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. 



