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, — 



