartz found in the rock and others of an impure, buff-colored epidote.

Following this mixed melaphyr and conglomerate and less than 100 feet from it, is a very typical conglomerate containing peb- bles of granite, quartzite, and petrosilex. This extends about 90 feet. The jointing in this may be noticed as north and south.

About 80 feet from the conglomerate, melaphyr appears and extends for the considerable distance of about 500 feet. In it may be seen veins of quartz and also of the yellowish, opaque epidote mentioned above as occurring in the mixed melaphyr and conglomerate, but in far greater abundance. This melaphyr at its termination abuts directly against conglomerate, the line of demarcation being distinct and nearly vertical, though in places this does not clearly appear. There is undoubtedly a fault here. The conglomerate from the junction of the two rocks extends along the coast line about 240 feet. In this conglomerate is an east and west dike four to five feet wide. Melaphyr follows for some 50 feet or more, of a character similar to that before de- scribed as mixed with other material.

A bay in the land here occurs, and crossing it westerly on the beach at low tide the visitor finds cliffs of melaphyr which form a jutting point into the water. Crossing this a second bay is reached at a distance of about 100 feet. Here the rock displays the characteristic nodules that lead to its designation as amyg- daloid. Indeed a large portion of the melaphyr of Rocky Neck is finely amygdaloidal, and affords good specimens of this variety of the rock. On the beach here there is a protruding flat surface of rock, a yard or so in diameter, on which may be seen glacial

The Geology of H Ingham.

49

striae, though probably exposed there to the elements for centu- ries. These lines are northwest and southeast, and south 30° east. Other lines on a neighboring rock are northwest by west and southeast by east. On the westerly side of the bay granite appears in a high cliff towards and extending into the water.

By ascending this cliff, passing over it to its western declivity and descending to the narrow beach at its base, which should be done at low tide, a dike exposure may be seen of much interest. It is what is called a double dike, the molten material having made its way to the surface within two contiguous joints in the granite. The larger portion has a width of about eight feet, the

Figure No 3.

smaller one about one foot, and they are separated by about one foot of the invaded rock. See Figure No. 3. This double dike slopes to the south from the vertical at an angle of 45°. This is the extreme western end, on Rocky Neck, of the dike first mentioned as appearing on the eastern shore. It does not present there

VOL. I.

50 History of Hingha/m.

or generally over the surface of the neck its double character be- cause obscured by the soil. Across the water of the river, on Nantasket where it reappears, it shows itself double.

THE GLACIAL PERIOD.

A pretty full notice of the great glacier that rested over the North, and the phenomena attendant upon its advance and final melting away, has been given in the preliminary remarks. We have now only to treat particularly of the traces left upon the surface of the town by its passage. Those who bave atten- tively read what has been expressed will understand that the decomposed material of early rock formations making up the soil of the territory of Hingham prior to the advent of the ice was largely borne away by its movement, the solid rock founda- tions being laid bare, whilst a large part of that which now forms the bills and covers the valleys was brought forward by the on- ward progress of the glacier from more northern localities. The whole of the earth tbus disturbed and redistributed is known as Drift. Much of it was materially changed in the transportation. That directly beneath the glacier, and subjected to its enormous pressure and to great friction upon the rock surfaces below, was reduced to fragments, and even to the finest particles. The masses of rock, too, which were borne on beneath the glacier, that escaped destruction, were mostly smoothed, and often striated, like the rocky strata over which they passed. The part of the drift thus subjected to the crushing and grinding action of the glacier is known as Till. The definition of this term " Till," as given by James Geikie, the author of the exceedingly valuable work, " The Great Ice Period," is " a firm, tough, unstratified stony clay, with no very large bowlders, and having stones of a peculiar shape." The stones referred to are such as are oblong without being symmetrical in outline, and which exhibit strias most often in the direction of the longest axis. Till constitutes the lowest member of the drift deposits. It is the " moraine profonde,n or " ground moraine " of foreign geologists, the " bowlder clay " of most writers, the " hard pan " of our townsmen. It owes its compact and tough character undoubtedly to the immense pres- sure of the ice.

A considerable portion of the drift which was borne in the body of the glacial sheet itself, and thus escaped its grinding action, upon the final melting of the ice was spread loosely over the whole surface to a varying depth of from one to ten feet, and in some places to a much greater thickness. It is generally com- posed of gravel and sand with enclosed pebbles, and often contains an abundance of bowlders of large dimensions. Like the till, this upper drift is unstratified ; but neither the bowlders nor pebbles in it are striated, as is the case with part of those of the former.

The Geology of Hingham. 51

This is often called the Upper Till. It rests upon the general surface of New England, overlying the true till where the latter exists. It is easily distinguished from it by its somewhat dif- ferent composition, containing comparatively but little clay, and being much less compact, from not having been subjected to such great pressure. Its color, too, is generally yellowish, arising from the oxidation of the iron contained in it.

There is yet a third glacial deposit to be mentioned ; it is known as Modified Drift. This undoubtedly owed its origin generally to the action of rivers, which upon the melting of the ice-sheet swept over it and conveyed the rock masses, gravel, and sand, with which it was laden, to many localities where they are now found.

Having thus given an account of the origin of the drift deposits and their dissemination over the surface of the land, it remains for us to present the views of those who have made a special study of glacial phenomena respecting the peculiar hills that prevail in many sections over which the ice-sheet rested, and which form a predominant feature in the topography of the town ; and also of the less elevated summits and ridges known by geologists as Karnes, which likewise present themselves prominently over a large part of its territory. The first of these, the peculiar hills referred to, are what have been called by the Irish geologists " Drumlins," a name of Irish derivation, signifying a long, rounded hill, — and by Professor Charles H. Hitchcock they have been called " Lenticu- lar Hills," from their lenslike form. We will first dwell upon these hills, upon the grooving and striation of the rocks over which the glacier advanced, and upon what are known as " pot-holes," as phenomena of the period under consideration ; postponing re- marks upon the later drift deposits and much other matter con- nected with the passing away of the ice, which will be presented when treating of the Champlain Period.

DRUMLINS, OR LENTICULAR HILLS.

These remarkable elevations are found in many towns of east- ern Massachusetts, but nowhere are seen to form more interesting features of the landscape than in Hingham. Baker's Hill, Otis Hill, Prospect Hill, Great Hill, Turkey Hill, and Pleasant Hill at Crow Point are all elevations of this character. They are com- posed, wherever found, mainly of the lowest member of the drift, the till, or bowlder clay, having generally but a thin deposit on their surface of the gravel and bowlders of the upper drift. They vary much in size, sometimes presenting themselves as mere hil- locks, but often found half a mile or more in length, and not infrequently over a mile. In form they are generally oval, more or less elongated, having symmetrical, rounded summits, with gen- tle slopes in the direction of their longest axes and much steeper ones laterally. In height they sometimes exceed two hundred

52 History of Hingham.

feet. These hills rest on rock surfaces which have been subjected to glacial action and show striation.

Now when the fact is taken into consideration that all such hills are only to be found in countries which have been covered with the ice-sheet, that their longitudinal axes always coincide, or very nearly coincide, with the direction of the stria? upon the rocks of the regions where they occur, and that they are com- posed almost entirely of till, no one can reasonably doubt that they were originally formed under and by the action of the ice- sheet itself. How the till could be raised into such hills has been a subject of much question, but there is now a general acquies cence in the view that they had their origin in the gradual and long-continued accumulation of the clay and its accompanying pebbles in certain places favorable for the aggregation of the ma- terial, in the same manner that sand-banks are formed in rivers.

GROOVINGS AND STRIATION OF THE ROCKS.

The rock exposures in different parts of the town show clearly the wearing away of the material, causing extensive grooves upon their surfaces, and often fine striae, which mark unmistakably the course of the glacier over them. The granite, while it exhibits the smooth, rounded outlines and the deep groovings on a grand scale, seldom shows the finer and more delicate markings as seen upon the slate and diabase. Among the localities where the stria? mov be clearly discerned are the following : —

Fort Hill. — The diorite on the side of the street next the cemetery very generally exhibits stria?. An examination of these shows their direction to be as follows, — compass measurement (which measurement will be given in all cases) : —

East of south 1 0° East of south 1 2° East of south 15°

Lasell Street. — On the left side of this street, going south, about 1000 feet from Free street, and extending from the carriage- way to the fence, is the flat surface of a dike of diabase, upon which are very numerous stria?. Several of these examined were found to run east of south 10°.

Beal's Cove, Weymouth Back River. — There is here a consid- erable exposure of slate, through which is a large dike of diabase. On both rocks stria? are abundant. Examination showed them to vary in direction as follows : —

East of south 10°, J

East of south 15°, >on slate.

East of south 20°, )

East of south 25°, on dike rock.

The Geology of Hinghmn. 53

Rocky Neck. — On a beach of the northern shore, upon diabase, are glacial strise showing a direction southeast, and also cast of south 80°.

Union Street. — On the left side of Union street, 1670 feet from Lascll, and just beyond Long Bridge Lane, is a granite ledge upon which are numerous striae.

Summer and Rockland streets. — Just at the corner of these streets, by the roadside, is an exposure of diabase trap, before men- tioned when treating of dikes, upon which are striae which show variation in direction as follows : —

East of south 10° East of south 12° East of south 15D

Weir Street. — On the right side of the roadway of this street, a short distance from the railroad-crossing, is an exposure of dio- rite showing striae running —

East of south 5° East of south 1CP

INDIAN POT-HOLES, OR GIANTS' KETTLES OF FOREIGN WRITERS.

It is well known that wherever there exist waterfalls of any mag- nitude, pot-holes, so-called, are often found beneath the rushing waters, formed by the friction of stones which have been lodged in the hollows of the rock surface over which the torrent pours, and which, having a somewhat circular motion imparted to them, gradually wear away the rock, with the result of producing these singular objects.

It is not surprising that when these have been found, as has often been the case, where there was nothing to indicate there had ever been a river or running stream, they should have excited alike the wonder and interest of both scientific and unscientific beholders.

It should be borne in mind that the knowledge of a great conti- nental ice-sheet resting over our whole northern region is but a re- cent acquisition, and that phenomena having their origin under such a condition of things could not possibly be understood previously by the most learned of observers.

' The ideas of the unlearned respecting such pot-holes are often ludicrous. With our own people they have been regarded as the work of the Indians, and where found have been called Indian Pot- Holes, from the thought that they had been wrought for and used as cooking vessels. Abroad they have been called Giants' Kettles, undoubtedly from the belief that they were made by giants for their culinary use.

The study "of glacial phenomena within a few years has thrown a flood of light upon much that was before obscure, and we now

54

History of Hingham.

can well understand how pot-holes may have been formed in lo- calities remote from any water-courses of the present period by rushing- torrents through crevasses in the great ice-sheet.

The pot-holes to be mentioned, though not found within the limits of Hingham, are too near its borders, and too interesting as phe- nomena of the glacial period, not to be noticed here. They are to be found in Little Harbor, Cohasset, on Cooper's Island, so- called, which however is not an island in the sense of being a body of land surrounded with water, but from its being a somewhat elevated land surrounded partly by water and partly by low, marshy ground. There is a border of rocky cliffs on the northern portion of the east coast of this island which end at a beach that separates them from other cliffs farther south ; and it is near the termi- nation of those first-mentioned and quite close to the beach that the pot-holes are found. Just before this termination there is a partial separation of the rocky mass by an opening on the water side, which, however, rapidly narrows inland but a few feet from, the water. It is on the northern side of this opening, that is, on the rock that slopes towards the south, and very near the water at low tide, that two of the holes, or what remains of them, may be readily seen when the tide is out.

Of the lowest of these, and the best preserved of them, and which is designated as No. 1 in Figure No. 4, there yet remains a pot- hole in the rock which will hold water to the depth of 1 foot 9 inches, having a well- defined rim just at the sur- face of the water. The di- ameter of it at rim is 25^ inches ; below the rim 30 inches. Above this rim the whole southern side of what once formed a portion of the pot-hole is gone ; but on the northern side there remains, as a concavity in the rock, what formed a part of it, having well-worn marks up- on the surface; and these are plainly discernible for a height of four feet. From the rock sloping away rapid- ly above, it is very probable that even these traces, wheh •I prove a depth of six feet, do not give the whole of that of the original vessel when it was intact. Exterior to this pot-hole the tide sinks below the level of its bottom, but at high tide all is covered.

Figure No. 4.

The Geology of Hingham. 55

The second pot-hole has its bottom three feet above that of the lowest one, and a perpendicular line from the centre of each shows the two to be three feet apart. The wall dividing them must have become, while yet action went on within them, very thin, and prob- ably one broke into the other before it ceased altogether. The whole southern side of this second hole, which is marked/No. 2 in Figure No. 4, is gone, and water can now stand in its bottom to the depth of only about two inches.

The concavity above this, which formed the northern portion of the hole, exhibiting as it does a well-worn surface of three feet in width, shows that it must have been as large as or larger than the first. This concavity can be discerned to the height of live feet, where further traces are lost ; but, as is the case with No. 1, the whole depth of the pot-hole may have been much greater than what is indicated. The slope of what remains of the walls of these holes shows that the flow of water over the rock surfaces was from the northwest. That of No. 2 approximates to 30° from that direction towards the southeast.

Of No. 3, so designated in Figure No. 4, there is but little to be said except that it is small and shallow. It is 4 feet 9 inches above No. 2 in a northwest direction, and there may be traced from it westerly a narrow water channel about six feet in length.

The fourth of the pot-holes to be mentioned is or was the largest of all, and hence has been called by the people near by the" " Well." It is designated as No. 4 in Figure No. 5. Passing over the rocky elevation in a northerly direction, it may be found about a hundred feet distant from the others, in front of a cliff which faces an opening in the rocks more immediately near the water. This pot-hole, unlike those previously mentioned, is not found on a sloping portion of rock, but is on a flat surface directly at the base of the cliff. Horizontally, the form of it is oval, and its largest diameter, which is northeast and southwest in direc- tion, is four feet, the narrowest two feet ten inches. The depth at which water is now retained is about a foot.

The cliff rises nine feet high from the margin of the "Well" and ten feet from its bottom. 'The " Well " itself was probably as deep at least as ten feet, the curvature and wearing of the rock of the cliff above the present hole clearly showing this.

The rocky ridge in which all these pot-holes or kettles are found, has a height of from 20 to 25 feet, and is of granite. Besides the pot-holes of which an account has been given, there are other depressions showing distinctly a commencement of action towards their formation. Two of such may be found 20 feet in a north- erly direction from those numbered 1, 2, and 3; that is, between these and the one called the " Well," No. 4. One is shallow, appearing like the bowl of a spoon, about a foot across, show- ing, extending from it, a water-worn channel sloping easterly to the edge of the rock surface, about ten feet ; and on a lower sur- face of the same rock, another and larger depression just where

56

History of Hingham.

water from the first might descend. Moreover, a large portion of the rock surface shows not only glaciation but continued water action.

■■WUfottM-M'j

Figure No. 5.

It is very certain that no river has ever existed in the region of the pot-holes at Cohasset to account for their existence. We are forced, therefore, to ascribe their origin to the flowing of water from the great continental glacier.

Considering the shallowness of the portions of the pot-holes de- scribed on Cooper's Island remaining for our observation, and the probability that they have been visited by generations of people, both of the Indian and the white man, it is not surprising that no- thing is left of their contents in or about them. There is, however, one rounded stone in the possession of Mr. Charles S. Bates, the owner of the estate on which the pot-holes are found, which tra- dition states to have been taken from the deepest one mentioned. It is elliptical, nearly spherical, in form, — its longest diameter being about four and a half inches, its shortest four inches. Trans- versely, it is quite circular. It is of granite, not unlike that of the surrounding country. There is no reason to question the truth of the tradition.

To account for the phenomena presented by the pot-holes de- scribed, it is necessary to recognize that when the great glacier

The Geology of Hingluim. 57

lay over the land, many hundreds of feet in depth, during the summer, particularly towards the close of the period, rivers flowed over its surface, as they now do over the glaciers of the Alps. As there, crevasses were formed in the ice, into which the water poured and worked passages to the bottom of the great sheet, dis- charging itself in torrents, often conveying stones and other mo- raine matter to the rock surfaces below. Such passages in modern glaciers become somewhat circular in form and are hence called wells. They are also called moulins, the latter name from the noise made by the rushing waters in the ice, being not unlike that of a mill. The water, and the material conveyed by it through such wells of the great glacier of our continent, must have smoothed and worn rapidly away the rock surface on which they impinged, often causing, by the same kind of action as is witnessed under falls of water in some of our rivers, holes in the rocks like those now under consideration. Of course the action of the water and material conveyed by it would be immensely more rapid in form- ing such holes, falling, as they undoubtedly did, from a great height, and striking upon the rocks below with intense force. This would lead to the abrasion of the rock, by any rotating stones lodged in the hollows, so much more powerful than any action we know under falling waters of the present day as to render estimation of the result incalculable.

It is doubtful, however, to the mind of the writer, if circum- stances often favored the formation of pot-holes directly beneath such a fall and where its full force would be felt. He is impressed with the view that if this were the case they would not be found ha vino; the form thev horizontallv present.

It has, indeed, been thought strange that, as the ice moved con- tinuously on, the holes were not found generally elongated in the direction of the movement of the glacier rather than circular. Such thought, however, is only consistent with the presumption that the holes were made just where the water first fell upon the rock surface below. Far more reasonable is it to suppose that the holes were formed somewhat distant from this place, where the masses of rocks borne by the waters found a lodging in some depression, and there by rotation worked out the pot-holes. The ice might move on and the waters descend through the moulin far from where they first fell, yet continue their flow in the same direction as at first,' and go on with the work of rotating the contents of the hole through a whole season. In such case there could be, of course, no reason to expect elongation.

The fact that pot-holes have been found in near proximity, and in such positions relative to each other as to show them to be apparently the result of independent falls of water, leads to a consideration of what has been noticed in the Alps. Observation upon the glaciers there shows that as a crevasse is carried for- ward by the general movement of the ice from where it received the flow of waters in the summer, and winter cuts off the supply,

58 History of Hingham.

it closes, leaving only upon the surface of the glacier a mark show- ing where it had once been. Subsequently, a new one is formed just where in relation to the land at the margin of the glacier, the former one existed ; and the waters of the succeeding sum- mer again descend upon the rock surface near where they before fell, but not often, probably, in exactly the same place ; and thus other pot-holes are formed contiguous to those of a preceding sea- son, and yet far enough distant to make it evident that they were not produced by the same flow of water.

Respecting the formation of the crevasses in about the same places on the ice-sheet, there can be no question but that this is due to the irregularities of the subglacial surface ; and as high ridges transverse to the direction of the glacial flow must favor their formation, it is no wonder that pot-holes are often found in the slopes of such ridges and at their bases, as in the case of those described at Cohasset.

Though lenticular hills, strise upon the rocks, and pot-holes have been described as phenomena of the Glacial Period, it may be well to add that both pot-holes and striae upon rocks may in some instances have been formed in the Champlain Period, now to be presented.

CHAMPLAIN PERIOD.

The early part of the Champlain Period was characterized by the final melting away of the glacier. The phenomena attendant up- on the great and long continued flooding over the ice-sheet and over the surface of the land were of marked character. Un- doubtedly, there is to be ascribed to it the formation of the ridges and hillocks called Kames, and the singular hollows in the lands contiguous to these, known as " kettle-holes." Of these some ac- count will now be given.

KAMES.

There are found extensively over New England as well as in other regions where the great ice-sheet covered the surface, ridges of a peculiar character, which ordinarily run in a direction some- what approximate to that of the principal stria? on the rock sur- faces northwest and southeast. That is to say, the general direc- tion is this, but the variations are common, and often so like those of a stream of water in its course as to have suggested that the many rivers pouring over the glacial sheet during the prolonged period of its subsidence, cutting into its surface and receiving from it a large portion of its burden of rocky, gravelly, and sandy material, somehow led to the formation of these singular eleva- tions which have long excited the interest of beholders. The view is a reasonable one, and if such was the origin of the kames referred to, their general direction and sinuous course is readily

The Geology of Hingham. 59

accounted for, as currents of water on the melting glacier would ordinarily run towards the retreating ice front.

From quite a full account of the Karnes of New England by the Rev. G. P. Wright, published in the " Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History," Vol. XXII. , Part 2, there are several mentioned which had been traced over one hundred miles. These ridges vary in height from a few feet to nearly or quite one hun- dred, often having very steep slopes and narrow summits. Thev are composed generally of stones, gravel, and sand.

It is necessary, before proceeding further, to mention that the term " kaines " is not now so restrictively used, to signify merely the long ridges of glacial material referred to above, but is made to include the numerous hills and hillocks of the same character, which are found often associated with the ridges, especially towards the termination of the ice-sheet, and, like them, deposited by the melting ice during its retreat from the surface. The ma- terial is the same and its origin the same, the only difference consisting in the method of its deposition.

There are frequently found among the kame hills and hillocks, and often along the sides of the ridges, deep depressions of the surface, sometimes many acres in extent, which are known as " kettle-holes " and of which an account will be given further on.

Few, if any, of the towns of the State can show more interesting mementos of the great ice period than Hingham. What with the grand lenticular hills ; the kame ridges and kame hills ; the gla- ciated and striated rocks ; the large bowlders dropped from the ice and scattered here and there over the surface ; the deep kettle-holes where masses of the ice rested, — one could scarcely ask for more.

Besides all this, however, the Indian pot-holes of which a description has been given may be seen by taking a short ride to the town of Cohasset, once a part of Hingham.

KAME RIDGES OF HINGHAM.

One of the most interesting of the kame ridges of the town is to be found on the northern and northeastern borders of Accord Pond. Where the small structures of the Hingham Water Com- pany stand, at the margin of the pond near Whiting Street, the ridge, which was approximately continuous, is no longer so, and here are presented to view two transverse sections separated from each other for a distance of 350 feet. The direction of the kame at this place was about south-southeast, as shown by a line between the two exposed faces. Following this southern portion, it is found to skirt the pond in a somewhat irregular course, varying from cast to southeast, and ends just before reaching Hingham Street in Rockland. The northerly part of the kame, commencing

60 History of Hingham.

from where it has been dug away at the line of boundary of the land of the water company, follows a somewhat serpentine course, first along the margin of the pond, southeast, and then in a north- erly direction towards Whiting Street. After crossing this street it continues in a northerly direction about 150 feet, then changing and running westerly about 320 feet, where it terminates. The whole length of the ridge is somewhat over five eighths of a mile. It is well worth visiting, being a good example of a typical kame ridge, and though generally wooded, is sufficiently open at the sum- mit to allow of free passage to pedestrians.

Kames op Gushing Street. — Proceeding from Whiting Street north, through Gashing Street, the range called Breakneck Hills is at first seen at a considerable distance on the left, but these elevations gradually approach the road, and at about half a mile from Whiting Street terminate quite near to it. No sooner are these passed than there looms up on the right side of the way, in rear of a farmhouse and adjoining fields, a high and very re- markable ridge, which is well worth ascending, not only to study its construction, but because it affords quite an extensive view from its summit of the Breakneck (kame) Hills and other objects. The height of this ridge is about 80 feet, its length about 1200 feet, and the slope from the top, especially on the west side, very steep.

A short distance north from the farmhouse mentioned, a great kame ridge crosses the street, the transverse sections exposed by digging the roadway through, rising high on each side. These show the base of the ridge to be about 200 feet. Its greatest height is about 100 feet. The length is greater than that of any other in Hingham, being about a mile. Its general course is east- southeast and north-northwest, but it is now so closely wooded as to make particular examination difficult. Its southerly termina- tion is quite near Gardner Street.

Proceeding but a short distance further north on Cushing Street, another ridge is found to cross the road, but at a different angle from the first, its course being approximately northwest and south- cast. It consequently intersects the other at a point distant five to six hundred feet from the road, and there has its termination. In the angle between the two is a deep kettle-hole depression. This ridge extends northwest from the road between eleven and twelve hundred feet.

Cushing Street passes through another kame deposit, but this is rather a hillock than a ridge, as it extends but a short distance from the road on either side.

The Kames near Great Hill. — In passing through New Bridge Street towards Hobart, looking to the right may be seen, on land of Mr. F. W. Brewer, two high parallel ridges near the road, of about equal altitude, and which coalesce with each other about 900 feet from the street, by one of them — the most northerly — abruptly dividing, one branch crossing to the other ridge, the first con- tinuing beyond about 350 feet. The northerly kame crosses the

mm

y.

The Geology of Hingham. 61

street, and its extreme length is 1825 feet. The height of these ridges is from 30 to 50 feet, with quite narrow summits, and hav- ing very sloping sides. Their composition is small stones, most- ly shingle, gravel, and sand. As seen from Great Hill, they are striking objects to the view. A view of these is given, which also shows in the distance, at the left, one of the beautifully rounded summits of a drumlin, that of Baker's Hill.

A peculiarity of these kames is the fact that their direction is from west to east, thus being nearly at right angles to all others which have been referred to. This direction would be entirely inconsistent with the view that the great ice front of the glacier continued to present itself, as at an earlier period, along an un- broken line from west to east, for if so, the rivers caused by the melting glacier wTould have continued to flow south or nearly so. Mr. Upham, in endeavoring to account for deflection in the direc- tion of some of the lenticular hills described by him, makes re- marks which are quite applicable to the changed direction of the kames under notice. In writing upon the retreat of the ice-sheet in southeastern Massachusetts, he states : —

" The warmth of the ocean, however, had begun to melt away the ice- fields which encroached upon its depths, more rapidly than they were driven hack upon the land, or in the shallow sounds south of New Eng- land. At their further departure it seems probable that this cause produced within the Gulf of Maine a great bay in the terminal front of the ice-sheet, so that it entirely melted away east of Massachusetts, while it remained in great depth upon all the territory except its southeast por- tion. The effect of this unequal rate of retreat would be to leave the ice upon our coast unsupported at the east side, and to cause its motion conse- quently to be deflected towards the vacant area."

This view being taken as a correct one, it will be at once recog- nized that the direction of the ice movement itself would be also approximately that of the rivers that poured over it, and conse- quently of the kames formed by the ddbris washed into the river- beds from the glacier.

There is not wanting other evidence than that here suggested to sustain the view that in eastern Massachusetts the onward movement of the ice changed towards the close of the Glacial Period from the normal southeast direction to one more east, as a second series of stria? are found on some of our rock exposures attesting this.

Another remarkable system of kame ridges exists at the north- west extremity of Hingham, extending more than 3000 feet along the west side of Stoddard's Neck, and across Beal Street near the bridge over Weymouth Back River, from thence southward to a little indentation just north of Beal's Cove. These ridges run in a general north and south direction, although winding and branch- ing considerably south of Beal Street. On Stoddard's Neck the heavily wooded ridge varies from 50 to 75 feet in height ; on the west side above it is quite abrupt. South of Beal Street the steep

62 History of Hingham.

ridges are about 50 feet high. There is another low ridge on the east side of Stoddard's Neck, and on the south side of Beal Street are several small ridges and kame hills, besides the high serpen- tine kames.

A kame ridge of considerable length borders the western shore of Fulling-Mill Pond, and another skirts its southern shore. The first-named extended several years ago to the street line, but has been dug away 50 or 60 feet. The direction of this kaine is gen- erally north and south, varying in some portions toward the east and west of north, and its length is nearly 2000 feet. Its width at base is some 150 feet, and its highest elevation about 50 feet. Somewhat less than 1500 feet south from its northerly termination another ridge runs west at a right angle from this one, for a dis- tance of 750 feet, having an elevation of 25 feet, in places, and a basal width of 150 feet.

Beyond these ridges, to the southward, are numerous kame hills, so covered by forest growth as to obscure observation. Still fur- ther away, especially east and southeast, are hills of this charac- ter, of considerable elevation.

THE KAME HILLS AND HILLOCKS OF HINGHAM.

The range called Breakneck Hills, which crosses Whiting Street some distance north of Cushing, and extends southwest half a mile or more, is a great kame deposit, the material of it not differ- ing from that of the kame ridges. The width of the range varies somewhat, but averages perhaps 1000 feet. The average height is about 50 feet. A very considerable depression of the surface ex- ists along the north side of the range, followed by other approx- imately parallel elevations, with depressions alternating for a considerable distance, of the same general character but less prominent.

The long range of hills lying nearly parallel with, and north of the Old Colony Railroad, between North and East Weymouth, though outside the limits of Hingham, may well be mentioned here, as these hills can hardly fail to attract the attention of trav- ellers by the railroad, as they pass within full sight of them. These are kame elevations, and owe their origin to the great continental glacier. The general direction of this range is west-northwest and east-southeast.

The separate kame hills and hillocks cover a very considerable portion of the surface, especially in the southern and western sec- tions of the town, where they present conspicuous features in the landscape. This is the case on the territory bordering French Street, from Hobart to High, and on High Street west. Here may be seen an area almost entirely covered with hills and hillocks, having many kettle-hole depressions among them. The same may be said of much of the territory bordering Main Street, from Cushing Street to Prospect Street, and some distance beyond. The

The Geology of Hingham. 63

road indeed runs through and over hillocks of kame material until reaching' Prospect Street, where the surface becomes more level, and so continues until near Whiting Street.

The kame elevations of Hingham are by no means limited to the ridges and the rounded hills that cover so large a portion of its sur- face. They indeed present themselves sometimes in extensive de- posits that can hardly be included under the head of either. One such is of so marked a character, and has such remarkable propor- tions, as may make particular mention of it desirable. This is to he found southwest from Great Hill, bordering the south side of Hobart Street, along which it extends irregularly. It may proper- ly be designated as table land, being of a height varying from 30 to 50 feet, and having at top a flat surface. It measures in length east and west about half a mile, and has a width of from 500 to 1000 feet. Its sides are very steep, and are thickly covered with trees. At the south side of it is a large kettle-hole, which is par- tially embraced in the kame limits by an extension of an arm from the main body. As a sketch of the kame, however rough, will give a better idea of its singular contour than any description, one is presented on the map of the town.

The country about this interesting kame is well worth the ob- servation of those who would know of glacial phenomena in Hing- ham. North is Great Hill, one of the large drumlins, or lenticular hills, and south of it to High Street, and indeed far beyond, the country is covered with kame ridges and hillocks of irregular size and shape.

The effect upon the surface of the town by the distribution of kame material was much greater than that caused simply by its deposit in hills, ridges, and other elevations, for it is likely that all these contain scarcely one half the whole quantity resting over its area. Temporary lakes formed by barriers of ice and other mat- ter, together with the flow of the waters, undoubtedly led to such spread of the gravel and sand as to result in the formation of the extensive plains that form at different levels so large a por- tion of the territory. This was not all, for great bodies of it were deposited in such depressions of the general surface as to choke up the water-courses. There is no doubt in the mind of the writer that our principal stream, that of Weir River, pursued its way in pre-glacial times through a very different channel from that it now follows, and instead of turning east of north as it does at Hing- ham Centre just before reaching Leavitt Street, and finally enter- ing the sea between World's End and Hull, it discharged itself directly into Hingham Harbor, which then was open to the spread of its waters but a few hundred feet from where the river takes an eastward course as mentioned.

It is due to Prof. W. 0. Crosby to state that he suggested the probability of this to the writer, and that subsequent examination by both revealed to us that an extensive kame deposit here had caused the river, which had flowed for some distance directly north, to make the detour mentioned.

64 History of Hingham.

KETTLE-HOLES.

Intimately connected with the kames are depressions in the surface, sometimes of considerable depth, which have received this name. Their origin, formerly a puzzle to students of glacial phenomena is no longer so, as nature has been detected in the very act of their formation. From observations of Dr. G. F. Wright upon the glaciers of Alaska, he found tbat when a con- siderable surface of a melting ice-sheet had been covered over to any depth with earth material, rocks, pebbles, and sand, the ice thus prevented from melting beneath remained intact, whilst all more exposed over the field sunk away and finally disappeared. The result of this would be to leave a great mass, sometimes of large area, to settle as the glacier retreated from it, with enormous weight upon the subsoil below. Here it would remain until melt- ed, and it might require the heat of many summers to effect its entire dissolution, protected as it would be from the sun's rays by its earthy covering. As, however, the melting progressed, this covering matter would necessarily slide down around its margin, producing ridges and hillocks of material the forms of which would be more or less modified by the running water from the ice as it dissolved away. With the accumulated quantity of mat- ter thus deposited, the resting-place of the ice mass would be much below the surrounding surface. After knowing the results of Dr. Wright's investigations, it may be confidently stated that there can be no longer any reasonable doubt concerning the origin of these depressions.

THE PASSING AWAY OF THE ICE-SHEET.

Some suggestions respecting the kame ridges, the kame hills, and the kettle-holes may well be presented in remarks upon the passing away of the great ice-sheet that had for ages covered the land. The reality of the ice spread over the whole North, where previously for millions of years a tropical climate had prevailed ; its increase until it hid from the sun's rays the summits of all but the highest mountain-peaks ; its onward grand movement so fruitful of great results, bearing as it did upon and within it the material of the present hills and valleys ; and its final melting away, leaving an entirely remodelled surface, — are no longer questions for discussion. Let us therefore contemplate what the condition of the glacier was, particularly when passing away, first briefly referring to what was probable at an earlier date.

The question sometimes presents itself to mind why, with the o:.ward movement of the ice for many thousands of years, was not all the loose material of the previously decayed rocks borne to its termination long before the change that led to its passing away, thus preventing its spreading over the land in its retreat such immense quantities of material now forming the surface in this

The Geology of Hingham. 65

region, and constituting the innumerable kame hills and hillocks that diversify the landscape.

In considering this question, it should be borne in mind that with the gradual increase of the ice in an epoch of intense cold, there could probably have been but little flooding of the elevated regions, and consequently less disturbance of the loose material than in a later age. Consideration of this may result in the view that the glacier during the greater part of its existence had less to do with the transportation of the kame material than when passing away, aided as it then was by the torrents of water that (lowed over its surface and swept the hills of all movable matter, as they emerged from the melting ice. The writer is strongly in- clined to this view, as it will satisfactorily account for the immense quantity of stones, gravel, and sand borne upon and deposited by the glacier when it finally disappeared from the surface.

Now let us picture to ourselves if we can the probable state of things over and about this town when the ice-sheet had become reduced from possibly thousands of feet in thickness to a few hundred, bearing upon it great quantities of transported material, and having floods of water pouring over it and in its channels such as the world could never before have witnessed. Let us recog- nize, too, that its water-courses were being gorged with stones, gravel, and sand, and that vast collections of these were protecting great areas of the ice from the sun's rays, often causing the chan- nels of water to deviate from their normal course in seeking new channels. Let us note, too, that the great bodv of the ice itself had by lessened continuity ceased its onward movement, and we shall find reasons for all we see and wonder at in the marvellous diversity of the present surface over large portions of this territory. Where great areas of the glacier by the protecting debris were kept intact for a long period when that about them had melted away, there would be found about each such area, as before stated in treating of the formation of kettle-holes, hills and hillocks formed by the falling of the gravel and sand from its summit, more or less modified by the melting ice ; and when all the ice had melted there would remain a deep depression such as we now know as kettle-holes. Where channels existed of any length, and these became filled with the sand and gravel, there would be formed ridges ; and when large areas of the ice first melted away, the material flooded into these areas would form hills and ranges of hills such as we now find occupying a considerable portion of our territory.

It will be readily recognized that, though the course of the chan- nels of the surface and in the glacier was generally the same as that of the movement of the ice-sheet itself, and consequently the ridges formed would be now found having a like direction, yet when, by the clogging of the channel's unequal melting, the water was forced to deviate, the ridges formed would present themselves varying much from the normal direction, as they now do in regions

VOL. I. 5

66 History of Hingham.

approximating to the termination of the great ice-sheet. Some of our ridges, notably those of Great Hill, have an east-west direction, such as it is supposed the glacier itself had near its closing period over eastern Massachusetts ; but others or portions of others vary so as to be found running in every direction.

BOWLDERS.

Bowlders are found scattered over all parts of the North within the region occupied by the ice, having been borne by it from more northern positions than those they now occupy. With a knowl- edge of the direction of the movement of the glacier, they can often be traced to the locality whence they came.

A marked instance, often cited by geologists, and previously mentioned in the preliminary remarks upon the glacial period, is that of bowlders found south of Providence, of a character readily recognized, being those of a porphyritie iron ore from a well- known bed at Cumberland, R. I. They exist in the soil or upon the surface for a distance of thirty-five miles or more in the direc- tion mentioned, but are never found in any other. So of all bowlders found. If of distinctive character, they are often recog- nized as belonging to rock formations north, sometimes more tban a hundred miles distant.

They vary much in size, from cobble-stones to masses of enor- mous magnitude, such as it is hard to realize have been trans- ported great distances. There are none in Hingham equal in dimensions to those found elsewhere. One of the largest ob- served by the writer is in woods bordering Rockland Street, but a few feet from the road upon the right side going east, not far from the foot of Old Colony Hill. It is of granite and measures nineteen feet in length, sixteen in width, and seventeen in height = 5,168 cubic feet. The weight of this must be over 430 tons. Some large masses have become detached from the main body and these are included in the estimate of size and weight. Large as this bowlder is, it is small compared with one in the town of Madison, N. II., which measures 75 X 40 X 30 feet = 90,000 cubic feet, and which consequently weighs over 7,500 tons.

Great numbers of bowlders are found together in certain locali- ties of this town, the most notable of which is that of the south- western slope of Prospect Hill, where they cover a large portion of the surface.

On the northeast slope of Otis Hill are a few bowlders which call for particular notice from the fact that they are of granite and that no rock of this kind occurs north of the hill less than fifteen miles distant. The ice therefore must have transported them at least as far as that and possibly very much farther.

There is a bowlder now to be seen in what was once an exten- sive kame hill known as Cobb's Bank, which is fast disappearing by being dug away. The bowlder projects from the face of the cliff

The Geology of Hingham.

67

and shows the more from its color contrasting strongly with that of the surrounding material. It is of deep-red granite. Its front face measures about eight feet across horizontally, is six feet high, and the upper surface from the front to the cliff which holds it is six feet. It probably does nut extend much farther back into the gravel, as this slopes from the rear to the front so as to give it support without such extension. As bowlders of this size are very rarely found in kame deposits, it has much interested geolo- gists. See Figure No. 6.

Figure No. 6.

One of the most interesting bowlders to visit in this neighbor- hood, though just beyond the town limits, may well be mentioned here. It is to be found on the left side of Derby Street, a short distance from the line that divides South Weymouth from Hing- ham. It is upon a high rock declivity where it was deposited by the ice many thousands of years ago, and where it will remain as

68

History of Hingham.

many thousands more in all probability, unless vandal hands of man shall disturb its long repose. See Figure No. 7.

Figure No. 7.

At Huit's Cove, on laud formerly belonging to General Benja- min Lincoln, is a large bowlder of conglomerate, somewhat rec- tangular in form, which is about fifteen feet long, eight feet wide, and ten feet high. A measurement around its sides and end-; UTive a circumference of about 48 feet.

RECENT PERIOD.

Little can be said of the immediate effect of the great change that ushered in the earlier era of this period, a change arising, so far as can be now known, by the re-elevation of the land from the Arctic Circle south to about the latitude of Northern Massachu- setts. This rise of the land has been before mentioned, and fig- ures showing the degree of elevation at various points have been given. The magnitude of this was such as to have produced un- doubtedly a much colder climate over the country even far south of New England, and to this was probably due the destruction of the huge animals that had for nges roamed over the Continent from its most southern limits to the Arctic region.

In Europe two eras of this period have been recognized, — the first characterized by a second advance of the Glacial sheet,

The Geology of Hingham. 69

which led man)r Arctic species of animals to extend themselves south to the Mediterranean, among them the reindeer, and this era has hence been called the Reindeer Era, while the latter part of the period has been called the Modern Era.

As there has been no evidence produced showing a second ad- vance of the Glacier in America such distinction does not apply here. We will embrace therefore what is further to be said under the heading of the Modern Era.

MODERN ERA.

Before limiting remarks to what appertains alone to the terri- tory of Hingham, it may be well to express a few words here upon changes of the era that have occurred in other regions, and which are of general interest.

Among such changes may be instanced those that have taken place by elevation and depression of the earth's surface. It has been demonstrated by investigations made for the government of Sweden that the coasts of that country and of Finland have been slowly rising for the past one or two centuries. On the other hand, as is well known, a slow subsidence has been going on in Greenland during the past four centuries, for hundreds of miles along the coast, where in places the buildings of the early inhabi- tants have been found submerged.

The Geologist of New Jersey. Mr. G. II. Cook, became satisfied from his investigations that a slow depression of the surface along the coasts of that State, and also along the coasts of Eong Island and Martha's Vineyard, had been in progress since the occupation of the country by the white man.

An immense subsidence has been taking place over a large area of the Pacific Ocean which has carried beneath the waves hun- dreds of islands to the depth of thousands of feet. These in- stances are only given as indications of changes that are occurring extensively over perhaps a large portion of the globe.

The extinction of species of life has been going on during this era as in earlier periods, accelerated undoubtedly by the agency of man. The cases of the Eodo and of the Solitaire in the islands of the Indian Ocean, of the Dinornis of New Zealand, of the ^Epyornis of Madagascar, and of the Great Auk of the North Sea, and of the coasts of Labrador, Maine, and Massachusetts, may be cited among birds.

A noted instance of destruction tending fast to extinction is that of the noble animal of the western wilds, the Bison. At the time of the settlement of the country by the white man, immense herds roamed over territory extending from Mexico far north into British America, and from the Rocky Mountains east to the At- lantic, nearly or quite all of which have been annihilated, not so much by the reasonable requirements of civilization as by the

70 History of H Ingham.

brutality of such as find sport in wanton slaughter of their unre- sisting victims, that they may boast of the numbers slain by their skill and prowess.

Of vegetable species, some of the noblest are doomed to destruc- tion through the cupidity and recklessness of man. Of the early extinction of that giant of the California forests, the Sequoia, or Redwood, Dr. Asa Gray expressed himself as certain.

We will now dwell upon the phenomena of the Modern Era of the Recent Period as presented in Hingham. At its advent vegeta- ble and animal life had spread over the surface, and the land was again undoubtedly clothed with verdure. In the low and swampy grounds peat-producing plants had extended themselves, while upon all the higher elevations shrubs and trees had sprung up and covered the earth with dense forests, under the shadow of which the gentle deer and other herbivorous species found suste- nance and safe retreats, and where, too, carnivorous beasts, the bear, the wolf, and others sought their prey.

Notwithstanding the fact stated that since the re-elevation of the land that ushered in the Recent Period, it has remained very nearly stationary, yet there is much to show change, — mostly, however, caused by irruption of the sea and consequent destruction of barriers that protected the land from the waters. Within the memory of the writer a considerable body of peaty matter, sev- eral feet in thickness, rested upon the land below high-water mark in Huit's Cove, which of course was formed there when its whole area was an inland swamp.

Many Hingham people will remember the peat swamp cut through between WTeir River Village and Hull Street when Rock- land Street was laid out and made, and particularly the huge trunks of trees that were found in the peat, some of which may yet be seen along the margin of the road. This whole territory had long been inundated with salt water at high tide, but it needs no argument to show that this could not have been so when the locality was congenial for the growth and development of the plants that formed the peat and the trees that flourished there.

It would be interesting to fix the time when man first appeared in this locality, but this can never be known. It may be sur- mised, however, that it was not long after the commencement of the Modern Era, as he certainly existed upon the continent, and primitive man naturally made his home on the borders of rivers and about the inlets of the ocean, because of the nutriment easily obtained from the waters for his subsistence.

The most that can be learned concerning the earliest inhabi- tants of the territory of Hingham, must be from the relics found in their graves, and from the tools and implements they used, found scattered in the soil, or in shell heaps about their habi- tations. So far as these have been examined there is no evidence of the existence of any race preceding the one found here when the white man first appeared.

The Geology of Hingham. 71

Some account of investigations made to learn more than was known of the Indians of Hingham, and some mention of chance discoveries yielding information concerning the animals that were contemporary with them, will now be given.

REMAINS OF AN EARLY PERIOD FOUND IN

HINGHAM.

In a shell heap on World's End there were found several years since by Professor Spencer F. Baird, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Mr. Francis W. Brewer, and others, bones of the

Goose Fish, — Lophius piscatorius, Linn.,

Cod, — Gadus collar ins, Linn., with many of unknown fishes.

Birds belonging to several species, large and small, but not recogniz- able.

Deer, — Cariacus virginianus (Bodd), Gray.

Foxes, — Vu/pes vulgaris, pennsylvanicus (Bodd), Coues.

Otter. — Lutra canadensis, Turton.

Red Squirrel, teeth of, — Scinrus hudsonius, Pallas.

Beaver, teeth of, — Castor Jiber, canadensis (Linn.), Allen.

Besides the bones, there were several pieces of pottery orna- mented by dots and lines.

One deer bone was finely pointed apparently for use as an awl. The most of these relics were found on beds of charcoal.

As the Indian went no farther for food than he could help, it may reasonably be inferred that the animals whose bones are men- tioned were found in the immediate neighborhood.

In 1868 Professor Spencer F. Baird, Professor Jeffries Wyman, Mr. Fearing Burr, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, and others, including the writer, joined in a party for the purpose of exploration at a known burial-place of the aborigines on the slope of Atlantic Hill near Nantasket Beach. The hill had been much duo: awav for roadways, and bones had been frequently found there with other relics, such as broken pottery, axes, chisels, etc.

From what had been obtained by previous parties, and from what little was procured by the persons above-mentioned, it was manifest that the burials were comparatively recent. The best evidence that the locality was used as a place of sepulture since the advent of the white man, was the fact that among undoubted specimens of aboriginal art were quite as undoubted specimens of the skill of the European, notably in fragments of brass imple- ments such as kettles or pans. Wishing if possible to examine a burial-field where evidence of greater antiquity would be conclu- sive, the party proceeded to the slope of a declivity, facing south towards Weir River Bay, where numerous circular depressions on

72 History of Hingham.

the surface indicated the ancient graves of the Indian. The writer will confess to a feeling somewhat repulsive as we com- menced digging open the resting-places of the dead and exposing their remains to the rude gaze of the alien race that had sup- planted them in the land the}- loved. This feeling did not how- ever last long, after finding that there were but few human remains to be disturbed ; for nearly all that had composed their corporeal forms in life, the flesh, the sinews, and the bones, had alike been, for a long period perhaps, resolved into their original elements, leaving but few traces behind. There was not found in the first grave opened a single relic of humanity. Much more care was taken in opening the second, the earth being very thinly scraped away as excavation was made downwards, every ounce being closely examined.

In this one, strange to say, a part of the occiput of a skull was soon disinterred, which, however, was t >o far gone for preserva- tion, and some inches below, teeth of the body that had been placed here ; but not another bone or part of a bone of the whole skeleton. All had disappeared. The burial posture of the dead had been a sitting one, as shown by the fact that at a proper dis- tance from the surface there was found a collection of shells, all of which had been undoubtedly placed about the person in the posture stated.

The investigators had indeed come upon the resting-place, with- out doubt, of such as had lived and died before, and perhaps long before, the foot of the white man impressed itself upon the soil.

In swampy land brought under cultivation by Mr. John R. Brewer on the margin of Weir River a pair of deer's antlers and several rib bones were dug up. The corrugation on the antlers and the basal ring is perfect; the antlers measure in circumference 2| inches, and though the tips and prongs are broken off, their length on the outside curve is 11 inches.

At another locality on Mr. Brewer's land not far from the foot of Martin's Lane, there was dug from low mendow-hmd, formerly a swamp, a pair of antlers attached to a part of the skull.

A pine cone and several stone implements were found in the same ground not far distant.

The writer has thought it well to state what little he has con- cerning the North American Indian in Hingham, confining himself simply to the fact of his existence upon these shores in the modern era, at a somewhat remote period before the occupancy of the white man, and incidentally mentioning some of the implements used by him in obtaining sustenance, as well as some of the ani- mals that were contemporary with him. What else relates to him. his life in war and in peace, what his association with our fathers, and through what causes he disappeared from the land, — all this belongs to the historian of human events, and it is hoped that he will be able to glean from records of the past much that yet re- mains unknown.

The Geology of H Ingham. 73

Let us emphasize to our minds some of the changes in tin* past that we may the mure readily appreciate their surprising character.

Those who have followed the writer in his attempt to portray past events in the history of this locality have been led 1o contem- plate it, at first, only as an undistinguished part of a molten globe wheeling with immense velocity through space about its parent sun, and gradually through countless ages cooling and tending to- wards consolidation.

A second view, millions of years later, though immensely remote in the past from our own period, presents a very different scene. The earth has become incrustcd and the land and the waters di- vided ; the atmosphere is hot and murky by exhalations from the surface ; and corrosive rains descend upon the primeval rocks, dis- integrating their substance and washing it into the waters, where it is forming the first sedimentary strata of the planet.

There is no life discernible, for conditions favorable to life do not exist on the gradually developing world.

The third striking view in the order of events long after pre- sents the dry land of our territory limited to the area where now arc found the granitic rocks, and this land borders waters of an extensive basin, in which is being slowly deposited the sediment of rivers, and upon this sediment, which is of clayey matter may be seen moving forms of life ; for the Period is the Primordial, and trilobites abound in great numbers along the coast margin in its shallow waters.

The next view is yet more striking ; for the whole surface of the land bordering the basins along the coast of the territory now of H high am and Nantasket is disturbed by violent igneous action, and volcanoes in active operation are pouring from their craters vast floods of lava over large areas of the surface.

Many, very many millions of years more elapse before another glimpse is vouchsafed of this locality. Its characteristics arc not distinctly seen, but by a clear view of the landscape of the neigh- borhood and over a vast portion of the land, we recognize that they could not differ from those of the other regions. It is in the great Carboniferous Period, and tropical heat prevails even to the Arctic. The air is heavy with carbon, and gigantic trees and other plants, of a character now known only in the Torrid Zone, grow profusely over the surface.

The next view presented is the marvellous one that has been dwelt upon, that of ice covering not only this territory but extend- ing from the Arctic Circle, far south and east, into the waters of the Atlantic, there dropping off icebergs as is now the case from the margins of the great ice-sheet of Greenland.

We take another and a last retrospective view of the locality destined to be our abode. It is in the early part of the present era. Vegetable and animal life have again spread over the ter- ritorv. The Indian roams in the forests hunting deer and other

74 History of Hingham.

animals, and he fishes from his bark canoe in the same waters where are now found the boat and the rod of the white man.

A panorama truly of wonderful scenes, such as well may stagger belief in minds not accustomed to geological research, but which in the main can be as satisfactorily demonstrated as any events in human progress.

If such contemplations incline us to dwell upon the insignifi- cance of Man, we have only to turn our thoughts to his great achievements to be astonished by their grandeur. Compared with the universe of matter, he is indeed, physically, but as a grain of sand, or a mote in the sunbeam, to a revolving world ; but as an intellectual and conscious being, he is more than all the mate- rial universe, in the great creation of God. Atom as he is on the earth he inhabits, time and space alike yield to him secrets unrevealed, so far as known, to other created intelligence.

He turns over the strata of the earth as leaves of a book ; reads the record of thousands and millions of years, and the his- tory of the world he stands on is known to him. He directs his thoughts to the distant spheres in the infinitude of space, he weighs them as in a balance, he measures them, and their weight and size are alike revealed to him. He even asks of them their composi- tion, and lo ! they answer in letters of light on an instrument of his handiwork. He studies their motions and the velocities of their movements, and predicts with unerring certainty where in the canopy of the heavens they will be found long after his own mortal being shall have crumbled to dust. Well may he exclaim : " Thou hast indeed made man but little lower than the angels. Feeble and weak though he be, yet as the creature of Thy hand, endowed with power to comprehend something of Thy works, by no means to be despised."

MINERALOGY.

BY THOMAS T. BOUVK

In view of erroneous ideas prevalent in the minds of many, a few remarks of a general character concerning minerals may not be out of place.

It should be understood that mineral bodies are not limited to those of a stony nature, but that they embrace everything of an inorganic character that is found within or at the surface of the earth. This definition therefore includes not only all Rocks, Pebbles, Sands, and Clays, but even Water, and the Gases that form the atmosphere. Temperature alone determines the condi- tion of inorganic bodies so far as relates to their being Solid, Liq- uid, or Gaseous ; and at a low degree Ice is as much a rock as is Granite or any other solid earthy material. Raise the tempera- ture enough and all matter becomes Liquid or Gaseous. No one but admits Quicksilver to be a metal because at the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere it remains a fluid.

Not an uncommon thing is it to meet persons who think that stones grow like organized beings ; and often this view is supposed by them to be fully demonstrated by the statement that after plow- ing a field and picking out, as they believe, about all the stones in the soil, they find quite as many as they first did when again plowing the same field a few years later. It is difficult sometimes to convince such persons that they are wrong. Of course there is no such thing as inward development of a stone, as is the case with organic life, and there is no possibility of a pebble or other rock mass in the soil adding one atom to its substance. There is often enlargement, where a rock is forming by accretion, as when hot waters containing carbonate of lime deposit it on that already formed, or when mountain rivulets that have taken up iron from decomposing rocks in their course, deposit this from time to time as a bog ore in marshy grounds. So in caverns, waters saturated with carbonate of lime dripping into them from above, form stalactites and stalagmites, slowly constructing the beautiful columns that are seen in the Mammoth, the Luray, and many other caves of our country.

76 History of Hingham.

In all these cases it may in a sense be called growth, but there is no relation between it and the growth of animals and plants. It is increase by additions to the surface.

Thus far mineral bodies have been mentioned. The rocks of the earth are generally composed of aggregations of minerals, as Granite, of Quartz, Orthoclase, and Mica ; and Diorite, of Oligoclase and Hornblende.

Let us now consider briefly what a mineral species is.

A mineral is a homogeneous, inorganic substance, either simple in containing but one element, as Sulphur, Carbon, Gold, Iron, Copper, Quicksilver, and the other native metals, or a compound of elements which have been united bv laws as immutable as those that govern the motions of the planets, or any others that act in the universe. To recognize this clearly is to awaken an interest in inorganic matter that tends to enlarge one's conceptions of the whole material world. The writer will refer to one or two mineral bodies as illustrations of the law of combinations.

Quartz is a compound of two elements, Silicon and Oxygen, united in the proportion of three atoms of Oxygen to one of Sili- con, and these proportions never vary. The resultant substance, Quartz, or pure Silica, can and does unite as an acid with very many bases, which in relation to it act as alkalies, forming the greater portion of all known minerals ; and these unions are always governed by the law of definite proportions.

Take Carbon. This appears as a native mineral in the Dia- mond ; but it appears also combined with Oxygen, forming Car- bonic Acid, in the proportion of one atom of Carbon to two of Oxygen. This Carbonic Acid, in its turn, unites with a large number of basic substances, forming carbonates of Iron, Copper, and very many others, always in definite proportions. Nothing more can be said here of the chemical unions by which minerals are produced ; but something must be added relative to the law of crystallization, by which particles of the mineral as formed are drawn together, and led to arrange themselves in crystals such as we see in nature. No one can behold these beautiful objects without admiration, and this is greatly increased in those who know something of the forces which lead to their development. Crystals of the mineral species have been rightly characterized as the flowers of the inorganic world. To have some idea of their formation, let the reader's mind consider the phenomena attend- ing the cooling of a hot saturated solution of any salt. As the water loses its heat, the particles of salt, in forming, will at once by attraction be drawn together, and the molecules will arrange themselves by the law of crystallization in well-defined forms, — if common salt, in cubes ; if alum, in octahedrons. If the water contains several salts, one will be found generally to have a ten- dency to crystallize before the others, and may be thus formed about any substance placed in the solution ; and subsequently crys-

Mineralogy. 77

tals of the others will form upon the first and adhere to it, and these in turn will have others added to them.

Let us now consider what has heen going on in nature. Fis- sures have been formed, by earthquake action or otherwise, extend- ing upwards through the rocky strata ; and the hot waters of thermal springs, holding in solution mineral elements dissolved from the rocks in deep recesses of the earth, have risen upwards, and losing more or less of their heat as they passed through the colder rocks towards the surface, have deposited minerals upon the. walls, one species often succeeding another. Thus were de- posited the magnificent crystallizations of Quartz, Fluor Spar, Galena, Carbonate of Lime, and other species from Cumberland and Derbyshire in Great Britain, specimens of which may be seen in the Hingham Public Library.

Minerals are not only found to have been produced in liquid solutions containing their elements, but they are also produced whenever a molten condition of matter allows of the free move- ment of its particles ; consequently the elements of an igneous rock, as they cool in coming to the surface, will tend to aggre- gate themselves according to their chemical affinities, and to arrange themselves in crystals ; but the cooling being generally too rapid for this, we have, as in granite, only an aggregation of im- perfect crystals.

With these very general remarks upon minerals, intended only as a very partial presentation of the matter, the writer will call attention to the few that are found in Hingham. The larger portion of these have been already mentioned in the Geology of the town as constituents of the rocks, namely, Quartz, Mica, Hornblende, Augite, Orthoclase, and Oligoclase.

Quartz may be otherwise referred to than as a component part of a rock, as it appears forming veins in every part of the town ; and in cavities of these veins have been found some beautiful but small crystals of Amethyst, which is a variety of Quartz.

Jasper, another variety of the same mineral species, is found at Rocky Neck, as stated in the Geology of that locality.

Other minerals, not of the Quartz family, are —

Pyrite (Sulphide of Iron), which often appears in small cubic crystals in the Trap rocks.

Chalcopyrite (Sulphide of Copper), which has been found dis- seminated in a vein of Quartz.

Molybdenite (Sulphide of Molybdenum), observed in small scales in granite blasted from a ledu-e on the line of the Nantasket Rail- road, near Weir River.

Epidotc, often found at and near the junction of Trap with Granite, sometimes exhibiting slight crystallization. It also occurs, of an impure character, in veins at Rocky Neck.

Calcite (Carbonate of Lime), found in digging a ditch on the line of and near Burton's Lane, where some rock was blasted

78 History of Hingham.

below the surface having veins of Calcite. Specimens may be seen in the Geological Collection of the Public Library. One of them is a good example of vein structure. The rock is a decom- posed Diabase. Calcite is also found as pebbles in the Conglom- erate rock of Huit's Cove.

Limonite (Bog Iron Ore), which has been dug up in consider- able masses from the low land of Mr. Francis W. Brewer, near Great Hill. Specimens of this may be seen in the collection of the Public Library.

It may be confidently stated that there are no indications of mineral deposits in any part of the town that would justify exploration.

NOTES ON ANIMAL LIFE.

BY THOMAS T. BOUVE.

There was in the minds of many people o'f the town a desire that not only its geology and botany should be presented in the proposed history, but that an account of its animal life should be given. The full accomplishment of such an undertaking would have required the labor of a large corps of naturalists many years, and the expense would have been enormous. To do this was therefore impracticable.

Inasmuch, however, as considerable changes have been going on in the fauna of the territory within the present century, and more may be expected in the future, the writer, to meet the probable wishes of the living as well as those of future generations who may seek to know what forms of life have been and passed away, has thought it desirable to mention a few that were contemporary with the inhabitants of the town in a past period and are not now to be found, or which were common and are now seldom seen. The rare visits of some species never resident here will also be alluded to.

So far as relates to marine life a few general remarks mav not be superfluous before referring to any species that live or have lived in the waters of the harbor.

The encircling arm of Hull as it stretches itself far out in the ocean from the main land, shelters the harbor of the town from the heavy seas that often prevail outside that barrier, and thus exerts a considerable influence upon its fauna and flora, inasmuch as many forms of life, both animal and vegetable, which naturally exist in the sands and upon the exposed rocks of the open sea, find no home in the more placid waters within. While this influ- ence is generally of a character to lessen the number of species of invertebrate animals and of marine plants found on the shores of the town, it may also be said that some few are protected that would perish if exposed to the full action of the storms that strike the outer coast. The results are that very few of the mollusks which strew the beach at Nantasket after a storm have ever been found within the limits of the harbor of Hingham. On the other

80 History of Hlngham.

hand, without the sheltering protection of the headlands of the harbor on the east, the common clam, which has been of inesti- mable value alike to savage and civilized man, would have been comparatively unknown. This and other species of the lower forms of life will be more particularly referred to after mention- ing- some of the higher that are or have been known in the harbor.

Animals living in the water will first be mentioned.

'8

MAMMALS.

Perhaps it may surprise many who read these pages to learn that among the visitors to the harbor which have within quite recent periods entered it, may be included at least three species of the highly organized type of the mammalia, and particularly to be informed that one of these was of that family now so rarely seen west of Cape Cod, the Whale. Yet not many years since, within the memory of the living, one of these huge monsters of the deep, after amusing himself for a day or two just outside the boundary limits of the town, and around Bunkin Island, actually proceeded to enter and to pursue his way up the circuitous chan- nel. No sooner was this observed than a body of hardy citizens, duly prepared for encounter and inspired by a love of adventure, possibly by a desire for spoil, boldly but cautiously, as may well be surmised, ventured to go down the channel and approach him. Appreciating intuitively, no doubt, if he did not fully understand, the maxim of Shakspeare "that the better part of valor is dis- cretion," the whale quietly turned and went to sea.

Another species of the mammalia and one quite common in Massachusetts Bay, the Porpoise, used formerly to frequently enter the harbor and sport in its waters. The effect of steam navigation has led to such visitations becoming rare. The writer has seen from the Hingham steamboat, some lifty years since, on the passage to Boston, a great number of these animals crossing and rccrossing before the bows of the vessel, apparently in sport, and this pastime was continued for a considerable time.

The third and last of the three marine mammals referred to as entering our harbor is the Seal, an animal of such highly sensitive organism and superior intelligence as to call for particular notice, especially as many reside with us during all but the severe winter months. They are observed with great interest by the thousands of passengers who pass in the steamers through the islands of the town, resting upon the rocky shores in full confidence that they will not be harmed. When unmolested they will repose them- selves not far distant from man, and will not move except upon his quite near approach.

Taken in captivity they become, like a dog, quite attached to those about them, and will not willingly be parted from them.

Notes on Animal Life. 81

Kept as pets for a time, individuals have become so fond of per- sons about them as to manifest great uneasiness upon being re- stored to their native element, and have been known to work themselves over a considerable surface of land in order to re- join their captors. A vessel on which was a captured young seal has been known to be followed a great distance by the frantic mother, suffering from the loss of her offspring. Surely, animals with affection and sensibility quite equalling man's, and having the great intelligence which they are known to possess, merit and should receive all the protection which has been accorded to those of their number who have trusted themselves to the hospitality of the neighborhood.

FISHES.

The fishes of Massachusetts Bay have been admirably described and beautifully illustrated by Dr. D. Humphreys Storer in his " His- torv of the Fishes of Massachusetts." It is reasonable to suppose that individuals of very many of the species sometimes enter the harbor. Indeed one of the citizens, Mr. Charles B. Barnes, who has fished in its waters as much perhaps as any one living, and the accuracy of whose observations can be relied upon, has recog- nized a very large number of fish that have been caught by him and others within the limits of Hingham through the descriptions given in that work.

A few wrords concerning the Smelt, that the future inhabitants of the town may know how greatly their predecessors were blessed by the abundance of this delicious lish. The number caught by hook and line in the harbor is very large, supplying the tables of most of the inhabitants in the fall months, and furnishing great quantities for the Boston market. During the right season numer- ous boats are always to be seen with parties engaged in fishing, while on the wharf margins, rows of men and boys may be ob- served intent upon drawing in the coveted prey. No idea can be given of the number taken during a season.

MOLLUSKS.

The Mollusks of the harbor are few in species, but fortunately for the town, the most highly prized member of them all, the Common Clam (My a arenaria, L. ), is exceedingly abundant. There can be no doubt, judging by the clam-shell heaps near the shores, that this species contributed largely towards the sustenance of the Indian when he alone occupied the territory ; and if in the present period it is not so absolutely necessary to sustain the life of the white man, it yet affords a luxurious repast for his table, and fur- nishes the material for hundreds of clam-bakes for the summer parties that daily visit the watering places. The number taken along

vol. I. — 6

82 History of Hint /ham.

the beaches of our coast, including those of the islands, is enor- mous, and has been estimated at upward of a thousand bushels during a season.

The Razor Fish is mentioned because of its great rarity and the likelihood of its not being much longer found within the harbor. A fine specimen discovered near the shore was recently presented to the writer by Mr. F. W. Brewer.

One other species will be mentioned because formerly found along the shores, although now no longer so, having become ex- tinct within the territory of the town. This is the Scallop Shell {Pecten concentricus, Say.). The fact of the shells of this species being objects of beauty has undoubtedly led to the animals being taken wherever found by the clam-diggers, and as they have an- nually turned over almost every foot of the muddy coast, the ex- termination of the scallop shell has followed.

CRUSTACEA.

The Crustacea of the harbor until within a few years included the Lobster, but it is now doubtful if any are to be found within its limits. The Common Crab, the Fiddler Crab, the Hermit Crab, and the species known to all visitors to the shores as the Horse Shoe are not uncommon. That most valuable bait for smelt and other fish, the Shrimp, is found in the shallow pools.

To the above brief notes upon some of the forms of life observed in the waters of the town a few will now be given upon species found upon the land.

MAMMALS.

By the bones found in the peat-bogs of the town we know that the Deer was an inhabitant in an early period. How late he remained such is unknown. As where these animals exist Wolves always hover about, it is fair to presume that they also found here an abode. It is certain that Beaver were once numerous alone the streams, and there is no reason to doubt that the Bear like- wise found a congenial home in the territory. These have prob- ably passed away never to return. There are, however, some wild species of the mammalia, that were common in more re- cent years, and which after apparently becoming extinct have reappeared, sometimes in considerable numbers. Such has been the case with the Raccoon. This animal, commonly called the Coon, has at times suddenly manifested its presence in locali- ties of the town by depredations where it had not been known for many years.

In 1882 Mr. Jacob Corthell, on Leavitt Street, lost many chick- ens undoubtedly by this animal, as about the same time four

Notes on Animal Life. 83

young coons were treed by his dog, and the parent subsequently shot. Two of the young were kept a year after.

Mr. Charles B. Barnes, to whom the writer is indebted for much information concerning wild animals of the land as well as of fishes, says that when young he trapped a coon in the woods between Old Colony Hill and Weir River, and shot the mate in a high tree near.

In the winter of 1885-86 coons appeared in considerable num- bers, and many were killed, especially in Hingham Centre. One was trapped near the house of the writer in the following spring.

Mr. Israel Whitcomb, who is a good observer, and much inter- ested in the animal life of the town, states that raccoons are by no means so rare in the woods between Hingham Centre and Cohasset as generally supposed. He has known more than twenty to be killed in a single season.

Foxes were quite numerous half a century ago. Large parties of hunters with dogs were accustomed once or twice a year to scour the woods in the lower part of the town and drive them toward and beyond Planters' Hill across the bar that connects World's End with it, when, escape being cut off, they were readily killed.

Mr. Francis W. Brewer informs the writer that in the spring of 1882 a fox had a hole in a meadow near his father's house, in which were its young.

There are yet undoubtedly many foxes living in the woods of the eastern and southern sections of the town.

The Mink, a pest of the poultry-yard, is unfortunately quite com- mon, and often manifests its destructive propensities to the great annoyance of and considerable cost to the farmer. In the summer of 1882 five hens were killed in one night in a hen-house on Mr. John R. Brewer's estate, Martin's Lane, by minks, one of which was trapped the following night, and another shot a few days afterwards.

Mr. Israel Whitcomb, of Union Street, also lost during a night of the last season a considerable number of chickens by a visita- tion of this animal.

The Weasel is another blood-thirsty visitor of the poultry-yard, but is comparatively much more rare than the Mink.

The Otter, now extinct in the town, has not been so more than half a century. Mr. Charles B. Barnes remembers one that years ago frequented the swamp, not far from his home on Summer Street during a season, and he has known of others being seen in Hingham.

84 History of Hingham.

The Musk-Rat is yet common in the town, and is found along slow-running streams. Many are yearly trapped in the vicinity of Weir River.

Rabbits are yet frequently met with in the wooded parts of the town, but are less numerous than formerly.

Of the squirrel tribe the little striped one known as the Chip- munk, and the Red Squirrel arc very common, the former sometimes being so numerous as to become troublesome. One season, when exceedingly abundant on the farm of the writer, they acquired the habit of burrowing holes in ripe fruit such as melons and pears, to obtain the seeds.

The Red Squirrel is often quite mischievous. Mr. F. W. Brewer mentions that one caused constant vexation during a whole sea- son to a large Newfoundland dog, by descending from trees at every favorable opportunity, and stealing his food. Like the gray squirrel, the red will sometimes rob birds' nests of the eggs and the young.

The Gray Squirrel is often seen in the autumn months grace- fully Floating, as it were, from tree to tree as he passes through the forest.

The little Flying Squirrel probably yet exists in Hingham, though none have been reported as seen for several years.

BIRDS.

Of birds nothing will be said respecting those that are well known, and usually during a part of the year find a home in the town. Upon some species formerly abundant and now but occa- sionally seen, and upon the visitation of others rarely found in the region, a few remarks may be interesting.

It is but a few years since there existed in the woods of the low, swampy ground between Old Colony Hill and Weir River an extensive heronry. When first known to the writer the nests of the birds might be seen upon almost every tall tree, high in the air over acres of ground. The species was the Night Heron.

When the forest was cut through that Rockland Street mi slit be laid out, the colony that had perhaps existed there for hun- dreds of years was disturbed, but not broken up. Attachment to the locality, notwithstanding its exposure to increasing annoyance from gunners and others, kept the birds there for years after, but they finally departed in a body and were seen no more. There are undoubtedly some inhabiting the town, as they are heard uttering the peculiar sound that has led to the common name given them of Qua-birds, when flying at the approach of night towards the shores to obtain their accustomed food.

Of several species of birds now becoming more and more rare, Mr. F. W. Brewer has expressed much in a communication to the

Notes on Animal Life. 85

writer which is of interest. He states that the Great Blue Heron used formerly to visit the Hats of the harbor, but that he has not seiMi one for several years, and that the Green Heron, which was often observed there, now appears but seldom. He further stated that this last mentioned bird used to nest in Jacob Loud's woods, and that in 1883 a nest was found back of Mr. Keeshan's house near the foot of Pear-tree hill.

After a violent and long-continued northeast storm in the spring of 1872 a considerable number of Little Auks were driven upon the coast by the severity of the gale. All of them seemed ex- hausted, and they could easily be knocked down with a stick.

Mr. W. S. Brewer saw them singly and in small flocks of five or six. Several were picked up at different localities dead or in a dying condition. The same gentleman saw two at the edge of the water on Nantasket Beach in 1886, and procured one of them. Thus it appears that this interesting bird may be expected to appear at times on our shores after severe gales from the ocean.

The Wild Pigeon, formerly a visitor in large Hocks, is now sel- dom seen. A pair came into the hen-yard on Mr. J. R. Brewer's farm about four years ago, and not far from that time a small number were seen upon a tree on Summer Street.

The Carolina Pigeon, or Turtle-Dove, is rarely met with in Massachusetts, but it has been seen in Hingham at least twice within two or three years, once by Mr. Israel Whitcomb in the southern part of the town, and once by Mr. W. S. Brewer, near Martin's Lane.

As in the case of the Turtle-Dove, the Indigo Bird, though ex- ceedingly rare, has been seen within a year or two both hy Mr. Israel Whitcomb in the southern part of the town, and by Mr. W. S. Brewer at Martin's Well.

The last bird to.be noticed is the Scarlet Tanager. Though rarely seen, this very beautiful species unquestionably nests and breeds every year in Hingham. Choosing generally its abode in some deep forest away from the habitations of man, it is but seldom exposed to observation, as its shyness makes it cautious when visitors approach its precincts. There is exception to this when the young first leave the nest. The male then seems to lose all fear for himself in his solicitude to protect and to supply food for the young, which he does with the utmost assiduity. On this point the writer will quote some remarks from Nuttall, the celebrated ornithologist : • —

" So attached to his new interesting brood is the Scarlet Tana- ger that he has been known at all hazards to follow for half a

86 History of Hingham.

mile one of his young, submitting to feed it attentively through the bars of a cage, and with a devotion which despair could not damp, roost by it in the branches of the same tree with its prison. So strong, indeed, is this innate and heroic feeling that life itself is less cherished than the desire of aiding and supporting his endearing progeny."

As most of our birds are known to suffer intensely in being- deprived of their young, it would seem that the recital of such a case as that given should lead to a feeling of more interest than is always manifested in protecting our native species from cruel molestation.

It is pleasant to add that in the instance mentioned, of the young Tanager followed and tended by the courageous parent, the heart of the person having it in charge was so moved by the ex- hibition of parental devotion, that the cage was opened after four days, and the young set free. Happily reunited, parent and off- spring flew into the deep woods.

The Tanager in some rare instances has been known to build its nest near the residence of man, when this has stood near the border of a forest.

The body of the male is scarlet-red, and the wings and tail are black in the pairing season. In the autumn he becomes, like the female and young, of a dull green color.

The Tanager is but for a short time a resident in the North, arriving about the middle of May, and leaving for his tropical home verv earlv in August.

THE BOTANY OF HINGHAM.

BY THOMAS T. BOUVE.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

In presenting to the public an account of the plants of Hing- ham, the writer desires to express his great indebtedness to sev- eral persons, without whoso aid the work of collecting specimens and identifying them could not have been accomplished in the short time allowed for its completion. Especially would he state that without the active co-operation of his esteemed friend Mr. Charles J. Sprague, many plants of our flora would undoubtedly have remained unknown, and certainly no attempt would have been made to include the Grasses or the Carices in the list of species. He gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to the Misses Ellen and Isabel Lincoln, by whose zeal and intelligent assistance a considerable number of the plants enumerated were discovered within the town limits, and to Mr. Fearing Burr, Mr. I. Wilbur Lincoln, and Mr. Henry C. Cushiug also for valuable aid.

It is to be regretted that the botanists of Hingham whose inves- tigations preceded those of the writer, Mr. James S. Lewis, Mr. Fearing Burr, and others, did not prepare and preserve herbaria for their own study, and for the service of those who should follow them. The Rev. John Lewis Russell was the only one who appears to have preserved the plants he obtained ; but he made such disposal of his collections, to different parties in distant places, as to make it practically impossible to examine more than a very few of the specimens found by him in Hingham.

The list of plants as presented includes but very few that have not been collected by the writer, or by those referred to who have aided him. Those that have not come under his own eye and study have been admitted on the high authority of the Rev. Mr. Russell and Mr. Fearing Burr. Plants found in the immediate neighboring towns, even but a few feet from the boundary line, but not within it, have been rigorously excluded.

Some reasons why many plants occurring in not far distant localities find no home in Hingham, may be of interest to the reader. Its climatic conditions, compared with those of other towns, particularly those of the North Shore, will account for this in a great degree. Cape Ann has the influence of the cold ocean currents between the Gulf Stream and the land. Hingham, being

88 History of Hingham.

situated south of a shallow land-locked bay, loses this influence and has that of the prevalent summer southwest winds which come from the Gulf Stream. Although possessing a considerable sea margin on the north, it has no sand beaches, and therefore several of the peculiar plants of the ocean beaches do not occur upon its shores. These are stony, or have marsh grasses growing to the water's edge. Its ponds, excepting Accord Pond upon which it only partially borders, are all artificial, formed by damming its streams, and are lined with trees and thickets extending to the water, leaving no sandy margins like those of the Plymouth and Weymouth ponds, which afford a home for numerous plants not to be found in Hingham. A large proportion of the town's area has been cultivated for centuries and there remain few localities which have been undisturbed by the hands of man.

It may be asked how thoroughly the task of presenting a full account of the flowering plants of the town has been ac- complished, and it will gratify all interested in the subject to be assured that, though it cannot be asserted that every spe- cies growing within our borders is included in the list given, yet it may fairly be stated that the omissions can be but few. It embraces not only the trees, the shrubs, and the flowering herbs, including the Grasses and Carices, but also the Equi- setaceEe (Horsetail Family), the Filices (Ferns), and the Ly- copodiacea1 (Club-moss Family). The Lichens, the Fungi, and other Cryptogamous forms have been necessarily omitted, as they could not have been presented without additional years of inves- tigation by specialists.

In regions where glacial action has not led to a general mixing of the earth derived from various geological formations, and where that from the decayed rocks has been but little disturbed, it is always interesting to note the influence of the several soils upon the growth of species. This is so marked as to enable the student often to recognize the character of the geological forma- tions beneath the surface by the prevalence of certain trees. This of course is not the case in Hingham, yet there is much in the varying character of locations within its limits to influence greatly the kind of species which will find in them healthy devel- opment. Some arc found only in salt marshes, others only in fresh-water swamps and meadows: some only in dry, sandy, or gravelly localities, others only in rich soils. A large majority open their petals only in sunny exposures, whereas many expand their beauties only under the shade of trees or of sheltering rocks. That nature thus varies her gifts of beauty adds much to the charm of botanical research in Hingham, diversified as its sur- face is with hills and dales, with marshes and swamps, with ex- tensive woods and rocky elevations; for who can wander over its high lands and its low lands, along its water-courses, and into the romantic recesses of its forest glens, without being impressed by, and gladdened with, the beauty spread before him everywhere ?

The Botany of Hingham. 89

There are some species that, without any apparent reason, are limited to certain localities, rarely being found elsewhere, not- withstanding circumstances seem equally favorable for their devel- opment. As among these are several of exceeding beauty and their extermination in the town would certainly be a calamity, the writer cannot forbear calling attention to the fact that some are fast disappearing, and will soon be no longer found in the town unless care is taken for their preservation. One of these is that rare plant, bearing one of the most lovely of flowers, the Fringed Gentian. Unlike the common Blue Gentian, this delicate species is propagated only by seeds. What, then, must be the result of a general plucking of the flowers when they are in bloom, leaving none to mature? Only extermination. And such plucking has been often done, and bouquets exhibited contain- ing scores of these flowers, when far better taste would have been sbown had but few been placed together instead of a multitude. Animals are not alone in danger of extermination by thoughtless- ness. The tendency to take plants from their natural habitats and transplant them into gardens where circumstances have been less favorable for their existence, has undoubtedly led to the entire destruction of several species of perennials from our flora. One of these, the Aselepias tuberosa, has doubtless met such fate. This plant, one of the most beautiful of all the perennials that adorned the woods, and always rare, there is reason to believe is now ex- tinct except in cultivation, as no specimen has been discovered for several years, after diligent search. It is however given in the list of species, as it certainly grew in at least two localities, and may possibly yet exist. Furthermore there is one plant still living which was transplanted more than twenty years ago from the woods of South Hingham to the grounds now of Mr. Henry C. dishing, where it yet may be seen yearly displaying a rich pro- fusion of its most charming orange-flowers.

There are several other plants that are found in but one or two localities, which it is hoped may be allowed to remain members of the flora. One of these is the Sambucus racemosa, L., the Red- Berried Elder. Another exceedingly rare plant with us is the Hibiscus Moscheutos, L. (Swamp Rose Mallow.) This is a tall perennial, with quite large, showy, rose-colored flowers, the corolla being five inches in diameter. It is found near the salt water, and but a single plant is known in Hingham.

Yet another species may be mentioned as observed in only one locality. This is the Lythrum Salicaria, L. The beautiful purple flowers of this may be seen upon a clump of the plants just at the edge of the water of Weir River, a short distance below the bridge on Leavitt Street.

It is not only for the preservation of the exceedingly rare plants of the town that the writer would plead. Quite as earnestly would he urge that the transcendent beauty which is often pre- sented along the sides of our roads, especially of those bordered

90 History of Hingham.

by forest-growth, may be allowed to display itself and gladden the eyes and heart of the wayfarer. Yearly many of these roads are adorned with flowers of varied hue, charming to every be- holder. In the spring the modest Violet, the delicate Anemone, and the showy Buttercup open their petals to the sight. As the summer " sun shoots full perfection through the swelling year," the Wild Rose, the Eglantine (Sweet brier), the Common Elder, and many other species display their loveliness and exhale their fragrance. Then follows autumn, and everywhere there start up to beautify our highways the many Asters and Golden-rods, and it is just when these expand in gorgeous loveliness, outrivalling all that man can produce by the most consummate art, that the de- stroyer comes and sweeps them away in a day. The writer cannot too strongly express his regret at the custom of mowing down every plant that shows a flower through miles of highway, where this is by no means necessary.

A gentleman of much culture and taste, who had but recently visited and travelled extensively over England, remarked in con- versation : " 1 pined when abroad for the sight of wild flowers along the roads. The bordering grass-plots smoothly shorn to the hedge-rows became monotonous. I longed for the picturesque objects that everywhere attract attention here and which serve so much to interest the mind." The year before this was said, the writer had passed through the Third Division wood-road, where was displayed along its borders a profusion of fall flowers, making the view at many points simply exquisite. Delighted with the prospect of presenting to his friend a scene so in contrast with those mentioned, he was taken through the same road that had been spangled with beauty the previous season, with the hope that there might be a like display, but it was too late. The scythe had done its vandal work, and scarcely a flower was left to meet his eye. There is no desire to criticise in these remarks the work necessarily done for the convenience of wayfarers, whether on foot or in vehicles, but only to urge that what no person of taste would wish to have destroyed may be allowed to live. In the case referred to it is doubtful if ten persons could be found in the town who really would regard the devastation an improvement. Man should not ruthlessly destroy what has been given for his pleasure and refinement.

In the following list of plants native to or occurring in Hing- ham, the names have been given in accordance with the recent edition of Gray's Manual, 1890. There have been numerous changes since the previous edition of 1848, and the student will therefore find this harmony with the last edition of great service to him in the identification of species.

The names of the introduced species are printed in italics, that they may be thus readily distinguished from those indigenous to the town.

PH^ENOGAMOUS OR FLOWERING PLANTS.

POLYPETALOUS EXOGENS.

1. RANUNCULACE51. (CROWFOOT FAMILY.)

The Ranunculaceae are mostly natives of cool regions, few- being found within the tropics, and these generally in elevated situations.

The leaves are much divided, hence the popular name of crow- foot applied to some of the species. Flowers both regular and irregular, — some exhibiting remarkable forms, as those of the wild Columbine.

Our flora is greatly enriched by plants of this family, and the fields and groves owe much of their beauty to them. Among those most common are the Buttercups, spangling the grass with their golden petals ; the Marsh Marigold of the swamps and wet meadows ; the Clematis, or Virgin's Bower, gracefully climbing over bushes in shady thickets, displaying in profusion its beau- tiful cymes of flowers ; the Wood Anemone, with its delicate white petals, often tinged with purple ; and the showy wild Columbine, delighting by its varied hues the visitor to its rocky recesses.

The Peony, so commonly cultivated in the gardens, belongs to this family.

Most of the species contain a very acrid juice, rendering them highly injurious as food, in a fresh state. Fortunately, heat and dryness deprive the plants of their poisonous character ; otherwise the cattle would suffer from its effects in partaking of hay from the pastures. Cooked or dried the species of this town are harm- less. There are genera, however, having exceedingly poisonous properties, — such as the Helleborus, the Aconitum, and the Del- phinium. As species of these are common in gardens under the names Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Larkspur, and Hellebore, care should be taken that children do not carry the flowers in their mouths.

Clematis, L.

Virginiana, L. Virgin's Bower. Anemone, Tourn.

cylindrica, Gray. Long-fruited Anemone.

Virginiana, L„ Virginian Anemone.

nemorosa, L. Wind-flower. Wood Anemone.

92 History of Hingham.

Hepatica, Dill.

triloba, Chaix. Round-lobed Hepatica.

Anemonella, Spach.

ihalictroides, Spach. Rue Anemone.

Thalictrum, Tourn.

dioicum, L. Early Meadow-rue. purpuiascens, L. Purplish Meadow-rue. polygauium, Muhl. Tall Meadow-rue.

Ranunculus, Tourn.

aquatilis, L. var. trichophyllus, Gray. White Water-crowfoot

Cymbalaria, Pursh. Seaside Crowfoot.

abortivus, L. Small-flowered Crowfoot.

abortivus, L. var. micranthus, Gray.

sceleratus, L. Cursed Crowfoot.

Pennsylvanicus, L. f. Bristling Crowfoot.

fascicularis, Muhl. Early Crowfoot.

repens, L. Creeping Crowfoot.

bu/bosus, L. Bulbous Buttercup.

acris, L. Tall Buttercup.

Ficaria, L.

Caltha, L.

palustris, L. Marsh Marigold.

Coptis, Salisb.

trifolia, Salisb. Goldthread.

Aquilegia, Tourn.

Canadensis, L. Columbine. Actaea, L.

alba, Bigel. White Baneberry.

2. BERBERIDACE-ffi. (BARBERRY FAMILY.)

The only plant of this order found within the borders of Hing ham is the well known beautiful shrub, the Barberry, introduced from Europe. The stamens of the flowers are peculiarly sensi tive, springing back against the pistil on being lightly touched. The fruit is extensively used as a preserve, and boiled with sugar produces an excellent jelly.

Berberis, L.

vulgaris, L. Barberry.

3. NYMPH ffiACEiE. (WATER-LILY FAMILY.)

An aquatic order, one species of which is the beautiful and sweet-scented Water-lily of our ponds.

Brasenia, Schreb.

peltata, Pursh. Water-shield.

Nymphaea, Tourn.

odorata. Ait. Water-lily. Nuphar, Smith.

advena, Ait. f. Yellow Water-hlv.

The Botany of Hingham. 93

4. SARRACENIACEJE. (PlTCHER-PLANT FAMILY.)

The only Hingham species is the Side-saddle Flower. The leaves are singularly formed in a swollen tube and are generally more or less filled with water, containing drowned insects.

Sarracenia, Town.

purpurea, L. Pitcher-plaut.

5. PAPAVERACEiE. (POPPY FAMILY.)

Three species only are found in this town, and but one of these is indigenous, — the beautiful Blood-root, so called from the color of its juice. This, if taken into the stomach, acts as an emetic and a purgative. The juice of some of the species has highly narcotic properties, — that of the Papaver somniferum, dried in the sun, forming the Opium of commerce.

Argemone, L.

Mexicana, L. Prickly Poppy. Waste places. Rare.

Chelidonium, L.

mqjus, L. Celandine.

Sanguinaria, Dill.

Canadensis, L. Blood-root.

6. FUMARIACE.SJ. (FUMITORY FAMILY.)

An order containing many beautiful plants which have a watery juice. The flowers are irregular. But two species are found in Hingham.

Corydalis, Vent.

glauca, Pursh. Pale Corydalis.

Fumaria, Tourn.

officinalis, L. Fumitory.

7. CRUCIFERJB. (MUSTARD FAMILY.)

An exceedingly useful family to man. furnishing many of the vegetables which he uses for food or as condiments, such as Turnips, Cabbages, Radishes, Cauliflowers, Cress, and Mustard. They all contain nitrogen, hence their highly nutritious qualities. Many of them have also an essential oil containing sulphur. Though acrid and pungent to the taste, none of them are poi- sonous. Plants of this family are easily recognized by their having four petals, which are regular and placed opposite to each other^ in pairs, forming a cross. This has given them the name of Crucifera3.

Nasturtium, R. Br.

officinale, R. Br. Water-cress, palustre, D C. Marsh-cress. Armoracia, Fries, Horse-radish.

Cardamine, Tourn.

hirsuta, L. Bitter Cress, hirsuta, var. sylvatica, Gray.

94 History of Hingham.

Arabis, L.

Canadensis, L. Sickle-pod. Barbarea, R. Br.

vulgaris, R. Br. Winter Cress.

Sisymbrium, Tourn.

officinale, Scop. Hedge Mustard.

Brassica, Tourn.

nigra, Koch. Black Mustard. campestris, L. Rutabaga.

Capsella, Medic.

Bursa-pastoris, Mcench. Shepberd's Purse. Thlaspi, Tourn.

arvense, L. Field Penny Cress. Rare. Lepidium, Tourn.

Virginicum, L. Peppergrass.

rudera/e, L.

campestre, L. Field Pepper Grass. Rare. Cakile, Tourn.

Americana, Nutt. Sea-Rocket. Raphanus, Tourn.

Raphanistrum, L. Wild Radisb.

8. cistace^. (Rock-Rose Family.)

Low, shrubby plants with regular flowers, possessed of no marked properties.

Helianthemum, Tourn.

Canadense, Mx. Rock-rose. Frost Weed.

Lechea, Kalm.

major, L. Pin Weed.

thymifolia, Mx.

minor, L.

minor, L., var. maritima, Gray in herb.

tenuil'olia, Mx.

9. violace^s. (Violet Family.)

A family well known by the profusion of flowers of several species found everywhere within the town. Only one genus is represented in Hingham, — the Viola. All its species here are stemless, with a single exception. The Pansy and the great Purple Violet of the gardens belong to this order. The roots generally possess an acrid, sometimes an emetic property, which has led to their use in medicine.

Viola, Tourn.

lanceolata, L. Lance-leaved Violet.

primulasfolia, L. Primrose-leaved Violet.

blanda, Willd. Sweet White Violet.

palmata, L. Common Blue Violet.

palmata, L., var. eucullata, Gray. Rolled leafed Violet.

sa^ittata, Ait. Arrovv-h-aved Violet.

The Botany of Hingham. • 95

pedata, L. Bird-foot Violet.

canina, L., var. Aluhleubergii, Gray. Dog Violet.

10. CARYOPHYLLACE2E. (PlNK FAMILY.)

Herbs with entire, opposite leaves, except that the upper ones ;ire sometimes alternate, and with regular, symmetrical flowers. The stems are usually swollen at the joints. They are all harm- less in their properties.

Dianthus, L.

Armaria, L. Deptford Pink. deltoides, L. Maiden Pink.

Saponaria, L.

officinalis, L. Soapwort.

Vaccaria, L. Silene, L

cucubalus, Wibet. Bladder Campion.

Armaria, L. Sweet- William Catch-fly.

antirrhina. L. Sleepy Catch-fly.

nodi flora, L. Night-flowering Catch-fly.

Lychnis, Tourn.

vespertina. Sibth. Rare.

Githago, Lam. Corn Cockle. Rare. Arenaria, L.

serpylUfolia, L. Thyme-leaved Sandwort, lateriflora, L.

Stellaria, L.

media, Smith. Chickweed.

loiigifolia, Muhl. Long-leaved Chickweed.

uliginosa, Murr. Swamp Chickweed.

graminea, L. Cerastium, L.

vulgatum, L. Mouse-ear Chickweed.

arvense, L.

Sagina, L.

procumbens, L. Pearl wort.

Buda, Adans.

rubra, Dumort. Sandwort.

marina, Dumort. Sea-shore Sandwort. Spergula, L.

arvensis, L. Corn Spurrey. Gypsophila, L.

muralis, L.

11 PORTTJLACACEiB. (PURSLANE FAMILY.)

Succulent low herbs with regular but unsymmetrical flowers. The Claytonia, justly called the Spring Beauty, belongs to this family. The common Purslane is our only species, and this springs up abundantly in cultivated and waste grounds. It does not appear to be generally known as a very palatable food. Cooked

96 History of Hingham.

as " greens," and properly served, it vies with the best in furnish- ing an attractive dish. The plants should not be too old. None of the species arc harmful. The beautiful Portulaca of the gar- dens is of this Family.

Portulaca, Tourn.

oleracea, L. Common Purslane.

12. HYPERICACEiE. (St. JoHN"S-WoRT FAMILY.)

The plants of this family are all herbs in Hingham, though found as shrubs and even trees in other regions. They have opposite, dotted leaves, and an astringent, resinous juice, which in some species is very acrid, as in the H. perforatum. This is some- times used as a gargle, and internally in dysenteric cases.

Hypericum, Tourn. ellipticum, Hook. perforatum, L. St. John's-wort. inaculutum, Walt, mutilum, L. Canadense, L. nudicaule, Walt.

Elodes, Adans.

campanulata, Pursh. Marsh St. John's-wort.

13. MALVACEiE. (MALLOWS FAMILY.)

The plants of this family native within the town are all herbs. Elsewhere they are found as shrubs, and sometimes as trees. They form a very natural order. The species all have regular flowers and alternate leaves, and all abound in a muci- laginous substance, which is found in great quantity, particularly in the roots of many. This is much used in medicine as an emollient.

None of the plants have deleterious properties. The young foliage of some has been used to boil as a vegetable.

Cultivated species of several of the genera are seen in gar- dens : as the Althea and Hollyhock.

Malva, L.

sylvestris, L- rotiindifolia, L. Mallow.

Abutilon, Tourn.

Avicennce, Gcertn. Velvet Leaf. Rare.

Hibiscus, L.

Moscheutos, L. Swam]) Rose-M;dlow. Very rare.

14. tiliaceje. (Linden Family.)

Trees and shrubs, mostly natives of tropical regions. Like the Malvaceae, they all possess mucilaginous properties of whole- some character.

The Botany of Hingham. 97

The Tilia Americana, the well-known Linden or Bass-wood, is native of the town, being generally found near the shore. The species of this family commonly set out as an ornamental tree, is the European Linden.

The inner bark of the trees of this family is very fibrous and strong. The jute of commerce is the product of one species.

Tilia, Tourn.

Americana, L. Linden. Basswood.

15. LiNACEiE. (Flax Family.)

An order of mostly herbaceous plants with regular and sym- metrical flowers. The genus Linum, the only one represented in Hingham, has a bark of exceedingly tenacious fibre, from one species of which is formed the Linen Thread and Cloth in common use. The same plant also furnishes seeds which yield the well- known Linseed Oil, Linseed Cake, etc. The seeds are used ex- tensively in medicine, possessing as they do abundant mucilage, which is extracted by boiling water, producing thus Flax-seed tea. There are several other uses which the products of the plants serve, and it may perhaps be said that no one, not fur- nishing food, is more serviceable to man. There is but one species of the genus indigenous in our limits, the L. Virginianum. The other is the Common Flax, found sometimes springing up in fields from scattered seeds. Some species are mildly cathartic.

Linum, Tourn.

Virginianum, L. Wild Flax. usitatissimum, L. Flax. Not common.

16. GERANIACEiE. (GERANIUM FAMILY.)

Chiefly herbs, with perfect but not always symmetrical flowers. The beauty of our gardens is largely due to plants of this family ; especially to the species of Pelargonium introduced from the Cape of Good Hope, where they are native, and to hybrid varieties.

The plants generally have an astringent property, and many have a disagreeable odor. The Herb Robert, not uncommon with us, affords a marked instance of this. There are, however, species which give out an aromatic and agreeable fragrance.

Some plants of the order have edible tubers, and others have leaves which are used as food, being pleasantly acid.

The G. maculatum, common in every part of the town, has very astringent roots. An infusion of them is used as a gargte.

Geranium, Tourn.

maculatum, L. Wild Geranium. Carolinianum, L. Carolina Geranium. Robertianum, L. Herb Robert. vol. i. — 7

98 History of Hingham.

Impatiens, L.

fulva, Nutt. Touch-me-not. Oxalis, L\

corniculata, L., var. stricta, Sav. Wood-Sorrel.

17. ilicine-E. (Holly Family.)

Trees and shrubs. Interesting to us as containing the Holly, the Neinopanthes, and the several species of Ilex, all contrib- utors to the beauty of the forests and swamps. It is one of the species of Ilex which displays, late in the autumn and early winter a profusion of bright red berries, that never fail to attract the attention and admiration of beholders.

There is an astringent property in the bark and leaves of the Holly, and of other species of Ilex. The berries are purgative, and used medicinally.

Ilex, L.

opaca, Ait. Holly, verticillata, Gray. Black Alder, laevigata, Gray. Smooth Alder. Rare. glabra, Gray. Inkberry. Not common.

Nemopanthes, Raf.

fascicularis, Raf. Mountain Holly. Rare.

18. CELASTRACE^. (STAFF-TREE FAMILY.)

Shrubs, rarely trees. One species only known to our flora, — the Celastrus scandens, or Waxwork.

The fruit of this, with its orange and scarlet hues, is very attractive in autumn, as displayed among the foliage of the shrubs or trees upon which it climbs.

The plants of this family have generally acrid and bitter prop- erties, sometimes emetic.

Celastrus, L.

scandens, L. Waxwork.

19. RHAMNACE5!. (BUCKTHORN FAMILY.)

Shrubs and small trees, represented in Hingham by the Rham- nus catharticus, the Buckthorn, and by the Ceanothus Ameri- canus, New-Jersey Tea.

The berries and bark of the Buckthorn are cathartic, and have been used in medicine. The leaves of the Ceanothus Americanus were much used during the American Revolution, by infusion, as a tea ; hence the common name.

Rhamnus, Tourn.

cathartica, L. Buckthorn. Not common.

Ceanothus, L.

Americanus, L. New-Jersey Tea.

The Botany of Hingham. 99

20. viTACEiE. (Vine Family.)

Climbing shrubs, represented in Hingham by two genera, — Vitis, the Grape, and Ampelopsis, the Virginia Creeper or Wood- bine. The estimable products of the vine are well known ; and, alas ! the effects of misuse of them too much so. The beauty of the Ampelopsis, as it climbs upon trees within its reach, espe- cially when its deeply tinted leaves in autumn contrast with the dark-green foliage of the Savin, affords a great charm to every observant eye.

Vitis, Toum.

Labrusca, L. Fox Grape.

aestivalis, Mx. Summer Qrape. Ampelopsis, Mx.

quinquefolia, Mx. Virginia Creeper. Woodbine.

21. SAPINDACEiE. (MAPLE FAMILY.)

Trees, shrubs, and herbs. This order enriches our flora with the Sugar Maple and the Red Maple. Among those introduced for ornamental purposes are the Horse Chestnut, several species of the Buckeye, and the Negundo or Ash-leaved Maple.

Narcotic and poisonous properties are found in some of the plants of the order ; yet bread is made from the seeds of one species. The nuts of the common Horse Chestnut contain a large proportion of starch, which renders them a very valuable food for cattle, swine, sheep, and horses. They are thus used extensively abroad, while here they are allowed to rot upon the ground. This is a matter worthy the consideration of those who have these trees upon their premises.

It is stated that the fruit and leaves of the Buckeye of Ohio, the tEscuIus glabra, are quite poisonous. As this tree is found in cultivation with us, care should be taken not to confound the fruit with that of the common Horse Chestnut.

The bark of several species is bitter and astringent, sometimes used for tanning and dyeing, and also in medicine, as a substi- tute for Peruvian bark.

Acer, Toum.

saechaiinum, Wang. Sugar Maple, rubrum, L. Red Maple.

22. ANACARDIACE51. (SUMACH FAMILY.)

Trees or shrubs, with alternate leaves and inconspicuous flowers, having a resinous juice, which is acrid and sometimes poisonous. Some bear wholesome fruits ; others furnish valuable varnishes. We have in Hingham but one genus, — the Rhus.

100 History of Hingham.

This includes the species best known to us as poisonous. One of them, Rhus venenata, or Poison Sumach, often called the Poison Dogwood, is found in nearly all our swamps. It is poi- sonous alike to the touch and taste, and at times imparts its noxious qualities to the atmosphere about it so as to cause per- sons inhaling it to be seriously affected. Common as this small tree is in Hingham, but few recognize it readily, and as it is particularly beautiful when colored by the tints of autumn, it is often collected, much to the suffering of those who handle it. It differs from the Rhus typhina and the Rhus glabra in having no serratures on the leaflets.

Another species of the same genus common with us is the Rhus toxicodendron, known generally as the Poison Ivy. This is also a very pernicious plant to handle, though upon many per- sons it seems to have no effect. Undoubtedly both the species are more dangerous at times than at others, and something prob- ably depends on the condition of the individual. This is cer- tainly true, and it should be a strong incentive for precaution that when a person has once been poisoned, the system is ever after more susceptible to the noxious influence than before.

Rhus, L.

typhina, L. Stag-horn Sumach, glabra. L. Smooth Sumach, copallina, L. Dwarf Sumach, venenata, D C. Poison Dogwood. Toxicodendron, L. Poison Ivy.

23. POLYGALACE5]. (MILKWORT FAMILY.)

Herbaceous plants, one genus of which only occurs in Hing- ham,--the Polygala. The name "milkwort" was given from the supposed influence of the plants in increasing the secretion of milk in the animal system. The roots of several species are used medicinally, and those of one. the P. Senega, are found very serviceable in many affections. These are known to us as the Senega root or Snake root.

Polygala, Tourn. sanguinea, L. cruciata, L. verticillata, L.

verticillata, var. ambigua. Nutt. polygama, Walt.

24. LEGUMINOS-SB. (PULSE FAMILY.)

A very large family, six or seven thousand species being known. It embraces trees, shrubs, and herbs. The most of the plants have papilionaceous flowers, so called from their fancied re- semblance to butterflies. All the native species found in Hing-

The Botany of Hingham. 101

ham have such flowers, except those of the genus Cassia. The fruit is always a legume or true pod ; but it varies, — being sim- ple, as in the Pea, or lobed, as in Desmodium. Within our bor- ders this great family is represented only by herbs, except in one introduced species, which has become naturalized, — the Robinia Pseudacacia, common Locust-tree.

Other trees and shrubs of the family occur that have been set out for ornamental purposes, as the Gleditchia or Three-thorned Acacia, the Red-bud or Judas-tree, the Laburnum, Wistaria, etc.

The Leguminosa? stand high among the families of the vege- table kingdom in their usefulness to man, furnishing as they do much of the food used by him and his domestic animals, many of the resins, and a large portion of the dyes used in the arts. Among food products are Peas, Beans, and Clover ; among medi- cines, Liquorice, Senna, Balsams, and Gums ; among those used in the arts, Gums Senegal, Tragacanth, and Arabic; Indigo, Brazil-wood, Logwood, and Red Sandal-wood. But few of the plants have injurious properties. The indigo of our households is very poisonous. This is mentioned because of the danger of its being handled by children.

The leaves of our Cassia Marilandica can be used as a substi- tute for senna, having similar properties.

Lupinus, Tourn.

perennis, L. Lupine. Crotalaria, L.

sagittalis, L. Rattle-box. Not common. Trifolium, Tourn.

arvense, L. Rabbit-foot Clover.

pratense, L. Red Clover.

hybridum. L. Dutch Clover.

repens, L. White Clover.

agrarium, L. Yellow Clover.

procumbens, L. Low Hop Clover. Melilotus, Tourn.

officinalis, Willd. Yellow Melilot.

alba, Lam. White Melilot.

Medicago, Tourn. sativa, L. lupulina, L. Black Medick.

Robinia, L.

pseudacacia, L. Locust.

Tephrosia, Pers.

Virginiana, Pers. Goat's Rue.

Desmodium, Desv. nudirlorum, D C. acuminatum, D C. Canadense, D C. Marilandicum. Boott. rifjidum, D C.

102 History of H Ingham.

Lespedeza, Mx.

procumbens, Mx.

reticulata, Pers. Bush Clover.

Stuvei, Nutt., var. intermedia, Watson.

polystachya, Mx.

capitata, Mx.

Vicia, Tourn.

saliva, L. Vetch. tetrasperma. Loisel. hirsuta, Koch. Cracca, L.

Lathyrus, Tourn.

maritimus, Big. Beach-pea. palustris, L. Marsh-pea.

Apios, Boerh.

tuberosa, Moench. Ground-nut.

Strophostyles, Ell.

angulosa, Ell. Kidney Bean.

Amphicarpsea, Ell.

monoica, Nutt. Hog Pea-nut.

Baptisia, Vent.

tinctoria, R. Br. Wild Indigo.

Cassia, Tourn.

Marilandica, L. Wild Senna. Chamascrista, L. Partridge Pea. nicitans, L. Wild Sensitive Plant.

25. ROSACE2E. (ROSE FAMILY.)

This family, comprising trees, shrubs, and herbs, is an exceed- ingly valuable oue to man, supplying him as it does with deli- cious fruits, and with flowers that delight his eye with their beauty and enchant him with their fragrance. Who can think of the Rose, of the Meadow Sweet, and of the many other shrubs and herbs that open their petals and exhale their fragrance to the surrounding air; of the gorgeous blossoming of the Apple and the Pear, the Cherry and the Plum, or of the fruits of these which follow, in due season, without having his heart warmed with gratitude towards the great Giver of all good ? These all belong to this family, as do most of the berries we use for food, as the Strawberry, the Blackberry, and the Raspberry.

But few plants of the order have injurious properties, though some, as the Almond and the Peach, contain Prussic Acid, which is a deadly poison. It is found mostly in the seeds, but not to an injurious degree, as partaken of by us.

Prunus, Tourn.

maritima, Wang. Beach Plum.

Pennsylvania, L. f. Red Cherry.

Virginiana, L. Choke Cherry.

serotina, Ehrhart. Black Cherry.

spinosa, L. car. insititia, sloe. Bullace Plum.

The Botany of Bingham. 103

Spiraea, L.

salicifolia, L. Meadow-sweet, tomentosa, L. Hardback.

Agrimonia, To urn.

Eupatoria, L. Agrimony.

Geum, L.

album, Gmelin. Avens.

Potentilla, L.

Norvegica, L. Five-finger. Canadensis, L. Low Five-finger, argentea, L. Silvery Five-finger. Anserina, L. Marsh Five-finger.

Fragaria, Tourn.

Virginiana, Mill. Strawberry, vesca, L.

Rubus, Tourn.

strigosus, Mx. Raspberry, occidentalis, L. Thimbleberry. villosus, Ait. Higb Blackberry. Canadensis, L. Low Blackberry, hispidus, L. Swamp Blackberry.

Rosa, Tourn.

Carolina, L. Swamp Rose.

lucida, Ehrh.

rubiginosa, L. Sweet-brier.

Crataegus, L.

coccinea, L. Scarlet Thorn.

Pyrus, L.

arbutifolia, L. f. Choke Berry.

aucuparia, Gcert. European Mountain Ash.

Amelanchier, Medic.

Canadensis, Torr. & Gr. Shad-bush.

26. SAXIFRAGACE-SJ. (SAXIFRAGE FAMILY.)

This family is interesting to us as containing a considerable number of our cultivated plants rather than of indigenous ones, of which we have but few representatives. The most important one is the Gooseberry. None of them are harmful. The Hy- drangea, frequent in cultivation, and the Red Currant belong here.

Ribes, L.

oxyacanthoides, L. Gooseberry.

Saxifraga, L.

Virginiensis, Mx. Early Saxifrage. Pennsylvania, L. Swamp Saxifrage.

Chrysosplenium, Tourn.

American um. Schwein. Golden Saxifrage.

104 History of Hlnyham.

27. CRASSULACEiE. (STONE-CROP FAMILY.)

Herbs, represented in Hingham by two genera, — Penthorum and Seduni. The plants of the latter are very succulent. The Houselcek, Sempervivum tectorum, well known by its thick, fleshy leaves, belongs to this order. None of the species have noxious qualities.

Penthorum, Gronov.

sedoides, L. Stoue-crop. Sedum, Tourn.

acre. L. Mossy Stoue-crop.

Telepldum, L. Live-forever.

28. DROSERACEiE. (SUNDEW FAMILY.)

Delicate, small plants occurring in boggy grounds, and gener- ally covered with glandular hairs. One species of this family, the Diomea muscipula, a native of North Carolina, is the cele- brated Venus's Flytrap, which has glands that exude a secretion of a character to attract flies. As soon as one alights upon the lobes of the leaf, which has projecting processes, they close upon the unfortunate insect.

Excepting a slight bitterness, the plants of this family have no marked qualities.

Drosera, L.

- rotundifolia, L. Round-leaved Sundew, intermedia, Hayne, var. Americana, D C.

29. HAMAMELIDEJE. (WjTCH-HaZEL FaMTLY.)

Trees and shrubs. The well-known tree, the Witch Hazel, is common in our damp woods. It is peculiar in blossoming late in autumn, when the wintry winds betoken early death to the flowers, and in not maturing its fruit until the succeeding sum- mer. The divining rods of those who seek metals or water in the earth through their agency are formed from the small branches of this tree ; hence the common name. The plants of the family are harmless. An extract of one species is much used as a medicine externally, and sometimes internally, with reputed advantage.

Hamamelis, L.

Virginiana, L. Witch-Hazel.

30. HALORAGE5I. (WATER-MlLFOIL FAMILY.)

Water and swamp plants, with inconspicuous flowers, having no noticeable properties.

Myriophyllum, Vaill.

ambiguum, Nutt. Water Milfoil. ambiguum, Nutt., var. limosum, Torr.

The Botany of Hingham. 105

Proserpinaca, L.

palustris, L. Mermaid-weed.

pectiuacea, Lam. Callitriche, L.

verna, L. Water Starwort.

31. MELASTOMACEiE. (MELASTOMA FAMILY.)

A tropical family, one genus only being found in temperate regions, and of this genus one species is a native of Hingham. It is strikingly beautiful, and fully worthy of the name it bears, — the Meadow Beauty.

Rhexia, L.

Virginica, L. Meadow Beauty.

32. LYTHRACEiE. (LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY.)

This family is represented in Hingham by two genera, the species of which are found in marshes or swamps. The plants are all astringent.

Lythrum, L.

Hyssopifolia L. Loosestrife.

Salicaria, L. Spiked Loosestrife. Very rare. Decodon, Gmel.

verticillatus, Ell. Swamp Loosestrife.

33. ONAGRACE-S3. (EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY.)

Herbs with perfect and symmetrical flowers. The most showy plants in Hingham belonging to this family are the Primroses, and the Willow Herb. The cultivated ornamental plants belonging here are the Fuchsias, natives of South America and southern North America. All are harmless.

Circsea, Tourn.

Lutetiana, L. Enchanter's Nightshade.

Epilobium, L.

angustifolium, L. Willow-herb, lineare, Muhl. coloratum, Muhl.

(Enothera, L.

biennis, L. Evening Primrose, fruticosa, L. Very rare, pumila, L.

Ludwigia, L.

alternifolia, L. Seed-box. Not common, palustris, Ell. Water Purslane.

34. CUCURBITACE^!. (GOURD FAMILY.)

Succulent herbs that creep or twine by tendrils. This family, which yields in cultivation several highly-valued vegetables, —

106 History of Hingham.

the Cucumber, Squash, Watermelon and Muskmelon, — is known to the Hingham flora only by two introduced weeds.

Sicyos, L.

angulatus, L. Star Cucumber. Echinocystis, Torr. & Gr.

lobata, Torr. & Gr. Wild Balsam-apple.

35. FICOIDEiE.

An order separated from the Caryophyllaceae. Represented here by an insignificant weed having no important properties.

Mollugo, L.

verticillala, L. Carpet-weed.

36. UMBELLIFERiE. (PARSLEY FAMILY.)

Herbs. Flowers, except in very rare cases and these not of Hingham species, in umbels. The genera and the species of the order are very numerous, and vary much in their properties. They are generally aromatic, some being harmless, while many are very noxious. Of the latter, the Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock), the Cicuta bulbifera (narrow-leaved Hemlock), the iEthusa cynapium (Fool's Parsley), and the Sium lineare (Water Parsnip) are all deadly poisons when taken into the system.

The seeds are stated to be always harmless, and many of them are in common use, as Anise, Carraway, Dill, and Coriander. The roots and herbage of several yield wholesome food, as the Carrot and Parsnip.

Hydrocotyle, Tourn.

Americana, L. Pennywort.

Sanicula, Tourn.

Marylandica, L. Sanicle. Marylandica, var. Canadensis, Torr.

Daucus, Tourn.

Carota, L. Carrot.

Heracleum, L.

lanatum, Mx. Cow-parsnip.

Pastinaca, L.

sativa, L. Parsnip.

Angelica, L.

atropurpurea, L. Great Angelica.

Coelopleurum, Ledeb.

Gmelini, Ledeb. Coast Angelica. /Ethusa, L.

Cynapium, L. Fool's Parsley.

Ligusticum, L.

Scoticum, L. Lovage. Thaspium, Nutt.

aureum, Nutt. Meadow Parsnip. Rare.

The Botany of Hingham. 107

Cicuta, L.

maculata, L. Water Hemlock, bulbifera, L. Narrow-leaved Hemlock.

Sium, Touru.

cicutaefolium, Gmel. Water Parsnip.

Osmorrhiza, Raf.

longistylis, D C. Sweet Cicely.

37. ARALIACE^EJ. (GlNSENG FAMILY.)

The properties of the plants of this family are much the same generally as in those of the Umbelliferae. Some species furnish valuable medicines, as Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, and Spikenard. The order is represented in Hingham by one genus only.

Aralia, Tourn.

racemosa, L. Spikenard.

hispida, Vent. Bristly Sarsaparilla. Rare.

nudicaulis, L. Wild Sarsaparilla.

trifolia, Decsne & Planch. Dwarf Ginseng.

38. CORNACEiE. (DOGWOOD FAMILY.)

Trees and shrubs, very rarely herbs. There are two genera in Hingham, — Cornus and Nyssa. Of the former a number of spe- cies are common in all parts of the town. The bark is very astringent and that of the C. florida is used sometimes medicinally as a tonic. The Nyssa is represented by the tree known as Tupelo, which in autumn adorns our forests with its bright crimson foliage.

Cornus, Tourn.

Canadensis, L. Bunch-berry, florida, L. Flowering Dogwood, circinata, L'Her. Round-leaved Dogwood, sericea, L. Silky Dogwood, paniculata, L'Her. Panicled Dogwood, alternifolia, Lf. Alternate-leaved Dogwood.

Nyssa, L.

sylvatica, Marsh. Tupelo.

GAMOPETALOUS EXOGENS.

39. CAPRIPOLIACE^J. (HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY.)

Mostly shrubs, often twining, and rarely herbs. All have oppo- site leaves. The fine genus Viburnum enriches our flora with several species of great beauty. Some of the plants are used medicinally, as emetic and cathartic properties prevail in many. Triosteum perfoliatum, Fever-wort, has much reputation for effects similar to those of Ipecac.

108 History of Hingham.

Sambucus, Tourn.

Canadensis, L. Elder, racemosa, L. Red-berried Elder.

Viburnum, L.

aeerifolium, L. Maple-leaved Arrow-wood, deutatum, L. Toothed Arrow-wood, cassinoides, L. Withe-rod. Lentago, L. Sweet Arrow-wood.

Triosteum, L.

pertbliatum, L. Fever-wort.

Lonicera, L.

sempervirens, Ait. Trumpet-Honeysuckle. Dierviila, Tourn.

trifida, Moench. Bush-Honeysuckle. Very rare.

40. RUBIACEiE. (M ADDER FAMILY.)

Trees, shrubs, and herbs. Represented in Hingham but by a single shrub, the Button-bush, and by a few herbs, but among these last is one of rare beauty, far too little appreciated, the Mitchella rcpens, Partridge berry. This sweet little plant adorned with fragrant twin flowers, bright polished evergreen leaves, and showy scarlet berries is worthy of much more notice than is given it.

Though our species do not furnish products of noticeable value, the family includes plants of great importance to man. Madder, so serviceable in the arts, is from the root of one of the species. Others furnish some of our most-highly prized medicines, as Peru- vian Bark, Quinine, Cinchona, Ipecacuana, etc. Coffee, the common luxury of our tables, is the product of a tree of this family.

Houstonia, L.

caerulea, L. Bluets.

purpurea, L., var. longifolia, Gray.

Cephalanthus, L.

occidentalis, L. Button-bush.

Mitchella, L.

repens, L. Partridge-berry.

Galium, L.

Aparine, L. Cleavers, circrezans, Mx. Wild Liquorice, tritidum, L. Small Bedstraw. asprellura, Mx. Rough Bedstraw. triflorum, Mx. Sweet-scented Bedstraw.

41. composite. (Composite Family.)

The compound flowers of early botanists. The plants of this order are readily recognized by their flowers being grouped in

The Botany of Hingham. 109

numbers upon a common receptacle, the enlarged head of the flower stalk, and by the anthers of the stamens cohering in a tube. The marginal flowers generally have strap-shaped corollas, which, extending as rays around the receptacle, are often very showy, while the interior ones of the disk having only tubular corollas are comparatively insignificant. This gives the impression to observers unfamiliar with botanical details that only a single flower is seen where many are aggregated.

Take the Sunflower, so called, for an example ; the very name of which implies it is one flower. In this case each of the yellow rays surrounding the whole receptacle is the corolla of a single marginal flower, those of the disk having no such rays. The greater portion of the Composita? of our town are of this charac- ter. The flowers of some have the corollas all strap-shaped or ligulate, as this form is called, as may be seen in the Dandelion and many others.

The Composite, considering the vast number of species, do not furnish many useful products to man. A few supply food, as the Artichoke, Salsify, and Lettuce. The root of the Chickory is used extensively as a substitute for coffee. From the seeds of the Sun- flower and some others an oil is expressed which is valuable. A bitter principle, found in several species, combined with other properties, has led to the use of many of them medicinally, par- ticularly Wormwood, Camomile, Arnica, Artemisia, and Elecam- pane. Some are quite poisonous, as Arnica.

As objects of beauty many of the cultivated species of the order surpass ifchose of any other in the autumnal season. How greatly should we feel the loss of the Asters, the Chrysanthemums, the Dahlias, and the varieties of Coreopsis from our flower gardens when nearly all their earlier companions " are faded and gone."

Vernonia, Schreb.

uoveboracensis, Willd. Iron Weed. Rare.

Mikania, Willd.

scandens, L. Hemp Weed.

Eupatorium, Tourn.

purpureum, L. Trumpet Weed.

teucrifolium, Willd.

sessilifolium, L. Boneset.

perfoliatum, L. Thoroughwort. Solidago, L.

cassia, L. Golden Rod.

latifolia, L.

bicolor, L.

sempervirens, L.

puberula, Nutt.

odora, Ait.

speciosa, Nutt.

rugosa, Mill.

Eliiottii, Torr. & Gr.

HO History of Hingham.

neglecta, Torr. & Gr.

neglecta, Torr. & Gr., var. linoides, Gray.

juncea, Ait.

serotina, Ait.

serotina, var. gigantea, Gray.

Canadensis, L.

nemoralis, Ait.

lanceolata, L.

tenuifolia, Pursh.

Sericocarpus, Nees.

solidagineus, Nees. White-topped Aster, conyzoides, Nees.

Aster, L.

corymbosus, Ait.

macrophyllus, L.

Novae-Angliae, L.

patens, Ait.

undulatus, L.

cordifolius, L.

lasvis, L.

ericoides, L.

multiflorus, Ait.

dumosus, L.

vimineus, Lam.

diffusus, Ait.

paniculatus, Lam.

salicifolius, Ait.

Novi-Belgii, L.

Novi-Belgii, var. litoreus, Gray.

puniceus, L.

umbellatus, Mill.

linariifolius, L.

acuminatus, Mx.

subulatus, Mx. Erigeron, L.

bellidifolius, Mubl. Robin's Plantain.

Philadelphicus, L. Fleabane.

annuus, Pers.

strigosus, Muhl. Daisy Fleabane.

Canadensis, L. Horse-weed. Pluchea, Cass.

camphorata, D C. Marsh Fleabane. Antennaria, Gaert.

plantaginifolia, Hook. Plantain-leaved Everlasting. Anaphalis, D C.

magaritacea, Benth. & Hook. Pearly Everlasting. Gnaphalium, L.

polycephalum, Mx. Everlasting.

uliginosum, L. Cudweed. Inula. L.

Helenium, L. Elecampane. Rare.

Tlie Botany of Hingham. m

Iva, L.

frutescens, L. Marsh Elder.

Ambrosia, Tourn.

artemisisefolia, L. Roman Wormwood.

Xanthium, Tourn.

Canadense, Mill. far. echinatum, Gray. Cockle-bur.

Rudbeckia, L.

hirta, L. Cone-flower.

Helianthus, L.

aim ti us, L. Sunflower.

divaricatus, L.

strumosus, L.

decapetalus, L.

tuberosus, L. Jerusalem Artichoke.

Coreopsis, L.

tinctoria, Nutt. Not common.

Bidens, L.

frondosa, L. Beggar-ticks, connata, Muhl. Swamp-ticks. cernua, L. Smaller Swamp-ticks, chrysanthemoides, Mx. Larger Swamp-ticks.

Anthemis, L.

Cotula, D C. May-weed.

arvensis, L. Corn Chamomile. Rare.

Achillea, L.

Millefolium. L. Yarrow. Ptarmica, L. Sneeze-wort. Rare.

Chrysanthemum, Tourn.

Leucanthemum, L. Daisy. White-weed.

Tanacetum, L.

vulgare, L. Tansy.

Artemisia, L.

vulgaris, L. Mugwort.

Senecio, Touru.

aureus, L. Golden Rag-wort. vulgaris, L. Groundsel.

Erechtites, Raf.

hieracifolia, Raf. Fire-weed.

Arctium, L.

Lappa, L., var. minus, Gray. Burdock.

Cnicus, Tourn.

arvensis, Hoffm. Canada Thistle.

lanceolatus, Hoffm. Common Thistle.

pumilus, Torr. Pasture Thistle.

altissimus, Willd., var. discolor, Gray. Tall Thistle.

muticus, Pursh. Swamp Thistle.

horridulus, Pursh. Yellow Thistle.

Onopordon, Vaill.

Acanthium, L. Cotton Thistle.

112 History of H Ingham.

Centaurea, L.

nigra, L. Knapweed.

Krigia, Schreb.

Virginica, Willd. Dwarf Dandelion. Cichorium, Tourn.

Jnfybus, L. Chiccory.

Leontodon, L.

antamnalis, L. Hawkbit. Fall Dandelion. Hieracium, Tourn.

Canadense, Mx. Canada Hawkweed.

paniculatum, L. Panicled Hawkweed.

venosum, L. Rattle-snake Hawkweed.

scabrum, Mx. Rough Hawkweed.

Prenanth.es, Vaill. altissima, L. serpentaria, Pursh.

Taraxacum, Hall.

officinale, Weber. Dandelion.

Lactuca, Tourn.

Canadensis, L. Wild Lettuce.

integrifolia, Bigel.

leucopha^a, Gray. Blue Lettuce. Rare.

Sonchus, L.

oleraceus, L. Sow-Thistle. asper, Vill. Spiny-leaved Thistle.

42. IiOBELIACEiE. (LOBELIA FAMILY.)

Herbs with a milky juice. All the species are poisonous. One of them, the Indian Tobacco, Lobelia infiata, a common plant of our town, is very much so, and has been used too freely in char- latan practice, — many deaths having resulted from such use. One of the most beautiful and showy plants of our wret meadows is the Lobelia Cardinalis, which exhibits its large and bright scarlet flowers in the summer and early autumn.

Lobelia, L.

cardinalis, L. Cardinal-flower. Dortmanna. L. Water Lobelia, spicata, Lam. inflata, L. Indian Tobacco.

43. CAMPANULACEiE. (BELLWORT FAMILY.)

Like the Lobeliaceoe, the plants of this family are herbs with a milky juice, but unlike them, they are harmless. Indeed, the roots and. young leaves of some of them are eaten for food.

The flowers are generally blue. They are so in our two species.

The Botany of Ringham. 113

Specularia, Heist.

perfoliata, A. D C. Venus's Looking-glass. Campanula, Tourn.

rapancidoides, L. Bell-flower. Escaped from gardens.

44 ERICACE^. (HEATH FAMILY.)

Shrubby and Herbaceous plants, — dear to us for the luxuries furnished in our rural walks and upon our tables ; for what would a season be to us without Huckleberries, Blueberries of many species, and Cranberries !

As objects of beauty and fragrance, how could we spare the Trailing Arbutus, the Cassandra, the Andromeda, the Clethra, the Rhododendron, and the Kalmia, in our wanderings. All these and manv others of our flora make fragrant the air with the odors they exhale, or charm the eye by their beauty.

With but few exceptions the plants of this family are entirely innocuous.

The leaves of the Rhododendron and the Kalmia, however, con- tain a narcotic principle which sometimes renders them poisonous.

Some of the species, as the Bearberry and the Chimaphila, are used medicinally, — - infusions of the leaves being found serviceable.

Gaylussacia, H. B. K.

frondosa, Torr. & Gr. Dangleberry. resinosa, Torr. & Gr. Black Huckleberry.

Vaccinium, L.

Pennsylvanicum, Lam. Dwarf Blueberry.

vacillans, Solander. Low Blueberry.

corymbosum, L. Tall Blueberry.

macrocarpon, Ait. Cranberry. Chiogenes, Salis.

serpyllifolia, Salis. Creeping Snowberry. Very Rare. Arctostaphylos, Adan.

Uva-ursi, Spreng. Bearberry. Epigaea, L.

repens, L. Mayflower. Gaultheria, Kalm.

procumbens, L. Checkerberry. Andromeda, L.

ligustrina, Muhl. Leucothoe, Don.

racemosa, Gray.

Cassandra, Don.

calyculata, Don. Leather-leaf. Kalmia, L.

latifolia, L. Mountain Laurel.

angustifolia, L. Sheep Laurel.

Rhododendron, L.

viscosum, Torr. Swamp Honeysuckle. Rhodora, Don. Rhodora.

VOL I. — 8

114 History of Hingham.

Clethra, Gronov.

alnifolia, L. White Alder.

Chimaphila, Pursh.

umbellata, Nutt. Prince's Pine, niaculata, Pursh. Spotted Wintergreen.

Pyrola, Tourn.

secunda, L. Wintergreen. ehlorautha, Swartz. elliptica, Nutt. rotundifolia, L.

Monotropa, L.

uuitiora, L. Indian Pipe. Hypopitys, L. Pine-sap.

45. PLUMBAGINACEiE. (LEADWORT FAMILY.)

Seaside plants. Our species, the Sea Lavender or Marsh Rose- mary, is very common along our shores. The root is very as- tringent, and is much used in medicine, especially in cases of inflammation and ulceration of the throat.

Statice, Tourn.

Lituouiurn, L. Marsh Rosemary.

46. PRIMULACEiE. (PRIMROSE FAMILY.)

None of the plants of this family serve important useful pur- poses, but all are harmless. The species are few in our flora, but they differ much in appearance and habits. The Trientalis is one of the most delicate of them and is often seen nestling in the thickets with its companions, the Anemones, bearing its beautiful star-shaped flowers ; while in contrast may be found in the wet swamps and stagnant waters, the Hottonia, a coarse plant with large inflated stems, interesting more from its peculiar character- istics than from its beauty.

Hottonia, L.

inflata, Ell. Featherfoil.

Trientalis, L.

Americana, Pursh. Star-flower.

Lysimachia, Tourn.

quadrif'olia, L. Loosestrife.

stricta. Ait.

mtmmiilaria, L. Moneywort.

Steironema, Raf.

lanceolatum, Gray.

Anagallis. Tourn.

arvensis, L. Pimpernel.

Samolus, Tourn.

Valerandi, L. var. Americanus, Gray. Brookweed.

The Botany of Hingham. 115

47. OLEACE-3L (OLIVE FAMILY.)

Trees and shrubs. Though possessing bitter and astringent properties they are harmless. The Olive tree is one of the best known of the family, as its fruit and the oil it produces are eaten throughout the civilized world. Among the cultivated plants are the Common and Persian Lilacs, the Virginia Fringe tree, and the Jessamine. The species native to our flora are the White, Red, and Black Ash. The Privet is extensively naturalized in all parts of the town.

Ligustrum, Tourn.

vuk/are, L. Privet. Fraxinus, Tourn.

Americana, L. White Ash.

pubescens. Lam. Red Ash.

sambucifolia, Lam. Black Ash.

48. APOCYNACEJE. (DOGBANE FAMILY.)

Apocynum, Tourn.

androsiemifolium, L. Dogbane, cannabinum, L. Indian Hemp.

49. ASCLEPIADACE-EJ. (MlLKWEED FAMILY.)

Herbs and shrubs ; but in Hingham, herbs only which belong to the genus Asclepias, and all bear umbels of flowers. Like the Apocynaceas, they have a milky juice, but the properties of this as well as the other parts of the plants are much less noxious. One of the most beautiful plants of New England is the A. tuberosa, which is exceedingly rare, if indeed it is yet to be found wild within the town limits.

Asclepias, L.

tuberosa, L. Butterfly-weed, incarnata, L. Swamp Milkweed. Cornuti, Decaisne. Hedge Milkweed, obtusifolia, Mx.

phytolaccoides, Pursh. Poke Milkweed, quadrifolia, L. Four-leaved Milkweed, verticillata, L. Whorled Milkweed.

50. GENTIANACEiE. (GENTIAN FAMILY.)

Herbs. This family has furnished us with one of the most beautiful and interesting of the plants of our flora, the Fringed Gentian, and care should be taken to prevent its extermination, now seriously threatened. The only way to prevent this is to leave at least a portion of the flowers to mature and drop their seeds, it being an annual and propagated only in this way. All

116 History of Hingham.

the plants of the family have pervading them a very bitter princi- ple, which, affording a good tonic, has led to the extensive use of several of the species medicinally.

Gentiana, Tourn.

crinita, Froel. Fringed Gentian. Andrewsii, Griseb. Closed Gentian.

Bartonia, Muhl. tenella, Muhl.

Menyanthes, Tourn.

trifoliata, L. Buckbean. Not common.

51. BORRAGINACEiE. (BORAGE FAMILY.)

Mostly herbs. All our species are such, and all bristly or hairy. They are mucilaginous and harmless.

Myosotis, Dill.

arvensis, tloffm.

verna, Nutt.

laxa, Lehm.

palustris, With. Foi'get-me-not.

Symphytum, Tourn.

officinale, L. Comfrev. Rare.

Echium, Tourn.

vulgare, L. Blue-weed. Rare.

Echinospermum, Lehm.

Lappula, LeJim. Stick-seed. Rare.

Lythospernum, Tourn.

arvense, L. Corn Gromwell.

52. CONVOLVULACEJE. (CONVOLVULUS FAMILY).

Mostly herbs, twining about other plants; always so with those of our town. Two of these of the genus Cuscuta are parasitic upon the bark of the herbs or shrubs they climb upon. Some species are very ornamental in cultivation, as the Morning Glory and the Cypress vine.

The roots of the plants have generally a milky juice which is used in medicine as a purgative. The Sweet Potato is a valuable product of a plant of this family, native to the East Indies, but now cultivated in all tropical and semi-tropical regions, and even to a considerable extent within the temperate zone. It will flourish well in Hingham and yield good-sized tubers, but they lack the sweetness of such as come from the Carolinas.

Convolvulus, Tourn.

sepium, L. Hedge Bindweed. arvensis, L. Smaller Bindweed.

Gnscuta, Touru.

Gronovii, Willd. Dodder, compacta, Juss. Rare.

The Botany of Htngham. 117

53. SOLANACE-aB. (NIGHTSHADE FAMILY.)

Herbs with us ; sometimes shrubs in other regions. This fam- ily furnishes that most valuable tuber, the potato; and also the nutritious and wholesome fruit of the Tomato and Egg plant. A narcotic alkaloid, however, pervades the species, rendering many noxious and some violently poisonous. Even the herbage of the potato and its raw fruit (not the tubers) contain too much of the alkaloid to be safe for food.

Tobacco, one of the most potent of all the enemies that man puts into his mouth, is a product of the Nicotiana Tabacum, a native of Central America.

Our wild species are all more or less poisonous, — the Datura tatula, or Thorn-apple, being the most so.

As might be supposed from the active narcotic character of the plants of this family, many furnish useful medicines.

Solanum, Tourn.

Dulcamara, L. Nightshade, nigrum, L. Black Nightshade.

Physalis, L.

Virginiana, Mill. Ground Cherry. Rare.

Nicandra, Adans.

p/iysaloides, Gcert. Apple of Peru. Rare.

Datura, L.

Tatula, L. Purple Thorn-apple.

54. SCROPHULARIACE^J. (FlGWORT FAMILY.)

Mostly herbs. A very large family of plants, inhabitants alike of cold and warm climates, and though properly classed together by natural affinities, yet exhibiting great diversity of character. One, a native of Japan, is a tree forty feet in height, and hav- ing a trunk two to three feet in diameter, yet bearing clusters of blossoms similar to those of the common Foxglove. We may contrast with this the Limosella, a plant from one to two inches in height, which grows in the tidal mud of the shores. The family is well represented in Hingham by the Gerardias, the Veronicas, and other well-known genera.

The properties of the plants are not such as to inspire the lov- ing feelings towards them that are excited bv the Rosacea;, the Labiatoe, and some others, for they are acrimonious and dele- terious. One of them, a commonly cultivated species of the genus Digitalis, the Foxglove, is violently poisonous. This and several others of kindred nature afford to man some compensa- tion for their noxious qualities by furnishing medicines of great value. Many of the species are highly ornamental.

118 History of Hingham.

Verbascum, L.

Thapsus, L. Mullein. Blattaria, L. Moth Mullein.

Linaria, L.

Canadensis, Dumont. Toad-Flax. vulgaris, Mill. Butter-and-Eggs.

Scrophularia, Tourn.

nodosa, L. var. Marilandica, Gray. Figwort. Rare.

Chelone, Tourn.

glabra, L. Snake-bead.

Mimulus, L.

ringens, L. Monkey-flower.

Gratiola, L.

aurea, Mubl. Hedge Hyssop.

Ilysantbes, Raf.

riparia, Raf. False Pimpernel.

Veronica, L.

Anagallis, L. Water Speedwell, scutellata, L. Marsh Speedwell, serpyllifolia, L. Thyme-leaved Speedwell, peregrina, L. Purslane Speedwell. arvensis, L. Corn Speedwell. agrestis, L. Field Speedwell.

Gerardia, L.

pedieularia, L. Gerardia. flava, L. Downy Gerardia. quercifolia, Pursh. Oak-leaved Gerardia. purpurea, L. Purple Gerardia. maritima, Raf. Seaside Gerardia. tenuifolia, Vahl. Slender Gerardia.

Pedicularis, Tourn.

Canadensis, L. Louse-wort.

Melampyrum, Tourn.

Americanum, Mx. Cow-wheat.

55. OROBANCHACE5!. (BrOOM-RaPE FAMILY.)

Plants without leaves ; low, fleshy, and of a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown color. All parasites upon the roots of other plants. There are in Hingham but two species, one of which exists upon the roots of the Beech and is consequently found only under the shade of this tree. The plants are astringent and. bitter.

Aphyllon, Mitch.

uniflorum, Torr. & Gr. Cancer-root.

Epiphegus, Nutt.

Virginiana, Bart. Beech-drops.

The Botany of H Ingham. 119

56. LENTIBULARIACE^3. (BLADDERWORT FAMILY.)

Aquatic herbs. Represented in Hingham by one genus, the Utricularia. The species are generally immersed, sometimes deeply, and have leaves much dissected, having upon them little bladders which being filled with air cause the plant to bear the flowers above the water. One species, the U. gibba has been found rooted in the marginal mud of a pond.

The plants have no noxious properties.

Utricularia, L.

inflata, Walt. Inflated Bladderwort. vulgaris, L. Greater Bladderwort. gibba, L. Dwarf Bladderwort. intermedia, Hayne.

57. VERBENACEiE. (VERVAIN FAMILY.)

Trees, shrubs, and herbs ; with us, herbs only, and confined to two species. The plants of this family are harmless and differ but little from those of the next in general characteristics ; but they lack the aromatic fragrance that makes the Labiatae attractive.

The Teak wood of India, so renowned for its durability, is the product of a tree of this order, of large dimensions, having a height of about one hundred feet.

*©

Verbena, Tourn.

hastata, L. Blue Vervain, urticaefolia, L. White Vervain.

58. LABIATiE. (MlNT FAMILY.)

A family of pleasing and useful herbs ; pleasing by the aroma they exhale and useful in many ways to man. No species is harmful or, as the botanist Wood states, even suspicious. To it belong the Peppermint, Spearmint, Pennyroyal, Sage, Thyme, Lavender, Hoarhound, Catnip, and other well-known herbs.

The foliage has small glands which secrete a volatile oil that yields the fragrance so marked in most of the species.

Trichostema, L.

diehotomum, L. Blue Curls. Teucrium, Tourn.

Canadense, L. Germander.

Mentha, Tourn.

viridis, L. Spearmint. piperita, L. Peppermint. Canadensis, L. Wild Mint.

120 History of Hingham.

Lycopus, Tourn.

Virginicus, L. Bugle-weed.

sinuatus, Ell. Cut-leaved Bugle-weed.

Pycnanthemum, Ms.

muticum, Pers. Mountain Mint, linifolium, Pursh. Narrow-leaved Mint.

Origanum, Tourn.

vidyare, L. Wild Marjoram. Rare.

Hedeoma, Pers.

pulegioides, Pers. Pennyroyal.

Monarda, L.

fistulosa, L. Wild Bergamot.

Nepeta, L.

Cataria, L. Catnip. Glechoma, Benth. Ground Ivy.

Scutellaria, L.

lateriflora, L. Scull-cap. galericulata, L.

Brunella, Tourn.

vulgaris, L. Self-heal.

Ballota, L.

nigra, L. Black Horehound. Leonurus, L.

Cardiaca, L. Motherwort.

Galeopsis, L. Hemp-Nettle. Tetrahit, L.

Stachys, Tourn.

arvensis, L> Woundwort. Rare. Lamium, L.

amplexicaule , L. Dead-Nettie.

intermedium, Fr. Rare.

59. PLANTAGINACEiE. (PLANTAIN FAMILY.)

Stemless herbs without properties of any importance. The Plantago major, one of the species, is so common about our dwellings as to have given rise to the saying that wherever the white man puts his feet the Plantain is sure to spring up.

Plantago, Tourn.

major, L. Plantain.

Rugelii, Decaisne.

decipiens, Barneoud. Marsh Plantain.

lanceolata, L. Ribgrass.

Patagonica, Jacq., var. aristata, Gray, Rare.

60. HiLECEBRACE-a:. (Whitlowwort Family.)

There are but two plants in Hingham belonging to this new order, separated from the Caryophyllacese. Their properties are unimportant.

The Botany of Hinyliam. 121

Anychia, Mx.

capillacea, Nutt. Forked Chickweed.

Scleranthus, L.

annuas, L. Knawel.

APETALOUS EXOGENS.

61. AMARANTACEiE. (AMARANTH FAMILY.)

Aii ordei' containing some shrubs, but mostly herbaceous plants, and found to some extent in temperate regions, although princi- pally natives of the tropics. Medicinal properties are ascribed to some species, and one at least produces edible seeds. The Cocks- comb, one of the Prince's Feathers, and other species, are com- mon annuals in our gardens.

Amarantus, Tourn.

paniculalus, L. Prince's Feather. Rare. albus, L. Amaranth, retrorlexus, L.

62. CHENOPODIACE2E. (GOOSEFOOT FAMILY.)

A family of herbs or undershrubs, found all over the world, but chiefly natives of northern Europe and Asia. The Beet, Mangel-wurtzel, Spinach, and other edible plants, are of this or- der. Some species have medicinal value, and an oil is extracted from one. The ashes of several of them yield soda.

Chenopodium, Tourn.

album, L. Pigweed.

glaucum, L. Oak-leaved Goosefoot.

urbicum, L.

hybridum, L. Maple-leaved Goosefoot.

capitatum, Wats. Strawberry Blite. Rare.

Atriplex, Tourn.

patulum, L. Orache.

arenarium, Nutt. Seaside Orache.

Salicornia, Tourn.

herbacea, L. Samphire, mucronata, Big. ambigua, Mx.

Suseda, Forsk.

linearis, Moq. Sea Blite.

Salsola, L.

Kali, L. Saltwort.

122 History of Hingham.

63. PHYTOLACCACEiE. (TOKEWEED FAMILY.)

A small family of herbs or undershrubs, chiefly natives of the tropics. We have only one species, — the Garget or Pokeberry, the root of which is poisonous.

Phytolacca, Tourn.

decandra, L. Poke.

64. POLYGONACEiE. (BUCKWHEAT FAMILY.)

This order includes a few trees and shrubs, but is almost en- tirely composed of herbaceous plants, principally natives of the north temperate zones, but found in nearly all parts of the world. Some species are medicinal, some furnish dyes, and to the food supply of the earth the order contributes Buckwheat, Rhubarb (the stalks of which are edible, the leaves containing so much oxalic acid as to be poisonous), and the fruits of some East and West Indian species.

Polygonum, Tourn.

orientate, L. Prince's Feather.

Pennsylvanicum, L.

lapathifolium, L., var. inearnatum, Watson.

Persicaria, L. Lady's Thumb.

Hydropiper, L. Smartweed.

acre, H. B. K. Water Smartweed.

hydropiperoides, Mx. Mild Smartweed.

Muhlenbergii, Watson. Water Persicaria.

aviculare, L. Knotgrass.

erectum, L. Rare.

ramosissimum, Mx.

tenue, Mx.

arifolium, L. Halberd-leaved Tear-thumb.

sagittatum, L. Arrow-leaved Tear-thumb.

Convolvulus, L. Bindweed.

dumetorum, L., var. scandens, Gray.

cilinode, Mx. Fagopyrum, Tourn.

esculentum, Moench. Buckwheat. Rare.

Rumex, L.

salicifolius, Weinmann. White Dock.

crispus, L. Curled Dock.

obtusifolius, L. Bitter Dock.

sanguineus* L. Bloody- veined Dock. Rare.

Acetosella, L. Sorrel.

65. LAURACE.2EJ. (LAUREL FAMILY.)

A very important order of trees and shrubs, natives of Amer- ica, Europe (one species), and Asia, but mostly tropical.

The character pervading the order is a pleasant aroma, and

The Botany of H Ingham. 123

among the products are Cinnamon, Camphor, Cassia, and other medicinal barks, and a number of aromatic fruits and oils. The timber of some species is valuable.

Sassafras, Nees.

officinale, Nees.

Lindera, Thunb.

Benzoin, Blume. Spice Bush.

66. SANTALACE-3E3. (SANDAL-WOOD FAMILY.)

An order of trees, shrubs, and herbs, natives of Europe, Amer- ica, Australia, and the East Indies. The European and North American species are herbaceous, while the trees occur in the East Indies and South Sea Islands. The celebrated Sandal-wood is a product of several species of this order. The family has medicinal properties, and a tea is made from the leaves of one species, while another (the Buffalo-tree or Oil Nut J yields an oil. Represented in Hingham by one insignificant species.

Comandra, Nutt.

umbellata, Nutt. Toad-flax.

67. EUPHORBIACE^I. (SPURGE FAMILY.)

A family of about 2,500 species, comprising trees, shrubs, and herbs, natives chiefly of warm countries, especially tropical Amer- ica. The few Northern species are herbaceous. The plants of this order abound in an acrid juice, which, in nearly all of them, is poisonous. Many are valuable in medicine, furnishing Croton Oil, Castor Oil, Cascarilla Bark, etc. The fruits and seeds of some, and the starch of others (yielding Tapioca, etc.), are edible. The timber of some trees is valuable, — African Teak, for example. Caoutchouc is the product of several South American plants of this order. Some species yield various dyes and many are cultivated for their beauty.

Euphorbia, L.

maculata, L. Spurge.

Preslii, Guss.

Cyparissias, L. Acalypha, L.

Virgin ica, L. Three-seeded Mercury.

68. TJRTICACEJE. (NETTLE FAMILY.)

A large and interesting order, embracing trees, shrubs, and herbs, principally natives of the tropics, although the temperate zones contain a considerable number.

The trees and shrubs have generally a milky juice, the herbs a watery one. This juice in some of the sub-orders is acrid and poisonous. The celebrated Bohon Upas, one of the deadliest

124 History of Hingham.

poisons known, is the concrete juice of one species found in the islands of the Indian Ocean. The hairs on the leaves of the nettles are proverbial for their stinging qualities. Notwithstand- ing the poisonous properties of the sap of some species, the cele- brated Cow-tree of South America supplies a milky juice which is wholesome and valuable as food or drink. This order also produces the Fig, Breadfruit, Mulberry, and other fruits, besides the Hop. Hemp, and Fustic, are also products of this family, as is Gum-lac. The famous Banyan-tree is one of the species.

Ulmus, L.

Americana, L. Elm. Celtis, Tourn.

occidentalis, L. Hack-berry. Urtica, Tourn.

gracilis, Ait. Nettle.

dioica, L.

urens, L. Pilea, Lin (11.

pumila, Gray. Richweed. Bcehmeria, Jacq.

cylindrica, Willd. False Nettle.

Cannabis, Tourn. sativa, L.

Parietaria, Tourn.

Pennsylvaniea, Muhl. Pellitory. Rare.

69. PLATANACEiE. (PLANE-TREE FAMILY.)

An order of trees and shrubs, natives of the Levant, Barbary, and North America. The trees of this family are immense ; specimens of our only species having been found in the West, thirteen feet in diameter. A tree of the Oriental Plane (P. ori- cntalis) standing on the bank of the Bosphorus, is 141 feet in circumference and believed to be 2,000 years old. The wood of the trees of this order is used in the arts.

Platanus, L.

occidentalis, L. Bnttonwood.

70. JUGLANDACB3!. (WALNUT FAMILY.)

An important family, of about thirty species, principally in- habiting North America. It comprises trees of large size and imposing appearance, which are very useful in the arts ; fur- nishing valuable timber, besides affording a dye-stuff made from the husks and roots. Sugar similar to maple sugar is obtained from the sap, and the leaves and bark of some species are used in medicine. The fruit of many trees of this order is highly esteemed.

The Botany of Hingham. 125

Carya, Nutt.

alba, Nutt. Shag-bark Hickory, tomentosa, Nutt. Mocker-nut Hickory, porcina, Nutt. Pig-nut Hickory, amara, Nutt. Bitter-nut Hickory.

71. MYRICACEiE. (SWEET GALE FAMILY.)

A small family, inhabiting the temperate parts of North Amer- ica, India, South Africa, and Europe. The fruit of the Bayberry affords a wax sometimes used in making candles.

Myrica, L.

cerifera, L. Bayberry. asplenifolia, Endl. Sweet Fern.

72. CUPULIFERiB. (OaK FAMILY.)

This noble order comprises the Birch, Alder, Hornbeam, Hazel. Oak, Chestnut, and Beech. It inhabits principally the north temperate zone ; but species are common as far south as tbe mountainous districts of the tropics. It contains trees of magnificent size and grandeur, and low shrubs.

Its importance to man, both in the arts and in medicine, and as furnishing food, is well known.

Betula, Tourn.

lenta, L. Black Birch, lutea, Mx. f. Yellow Birch, populifolia, Ait. White Birch. papyrifera, Marsh. Canoe Birch. Rare.

AlmiS, Tourn.

incana, Willd. Alder, serrulata, Willd. Smooth Alder.

Carpinus, L.

Caroliniana, Walt. Hornbeam.

Ostrya, Micheli.

Virginica, Willd. Hop Hornbeam.

Corylus, Tourn.

Americana, Walt. Hazel. rostrata, Ait. Beaked Hazel.

Quercus, L.

alba, L. White Oak.

bicolor, Willd. Swamp Oak.

Prinus, L. Chestnut Oak.

Muhlenbergii, Engel. Yellow Chestnut Oak.

prinoides, Willd. Chinquapin Oak.

ilicifolia, Wang. Bear Oak.

coccinea, Wang. Scarlet Oak.

tinctoria, Bartram. Black Oak.

rubra, L. Red Oak.

126 History of Hingham.

Castanea, Tourn.

sativa, Mill., var. Americana. Chestnut.

Fagus, Tourn.

ferruginea, Ait. Beech.

73. SALICACE.SJ. (WlLLOW FAMILY.)

This family, comprising the Willows and Poplars, is found almost entirely in the temperate and frigid zones. Two species are the most northern woody plants known. The order embraces trees and shrubs; some trees reaching a height of eighty feet, and certain species of the shrubs, in alpine and arctic regions, rising scarcely more than an inch from the ground. The family is variously useful in the arts and valuable in medicine, and the leaves and young shoots furnish fodder for cattle in some countries.

Salix, Tourn.

alba, L., var. vitellina. Koch. White Willow.

tristis. Ait. Dwarf Gray Willow.

humilis, Marsh.

discolor, Muhl. Glaucous Willow.

sericea, Marsh. Silky Willow.

petiolaris, Smith. Petioled Willow.

rostrata, Richard. Livid Willow.

lucida, Muhl. Shining AVillow.

nigra, Marsh. Black Willow.

myrtilloides, L. Myrtle Willow.

Populus, Tourn.

tremuloides, Mx. American Aspen, grandidentata, Mx. Large-toothed Poplar, balsamifera, L., var. candicans, Gray. Balm of Gilead.

74. CERATOPHYLLACE-SJ. (HORNWORT FAMILY.)

Aquatic plants growing in slow streams and ponds.

Ceratophyllum, L.

demersum, L. Hornwort.

75. CONIFERS. (PlNE FAMILY.)

An order of evergreen trees and shrubs, common to the tem- perate and torrid zones, but more extensive in the former regions. The tropical species differ entirely from those existing in cold climates. The family embraces both low shrubs and some of the tallest trees in the world ; the gigantic Pines and Redwoods of Cali- fornia. It is of great importance to man, furnishing timber, tur- pentine, tar, pitch, and resin, besides certain oils. The seeds of some species arc esculent, and the order is of value in medicine.

The Botany of Hingham. Ill

Chamaecyparis, Spach.

spliEeroidea, Spach. White Cedar. Juniperus, L.

communis. L. Juniper.

Virgin iana, L. Red Cedar. Pinus, Tourn.

rigida. Miller. Pitch Pine.

strobus, L. White Pine. Picea, Link.

nigra, Link. Black Spruce. Tsuga, Carr.

Canadensis, Carr. Hemlock.

MOXOCOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS : ENDOGENS.

76. ORCHID ACEiE. ( ORCHIS FAMILY.)

A vast family of mostly herbaceous plants, although some in the tropics are shrubs. Many of the orchids are epiphytes; plants growing on living or dead trees, but drawing sustenance from the air. They are natives of all parts of the world, but most numerous in the tropical forests of America, and are re- markable for the extreme beauty and odd structure of their flowers, as well as for the grotesque character of the stems and roots of many species. The root tubercles of a few species fur- nish the ingredients of a nutritious article of food. Vanilla is a product of a climbing shrub belonging to the order. Only a few species grow in the United States.

Corallorhiza, Haller.

multiflora, Nutt. Coral-root.

Spiranthes, Rich.

cernua, Rich. Ladies' Tresses, gracilis, Big.

Goodyera, R. Br.

repens, R. Br. Rattlesnake Plantain, pubescens, R. Br.

Arethusa, Gronov.

bulhosa, L. Calopogon, R. Br.

pulchellus, R. Br.

Pogonia, Juss.

ophioglossoides, Nutt.

Habenaria, Willd.

tridentata, Hook.

blephariglottis, Torr. White Fringed Orchis.

virescens, Spreng.

lacera, R. Br. Ragged Orchis.

psycodes, Gray. Fringed Orchis.

fimbriata, R. Br. Large Fringed Orchis. Cypripedium, L.

acaule, Ait. Ladies' slipper.

128 History of H Ingham.

77. iridace-E. (Iris Family.)

Herbaceous plants, with tuberous roots, natives of the Cape of Good Hope, Central Europe, and North America. They are celebrated more for their beauty than for use, although some are medicinal and the root-stocks of a few are edible. Saffron is the product of one species.

The Flower-de-Luce, Crocus, and Gladiolus are of this family.

Iris, Tourn.

versicolor, L. Blue Flag. prismatica, Pursh. Slender Flag.

Sisyrinchium, L.

anceps, Cav. Blue-eyed Grass, angustifoliuin, Mill.

78 AMARYLLIDACE5!. (AMARYLLIS FAMILY.)

Generally bulbous herbs, mostly tropical, furnishing our gar- dens with some of their most splendid flowers. A few species have poisonous properties. The celebrated Mexican drink, pulque, is made from the Agave.

Hypoxis, L.

erecta, L. Star-grass.

79. LILIACEiE. (LlLY FAMILY.)

A large family of principally herbaceous plants, with generally bulbiferous roots, found mostly in the warmer portions of the temperate zones. A few tropical species are trees or shrubs. The order embraces many of our most beautiful wild and cultivated plants. Some species are useful in medicine, furnishing squills, aloes, etc. A few such as Onion, Garlic, Asparagus, are edible Some are used in the arts.

Smilax, Tourn.

rotundifolia, L. Greenbrier.

glauca, Walt. Rare.

herbacea, L. Carrion-flower. Asparagus, Tourn.

officinalis, L.

Polygonatum, Tourn.

biflorum, Ell. Solomon's Seal. Smilacina, Desf.

racemosa, Desf.

stellata, Desf. Maianthemum, Wigg.

Canadense, Desf. Low Solomon's Seal. Hemerocallis, L.

fulva, L. Day Lily.

The Dolmny of Hlmjham. 129

Allium, L.

vineale, L. Garlic. Canadense, Kalin.

Muscari, Toarn.

botryoides, Mill. Grape Hyacinth. Rare.

Ornithogalum, Touro.

umbellatum, L. Star of Bethlehem.

Lilium, L.

Philadelphicum, L. Orange Lily.

Canadense, L. Yellow Lily. Erythronium, L.

Americanum, Ker. Dog-toothed Violet.

Oakesia, Watson.

sessilifolia, Watson. Bellwort.

Clintonia, Raf.

borealis, Raf. Rare.

Medeola, Gronov.

Virginiana, L. Cucumber-root.

Trillium, L.

cernuum, L. Nodding Trillium.

Veratrum, Tourn.

viride, Ait. Hellebore.

80. PONTEDERIACE^J. (PlCKEREL-WEED FAMILY.)

Aquatic herbs, natives of America and tropical Asia and Africa, growing in shallow water.

Pontederia, L.

cordata, L. Pickerel-weed.

81. XYRIDACEiE. (YELLOW-EYED GRASS FAMILY.)

Sedge-like herbs, natives of the tropics, with few species in- digenous northward.

Xyris, Gronov.

flexuosa, Muhl. Yellow-eyed Grass.

82. juncace^i. (Rush Family.)

Grassy or Sedgy herbs, generally natives of temperate zones, growing in dry or marshy grounds.

Luzula, D C.

campestris, D C. Wood Rush.

Juncus, Tourn.

effusus, L. Bulrush. Balticus, Dethard, var. littoralis, Engel. bufonius, L. VOL. t. — 9

130 History of Hingham.

Gerardi, Loisel. Black Grass.

tenuis, Willd.

Greenii, Oakes & Tuck.

pelocarpus, E. Meyer.

acumiuatus, Mx.

scirpoides, Lam.

Canadensis, J. Gay.

Canadensis var. longicaudatus, Engel.

83. TYPHACEiE. (CAT-TAIL FAMILY.)

An order of marsh herbs common to all portions of the earth. The young shoots of some species are edible. The pollen is inflammable, and used in fireworks. The flags, or leaves, are made into chair-seats. One of the species is the Cat-o'-nine-tails.

Typha, Tourn.

latifolia, L. Cat-tail. Sparganium, Tourn.

simplex, Hudson. Bur-reed.

simplex, Huds., var. androcladum, Engel.

84. ARACE-5J. (ARUM FAMILY.)

A large family, principally inhabiting the tropics. They are mostly herbaceous, though some tropical species are shrubby. Certain plants of the order are esculent, and others medicinal. Some species are very poisonous, if eaten.

Arisaema, Mart.

triphyllum; Torr. Indian Turnip. Peltandra, Raf.

undulata, Raf. Arrow Arum.

Calla, L.

palustris, L. Water Arum.

Symplocarpus, Salis.

foetidus, Salis. Skunk Cabbage.

Acorus, L.

Calamus, L. Sweet Flag.

85. LEMNACR5!. (DUCK-WEED FAMILY.)

These are the simplest, and some species are the smallest, of flowering plants. They float free on the top of the water, having no stems.

Lemna, L.

trisulca, L. Duck-weed, minor, L.

Spirodela, Schleid.

polyrrhiza, Schleid.

The Botany of Hingham. 131

86. ALISMACE-3EJ. (WATER PLANTAIN FAMILY.)

Aii order of marsh or water plants, chiefly natives of northern latitudes. The root-stock of one species is esculent ; otherwise the family is of no use to man.

Sagittaria, L.

variabilis, Euglm. Arrow-head.

87. NAIADACB5!. (PONDWEED FAMILY.)

Aquatic plants found in both salt and fresh waters in all countries.

Triglochin, L.

maritima, L. Arrow-grass.

Potamogeton, Touru.

natans, L. Pondweed. Pennsylvanicus, Chain, hybridus, Mx. pulcher, Tuck. pauciHorus, Pursh. pucillus, L.

Zostera, L.

marina, L. Eel-grass.

Ruppia, L.

maritima. Ditch-grass.

88. ERIOCATJLE^J. (PlPEWORT FAMILY.)

An order of plants growing in or contiguous to water, and mostly natives of South America. But one species has been found in Hingham. This grows on the borders of ponds, only a few inches high ; but in deep water the stem attains a length of several feet.

Eriocaulon, L.

septangulare, With. Pipewort.

89. CYPERACE51. (SEDGE FAMILY.)

An order of plants akin to the Grasses, which occur in all zones. They are generally of low growth, although some species, as the Bulrush and Papyrus, reach a respectable size. The family is of little importance as compared with the Grasses, although the Egyptian Papyrus was of great value for a num- ber of purposes in ancient times, and the Bulrush and Cotton Grass are now used in the arts. A few species are esculent or medicinal.

Cyperus, Tourn.

diandrus Torr. Nuttallii, Torr.

182 History of Hingham.

dentatus, Torr. esculentus. L. strigosus, L. filiculmis, Vahl.

Dulichium, Pers.

spatbaceum, Pers.

Eleocharis, R. Br. ovata, R. Br. palustris, R. Br. tenuis, Schult. acicularis, R Br.

Fimbristylis, Vahl.

autumnalis, Rocm. & Schult. capillaris, Gray.

Scirpus, Tourn.

subterminalis, Torr. Club-Rush, pungens, Vahl. lacustris, L. maritimus, L. atrovirens, Muhl.

Eriophorum, L. cyperinum, L.

Virgiuicum, L. Cotton-grass, polystachyon, L.

Rhynchospora, Vahl.

alba, Vahl. Beak-Rush, glomerata, Vahl.

Carex, L.

folliculata, L.

inturnescens, Rudge.

lupulina, Muhl.

lurida, Wahl.

Pseudo-Cyperus, L. var. Americana Hochst.

scabrata, Schw.

vestita, Willd.

riparia, W. Curtis.

filiformis, L. var. latifolia, Boeckl.

stricta, Lam. var. angustata, Bailey.

stricta, Lam. var. decora, Bailey.

crinita, Lam.

virescens, Muhl.

debilis, Mx. var. Rudgei, Bailey.

gracillima, Schw.

flava, L.

pallescens, L.

conoidea, Schk.

laxiflora, Lam.

laxiflora, Lam. var. patulifolia, Carey.

laxiflora, Lam. var. striatula, Carey.

platyphylla, Carey.

The Botany of Hlngkam. 133

panicea, L.

Pennsylvania, Lain.

varia, Muhl.

stipata, Muhl.

vuloinohlea, Mx.

rosea, Sehk.

muricata. L.

Muhlenbergii, Sckh.

echinata, Murr. var. cephalantha, Bailey.

echinata, Murr. var. microstachys, Boeckl.

cauescens, L.

trisperma, Dewey.

broraoides, Schk.

scoparia, Schk.

silicea, Olney.

stramiuea, Willd. var. aperta, Boott.

straminea, Willd. var. fceuea, Torr.

90. G-RAMINEiE. (GRASS FAMILY.)

All order of plants growing all over the world, but most preva- lent in the temperate zones, where they cover the ground with a low turf. Tn the tropics they rise to the stature of trees, as in the bamboos, and grow in an isolated manner, never forming a turf. This family, of about four thousand species, is of all the orders of plants the most useful to man. It comprehends all the grains, the farinaceous seeds of which form a chief part of human food, and the grasses furnish a very great proportion of the fodder upon which cattle live. Sugar is the product of a grass. The malt, and many spirituous liquors are made from fruit of some of the species. Many are used in the arts and a few yield oil.

Only one species has been supposed to be poisonous, and the best authorities consider the supposition erroneous.

Paspalum, L.

setaceum, Mx.

Panicum, L.

filiforrne, L. glabrum, Gaudin. sanguinale, L. Crab-grass, agrostoides, Muhl. proliferum. Lam. capillare, L. virgatum, L. latifolium, L. clandestinum, L. dichotomum, L.

numerous varieties, depauperatum, Muhl. Crus-galli, L. Barn -yard Grass.

134 History of Hingham.

Setaria, Beauv.

glauca, Beauv. Foxtail. viridis, Beauv. Bottle Grass.

Cenchrus, L.

tribuloides, L. Hedgehog- Grass.

Spartina, Schreb.

cynosuroides, Willd. Marsh Grass.

juncea, Willd.

stricta, Roth. var. glabra, Gray.

Zizania, Gronov.

aquatica, L. Wild Rice.

Leersia, Swartz.

oryzoides, Sw. White Grass.

Andropogon, Royen.

furcatus, Muhl. Beard Grass, scoparius, Mx. macrourus, Mx. Rare.

Chrysopogon, Trin.

nutans, Benth. Broom Com.

Anthoxanthum, L.

odoratum, L. Sweet Vernal Grass.

Hierochloe, Gmel.

borealis, Rcem. & Schult. Holy Grass.

Alopecurus, L.

pratensis, L. Meadow Foxtail. geniculatus, L. Floating Foxtail. geniculatus var. aristulatus, Mx.

Aristida, L. Poverty Grass, dichotoma, Mx. gracilis, Ell. purpurascens, Poir. Rare.

Oryzopsis, Mx.

asperifolia, Mx. Mountain Rice.

Muhlenbergia, Schreb.

capillaris, Kunth. Hair Grass. Rare.

Brachyelytrum, Beauv. aristatum, Beauv.

Phleum, L.

pratense, L. Herd's Grass.

Sporobolus, R. Br.

asper, Kunth. Rush Grass.

vaginaeflorus, Vasey.

serotinus, Gray. Drop-seed Grass.

Agrostis, L.

perennans, Tuck. Thin Bent Grass.

scabra, Willd. Hair Grass.

alba, L. White Bent Grass.

alba, L., var. vulgaris, Thurb. Red Top.

The Botany of Hingham. 135

Calamagrostis, Adans.

Canadensis, Beauv. Blue Joiut Grass. Nuttalliana, Steud.

Ammophila, Host.

arundiuacea, Host. Sea Sand Reed.

Cinna, L.

arundinacea, L. Wood Reed Grass.

Deschampsia, Beauv.

flexuosa, Trin. Hair Grass.

Holcus, L.

lanatus, L. Velvet Grass.

Danthonia, D C.

spicata, Beauv. Oat Grass, compressa, Austin.

Eragrostis, Beauv. minor, Host. pectinacea, Gr. var. spectabilis, Gray.

Triodia, R. Br.

purpurea, Hack. Sand Grass.

Phragmites, Trin.

communis, Trin. Reed.

Briza, L.

media, L.

Dactylis, L.

glomerata, L. Orchard Grass.

Distichlis, Raf.

maritima, Raf. Spike Grass.

Poa, L.

annua, L. Low Spear Grass. compressa, L. Wire Grass, serotina, Ehrhart. Fowl-meadow Grass, pratensis, L. Kentucky Blue Grass. trivialis, L. Rough Blue Grass.

Glyceria, R. Br.

Canadensis, Trin. Rattlesnake Grass.

obtusa, Trin.

nervata, Trin.

pallida, Trin.

fluitans, R. Br.

acutiflora, Torr.

Puccinellia, Pari. distans, Pari, maritima, Pari.

Festuca, L.

tenella, Willd. Fescue Grass.

ovina, L. Sheep's Grass.

elatior, L. var. pratensis, Gray. Tall Grass.

nutans, Willd. Nodding Grass.

136 History of H Ingham.

Bromus, L.

secalinus, L. Chess. mollis, L. Soft Chess, ciliatus, L. tectorum, L. Rare.

Agropyrum, Grcrt.

repens, Beauv. Quitch Grass.

Elymus, L.

Virginicus, L. Lyme Grass, striatus, Willd.

Lolium, L.

perenne, Ray or Rye Grass.

CRYPTOGAMOUS or FLOWERLESS PLANTS.

91. EQUISETACEiE. (HORSETAIL FAMILY.)

A family of one genus, growing on wet or low grounds. The fossil remains found in coal deposits, show that these plants were once of enormous size, and formed a large part of the original plant life of the globe ; but the few species which exist now comprise low, simple, or in some cases branched plants, leafless, and hav- ing jointed hollow stems. They abound in silex, and are used somewhat in the arts.

Equisetum, L.

arvense, L. Horsetail, sylvaticum, L.

92. filices. (Ferns.)

One of our most beautiful orders of plants which, in the early history of the globe, formed a very considerable part of its flora. They were of great size, and our vast coal-fields are largely com- posed of the fossil remains of ferns. With us they are low and slender, but in warmer regions they attain the size of small trees.

Polypodium, L.

vulgare, L. Polypody.

Pteris, L.

aquilina, L. Brake.

Woodwardia, Smith.

Virginica, Smith. Chain Fern, angustifolia, Smith.

Asplenium, L.

Trichomanes, L. Spleen-wort, ebeneum, Ait. Felix-foemina, Bernh.

The Botany of Hingham. 137

Phegopteris, Fee.

hexagonoptera, Fee. Beech Fern.

Aspidium, Sw.

Thelypteris, Swartz. Shield Fern. Noveboraeense, Swartz. spinulosum, Swartz. cristatum, Swartz. marginale, Swartz. acrostichoides, Swartz.

Cystopteris, Bernh.

fragilis, Bernh. Bladder Fern.

Onoclea, L.

sensibilis, L. Sensitive Fern.

Licksonia, L'Her.

pilosiuscula, Willd.

Osmunda, L.

regalis, L. Flowering Fern.

Claytoniana, L.

ciniiainoinea, L. Cinnamon Fern.

93. OPHIOGLOSSACEiE. (ADDER'S-TONGUE FAMILY.)

The plants of this order have the general characters of the Filices, but differ in some structural peculiarities, for which they have been placed in a separate order. The Botrichium ternaturn is a beautiful species.

Botrichium, Sw.

ternaturn, Sw. Moonwort. several varieties.

Ophioglossum, L.

vulgatum, L. Adder's Tongue.

94 LYCOPODIACE^]. (CLUB-MOSS FAMILY.)

An order of low, creeping, moss-like, evergreen plants ; but in the early ages of the world this family contained many of gigan- tic size. Some species are emetic, but otherwise their properties are unimportant. The powder (spores) contained in the spore- cases is highly inflammable and is used in the manufacture of fireworks.

Lycopodium, L.

lucidulum, Mx. Club-moss, obscurum, L. Ground Pine, clavatum, L. Club-moss, complanatum, L. Spreaditig-moss. auuotiuum, L.

138 History of Hingham.

95. SELAGUSTELLACEiE.

Low, leafy, moss-like or marsh plants, differing from the club- mosses in having two kinds of spores.

Selaginella, Beau v.

rupestris, Spring.

THE TREES AND SHRUBS OF HINGHAM.

BY EDWARD T. BOUVE.

The beauty of the natural scenery of Hingham, extremely diver- sified as it is by hill and valley, pond and stream, and by its long and varied coast-line, is greatly enhanced by the extent and vari- ety of its woodlands.

Standing on some of the highest hills, the picture spread out to the view in various directions is that of a sea of verdure, stretch- ing to the far horizon, as impenetrable to the vision as the virgin forest that covered the land like a shadow when the pilgrims first set foot on the darkly wooded shore of this county.

These woodlands are rich in the number of species, and add a corresponding variety to the landscape at all seasons. In winter and early spring the purplish-gray masses form a picturesque background to the snowy fields, except where these are fringed by dark evergreens. They vary in their summer dress from the black-green of the savins to the brilliancy of the oaks that reflect the flashes of sunbeams from their polished foliage. In autumn they light up the hillsides with colors of fire.

But not alone do the continuous woods interest the observer. Individual trees remarkable for size and symmetry are not rare ; and the wild hedge-rows along fences or old stone-walls, as well as the clumps and thickets in the fields, are made up of shrubs and woody plants whose very existence, conspicuous as many of these are in their flower, fruit, or foliage, is no more recognized than is their beauty appreciated by the great majority of people who spend a lifetime side by side with them.

A series of rambles over the hills, through the woods, by the meadow-bordered streams and along the seashores of Hingham, will always well repay

"him who in the love of Nature holds Communion with her visible forms."

The woody plants of New England embrace nearly two hundred and fifty species. Of these, there are indigenous to Hingham about half that number.

BERBERIDACBiE.

In all parts of the town grows that always beautiful shrub, the Barberry (_Berberis vulgaris, L.).

140 History of Hingham.

It prefers the hillsides, although very fine specimens are found in rough, swampy land. Its delicate racemes of fragrant yellow flowers in the spring-time, its rich foliage through the summer, and brilliant clusters of scarlet fruit in autumn, make it at all seasons one of the most ornamental wild shrubs.

TILIACEiE.

The American Linden (Tilia Americana, L.) grows all along the water line of Hingham from Weymouth River and Huit's Cove, where there are many fine specimens, at intervals on the shores of the inner harbor, and plentifully on the borders of the pretty inlets and coves of Weir River Bay. Although also found inland, it much prefers the immediate neighborhood of the sea.

ILICINEiE.

The American Holly {Ilex opaca, Ait.) grows most plenti- fully in the woods of the eastern part of Hingham. although it occurs also elsewhere occasionally, notably at Turkey Hill and near Old Colony Hill. This tree is always brilliant, its shining, polished leaves, armed with spines, being even more noticeable in the winter woods than they are when new and fresh in summer. The small, white flowers are not showy, but the scarlet berries form a striking^ contrast to the evergreen foliage in the winter.

The Black Alder (Ilex verticillata, Gray). This plant grows everywhere in Hingham, preferring low, wet lands. Its flowers, small and white, are in crowded clusters in the axils of leaves. The brilliant scarlet fruit is the cause of the beautiful display which this shrub makes, all along roadsides in low grounds, and in swamps, through the fall and early winter.

The Single-berry Black Alder (Ilex laevigata. Gray) grows in Hingham in the deep swamps of the southern borders of the town. It differs from the I. verticillata in having more slender and delicate leaves, and larger, scarcer, and more orange-colored berries. The sterile flowers are on long peduncles.

The Ink Berry (Ilex glabra, Gray) is found on the high lands of Union Street, Third Division woods, and rarely in the south- ern woods of the town. It is one of the most elegant of shrubs : and is from two to six feet in height, having brightly polished, narrow, evergreen leaves, and shining, black berries. The flowers are white, small, and inconspicuous, as in the other species of Ilex.

Mountain Holly (Nemopanthes fascicularis, Raf.). An ele- gant shrub, with bluish-green leaves on purple or crimson leaf- stalks. The flowers are white, the fruit crimson-red berries on long red peduncles. It grows in the deeply wooded swamps of South Hingham, and at Turkey Hill and Lasell Street woods.

X

V.

The Trees and Shrubs of Hlngham. 141

CELASTRACE^J.

Nature's Waxwork (Celastrus scandens, L.) is common in many parts of the town, although it seems to prefer the approxi- mate neighborhood of the sea. It is a pretty climber, deriving its popular name from the brilliant and artificial cbaracter of its red and yellow fruit.

RHAMNACEiE.

The Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, L.) grows sparingly in Hingham. It may be found at Turkey Hill and Third Division woods, possibly elsewhere growing wild, besides being cultivated somewhat for hedges.

Jersey Tea (Ceanothus Americanus, L.). This pretty little shrub occurs in Lincoln Street woods, toward Huit's Cove, in the woods southeast of Old Colony Hill, at Peck's Pasture, Stoddard's Neck, and probably elsewhere. Tlie plant has a special interest, from having been used as tea during the Revolutionary war.

VITACEiE.

The Wild Grape is represented in Hingham by two species, the Common or Fox Grape ( Vitis labrusea, L.), and the more delicate Summer Grape ( Vitis aestivalis, Michx.) with its compact bunches of very small berries. This is more rare than the labrusea, occurring in the woods between Old Colony Hill and Weir River, as well as in Third Division, Union Street, and Lasell Street woods, and probably elsewhere in town. But the labrusea is found everywhere, and with its rapid growth covers the swampy woods with a tropical luxuriance of rich foliage, while its small and inconspicuous flowers in the spring, and dark purple or amber clusters of fruit in autumn fill the air with delicious fragrance.

The Woodbine (Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Michx.) grows in every part of the township. Finest among our climbing vines, in summer covering in careless profusion of foliage the gray rock, or hanging in delicate festoons from tall trees, its strongly individual leaves, resembling somewhat an irregular, live-pointed star, render it conspicuous. But in the fall, flung with Nature's inimitable grace like a scarlet mantle around the cone of a savin, its younger sprays fringing here and there the flame-colored masses, there is no more striking contrast in the woodlands than its brilliancy and the black-green of the cedar. The deep blue of its corymbed berries adds variety to the picture.

SAPINDACE^J.

The Maple family is represented in Hingham by the Red Maple (Acer rubrum, L.), which grows everywhere in low and

142 History of Hingham.

swampy lands, while it also flourishes on uplands. It is a hand- some tree, conspicuous in the fall through the bright uniform red of its leaves.

The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum, Wang.) is also indigenous to this region, although the fact of its being so is not generally known. It grows, and specimens of large size are now standing, near the Cohasset line. This species, which is cultivated every- where in town as an ornamental tree, is always one of our most beautiful shade-trees. Bright and healthy in foliage all through the summer, in autumn nothing can exceed its beauty, the leaves turning red, scarlet, and yellow, these colors often mingling in patches with the bright green on individual leaves. The forests in the North, when made up mainly of the Sugar Maple, exhibit a splendor unparalleled elsewhere in the world.

ANACARDIACEiE.

The plants of the Rhus family are very common all over the township, and on one or two of the islands. The Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, L.), its leaves coarser, and like the branch- lets and deep crimson fruit, very velvety-hairy, and the Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra, L.) with leaves, branches, and scarlet fruit smooth, are found everywhere. The smaller and more delicate Dwarf Sumac (Rhus copallina, L.) grows east of the Old Colony Hill and in various other localities. It is a beautiful species, by no means so common as the preceding.

The Poison Dogwood (Rhus venenata, D C ), a delicate low tree, is common in swamps everywhere; and the Poison Ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron, L.) grows in great profusion. No family of woody plants presents a more show}- beauty of foliage at all seasons than this. In the gorgeous apparel of autumn, the Rhus is particularly conspicuous, and of all the species, the most bril- liant is the dangerous Poison Dogwood.

LEGUMINOSiE.

This order has but one representative among our woody plants : the Common Locust (Robinia pseudacaeia, L.). The Locust grows on Lincoln Street, Kilby Street, at Rocky Nook, and elsewhere. Its delicate foliage and long racemes of fragrant white flowers would make it one of the most desirable of our ornamental trees but for the ravages of the worm which honeycombs its very hard and tough wood, and often destroys its beauty at an early age.

ROSACEiE.

This large order in its subdivisions is very fully represented in Hingham.

The Beach Plum (Primus maritima, Wang.) still exists on

The Trees and Shrubs of Hingham. 143

the westerly slope of Peek's Pasture, near the water, and prob- ably grew formerly all along' our beaches and shores. It may possibly be found now in some such localities, although it has be- come very rare. The best specimen known to have been lately standing, was growing a few years since near the steamboat- land- ing on Summer Street. It has unfortunately been destroyed.

The American Red Cherry (Primus Pennsylvanica, Li.) grows in nearly every part of the town. It is a low tree, distinguished by its red bark, small, red, translucent fruit, and narrow leaves, tlie two semi-blades of which double toward one another, forming an angle with the midrib. The flowers of this species in favorable locations are very large and showy, and their beauty ought to lead to its cultivation as an ornamental tree.

Bullace Plum (Prunus spinosa, L. var. insititia). This is a variety of the Sloe or Black Thorn, being a shrub with thorny branches, sharply serrate, ovate-lanceolate, somewhat pubescent leaves. It is very rare in Hingham, having been found on Weir River Lane.

The Choke Cherry (Primus Virginiana, L.) is also common. It is a shrub or low tree, distinguishable from the Black Cherry by the peculiar serratures of the leaf, which are fine, sharp, and bend forward toward the apex. Its flowers also, are larger and more showy, and the very astringent property of its conspicuous and handsome fruit is familiar to every one.

The Black Cherry (Primus serotina, Ehrh.) is found every- where in Hingham as a low shrub, as well as among our largest and finest trees. It grows to an immense size, although the wholesale destruction of our forests and individual trees has unhappily left but \ery few specimens of even respectable dimen- sions in this region.

Of the Spiraeas, the Meadow Sweet {Spiraea salicifolia, L.) and Hardhack or Steeple Bush (Sph-cea tomentosa, L.) are beautiful denizens of our meadows. The Meadow Sweet grows sometimes to the height of six feet, and its fragrant white or rose-tinted blossoms and pretty delicate foliage make it an ever welcome midsummer and fall flower. Its cousin, the Hardhack, is one of our most common plants in low grounds, its tapering spike, cov- ered with rose-colored bloom, showing all along fence-rows and on hummocks in the meadows.

Wild Red Raspberry (Eubus strigosus, Michx.). Common at rocky roadsides and in clefts of rocks. A plant hard to distin- guish from the Thimbleberry, except when in fruit.

Thimbleberry (Rubus occidentalism L.). Common everywhere in fence-rows and thickets. The fruit purplish-black, while that of the Raspberry is red. The stems are covered with a heavier (bluish-white) bloom than those of the Raspberry.

Common High Blackberry (Rubus villosus, Ait.). This plant is very common, the coarse, thorny stems reaching a height of

144 History of Hingham.

eight or nine feet in favorable situations, such as damp ditches by roadsides. The white blossoms are very conspicuous. The fruit is firm, close-grained, sometimes hardly edible.

Low Blackberry (Rub us Canadensis, L.). This is a trailing, thorny vine, growing in rough fields where the soil is sandy, and on hillsides in all parts of the town. The fruit is juicy and agreeable.

Running Swamp Blackberry (Rubus hispidus, L.). A delicate, pretty species, with shining leaves, found in marshes and dam]) woods. The fruit is sour, and of a red or purple color. Quite common.

The Swamp Rose (Rosa Carolina, L.). This is the common wild rose of our swampy lands. It is often, in wet places, a very tall plant, rising sometimes to the height of seven or eight feet. The deeply pink flowers grow in corymbs, and the fruit, scarlet and bristly, is very brilliant in the fall. The leaflets are dull above and pale beneath.

The Dwarf Wild Rose (Rosa lueida, Ehrhart) is common, but on higher grounds, or the border of meadows, growing usually about two feet in height. The leaves are shining above and sharply serrate.

The "Sweet Brier" of song and story (Rosa rubi</inosa,~L.). This beautiful rose, its branches thickly set with hooked bristles and thorns, grows all through Hingham, mostly in neglected pas- tures or quiet woods. Its flowers, smaller and paler than those of the Carolina, and the sweetness of its foliage, which fills the air about it with fragrance, are its distinguishing characteristics.

The Choke Berry (Pijrus arbutifolia, L.), which grows almost everywhere in the swamps and low lands, is a beautiful shrub. The bright, shining, finely serrate leaves, the white and pink fra- grant flowers, and the clusters of dark crimson fruit (tasting very much more astringent than the Choke Cherry) mark this plant at all seasons.

The White or Scarlet-fruited Thorn (Crataegus cocci nea, L.). This handsome shrub or small tree grows in the fields and woods bordering Lincoln Street, especially north of Thaxter Street, at Stoddard's Neck, at Peck's Pasture, and elsewhere. It is con- spicuous for its bright, shining leaves, rusty-spotted from a fungus which attacks them early in the season, its fragrant white flowers, brilliant, scarlet, pear-shaped fruit, a little larger than a cranberry, and its sharp, rigid thorns.

The Shad Bush (Amelancliier Canadensis, Torrcy & Gray), in its two varieties, the small tree and the low shrub, grows in all our woods and along walls and fences. Its showy white, fragrant flowers, appearing just as the leaves are starting, in May, cover the branches so densely as to make it appear at a distance as if loaded with snow. A propensity of the tall variety is to grow close to larger trees, supported by them. It rarely appears standing alone and perfectly erect.

The Trees and Shrubs of Hingham. 145

SAXIFRAGACE-22.

Gooseberry (Mibes oxyacanthoides, L.). This species grows in moist places, along fences and by walls or rocks, everywhere.

H AM AMELIDEiE .

The Witch Hazel (Hamamclis Viryiniana, L.) is with us a shrub or low tree rarely exceeding twenty-live feet in height. Straggling and irregular as it generally is, it is unique among our woody plants from the fact of its blooming and ripening its fruit at the same time. The peculiar yellow blossoms are an agreeable surprise to the rambler in the woods in October and November, latest reminders as they are, with asters and golden rods, of the season of flowers.

CORNACEiE.

The Cornel family is well represented in Hingham, every spe- cies common to Xew England growing freely in town, excepting, probably, C. stolowfera.

The Dwarf Cornel (Cornus Canadensis, L.), a little plant four to eight inches high, is not properly ranked among the woody plants, but having a woody root, although neither shrub nor tree, it is here included. It has its leaves in a whorl of four or six. At the apex is a cluster of small, greenish flowers surrounded by a large, four-leaved, showy, white involucre. The fruit is red. This species grows at Third Division woods and elsewhere.

The Flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida, L.) occurs in the woods between the Old Colony Hill, Martin's Well Lane, and Weir River, in Third Division and Turkey Hill woods, and elsewhere. The showy beauty of this small tree when in bloom in June is well known to all who are familiar with woodcraft. The large white 'involucre, or floral envelope, which surrounds the true flow- ers, makes it conspicuous for a long distance. Further soutb, where this species fruits more fully, its brilliant scarlet berries have the appearance of coral beads hung from the twigs.

The Rou.vd-leaved Cornel (Cor)ius circinata, LVHeritier), a pretty shrub, occurs in the Martin's Well woods, and at Stoddard's Xeck, and Hockley. The leaves are large and almost round in their general shape ; the flowers in white spreading cymes with no involucre. The fruit is light blue.

The Silky Cornel (Cornus sericea, L.), a large shrub, is found everywhere in low grounds. The silky down upon the under side of the leaves and young shoots, and their rusty color, as well as the purple tint of the branches, mark it plainly. The flowers and fruit are similar to those of the circinata.

The Red osier Dogwood {Cornus stolonifera, Michx.) has not been certainly identified in Hingham by the writer, although it may yet be found within the town limits.

VOL. I. — 10

140 History of Hingham.

The Panicled Cornel ( Cornus paniculata, L'Heritier) grows at Hockley, Stoddard's Neck, and on Lincoln Street. Its leaves, liner and darker than in any other of our species, and its more delicate growth, plainly distinguish it. The white flowers are somewhat panicled, and the fruit white.

The leaves of the preceding species are all opposite. Those of the Alternate-leaved Cornel (Cornus alternifolia, L. f.) are mostly alternate, and crowded at the ends of the branches, which are also alternate, that is, not opposite each other on the trunk or limbs. This is a shrub or small tree, of a very elegant appearance, growing in all parts of Hingham. The white flowers arc in broad cymes, the fruit deep blue.

The Tupelo (JVyssa sylvatica, Marsh.) is very common. It is in every way beautiful, its brilliant polished foliage, dark-green in summer and of a rich red in autumn, rendering it conspicuous. Either growing singly or in clumps, it is very noticeable, especially after the fall of the leaves, for its peculiarity in having the numer- ous branches start from the main trunk or limbs at a right angle, and tend more or less downward.

CAPRIFOLIACEiE.

The Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens, Ait.), so much cultivated for its beauty, grows wild in the woods on the easterly slope of Old Colony Hill, and elsewhere, although it has probably been introduced from more southern localities.

Common Elder (Sambucus Canadensis, L.). This plant grows everywhere in low grounds. Its large cymes of white fragrant flowers are conspicuous in early summer, and later in the season the blackish-purple fruit is no less showy in its way.

The Red-berried Elder (Sambucus racemosa, L.), a beautiful plant, is very rare in Hingham. The white flowers of this species are in panicles, and are replaced by bright red berries.

Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum Lentago, L.). This plant has been found everywhere in damp situations and swampy woodlands. It is, like all the viburnums, a beautiful shrub, with its bright green finely serrate leaves, fragrant white dowers, and sweet edible fruit. A specimen growing east of Old Colony Hill has attained a diameter of trunk of five to six inches.

Withe-rod ( Viburnum cassinoides, L.). This shrub grows in the woody swamps of the south and west parts of Hingham, par- ticularly in Lasell and Gardner streets, and is found also more sparingly in other localities. This species is distinguished from the other viburnums by having entire leaves, with wavy or revolute edges, the others all having sharply serrate leaves.

Arrow-wood (Viburnum dentation, L.). The Arrow-wood is common in low grounds everywhere. Its very deeply toothed leaves and long straight stalks distinguish it. The Indians were said to use its twigs for arrows ; hence the name.

The Trees and Shrubs of Hingham. 147

Maple-leaved Arrow-wood ( Viburnum acerifolium, L ). This pretty little shrub is (he smallest of our viburnums, although it oceasionally grows to a height of six feet ami upwards. The white blossom is very delicate. Its leaves, excepting those at the apex of the stalks, are so like those of the red maple (hat close examination is often necessary to distinguish them. The maple leaves, however, are smooth, while these are somewhat woolly on the under side.

All the viburnums turn in the fall to a very brilliant crimson color.

Bush-Hoxeysuckle (Diervilla trifida, Moench). This low, elegant, but rather inconspicuous shrub is very rare in Hingham, occurring at Hop-Pole Hill, and possibly in the western part of the town.

RUBIACEiE.

Button-Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalism L.). This shrub grows along water-courses and on the banks of ponds in all parts of the town. Its peculiar spherical heads of white Mowers, very thickly set, render it conspicuous at time of blooming.

The little trailing Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens, L.'), with its fragrant white flowers, single or in pairs, and bright scarlet I terries and evergreen leaves, grows in the Rockland Street and Cedar Street woods, as well as in a few other places Although but a little vine, running upon rocks or the ground, it belongs to the woody plants.

ERICACEiE.

Daxgleberry (G-ai/lussacia frondosa, T. & G-.). This shrub is not very common, although observed in several localities, notably in the woods between Old Colony Hill and Weir River.

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