183 



maximuia of ruggedness and diversity, be gradually effaced in a 

 new peneplain at the existing base-level. 



Although the averag(; height of the rock surface gradually 

 increases as \vc recede from the shore, and especially as we pass 

 from the sedimentary to tlic granitic areas, the drundins, whicli 

 are planted much more thickly near the harbor than farther 

 inland, tend to neutralize this natural erosion gradient. In 

 Flingham, as in Hull and Cohasset, the till, so far as exposed 

 to observation, occurs mainly or almost wholly iu the form of 

 drundins ; and, as the general map so plainly shows, no less than 

 eleven distinct drundins rise from the low lands bordering the 

 harbor and north of the railroad, including the two double 

 drundins of World's End and Planter's Hill, east of the harbor. 

 Of the whole number, fully one half are especially typical in 

 form and of nearly the first magnitude ; and since they rise 

 directly from the harbor or the salt marshes, with their graceful 

 slopes unbroken, save by an occasional erosion terrace, they 

 are more impressive than the inland drumlins, bordered and 

 obscured by elevated ledges and sandplains. Crow Point, at 

 tiie northwest corner of Hingham Harbor, finds its origin in 

 a linear series of three closely connected drundins ; and it is 

 noteworthy that the other four drumlins on the west side of the 

 harbor lie north of or upon the ridije of uranite extending from 

 the south end of the harbor to Beal Street. South of the 

 railroad tlie drumlins are nuich more scattering. The first to 

 attract attention is the remarkable linear grou[) or chain known 

 as the Turkey Hills, on the boundary between Cohasset and 

 Hingham. This consists (see the map) of one main drundin 

 of the first magnitude with a low ridge extending southwesterly 

 from it in which we readily recognize three small and appioxi- 

 mately ei^ual drumlins. A fifth and closely connected drumlin 

 lies immediately south of the main hill ; and the very perfect 

 detached drumlin concealed in tlie woods of Turkey Swamp 

 may be referred to this group. Great Hill, south of West Hing- 

 ham, belies its name, since it is one of the smaller drumlins of 



