150 History of Hingham. 



Red Ash (Fraxinus -pubescens, Lam.). The Red Ash, more 

 rare than the white, is found in swamps on Rockland Street and 

 probably grows elsewhere in town. It may be distinguished from 

 the other species by its pubescence and its narrower leaves and 

 sharper keys or seed-vessels. 



Black Ash (Fraxinus sambucifolia, Lam.). This tree, rare in 

 Hingham, occurs in swamps in Cushing Street and south of the 

 Old Colony Hill. It grows very tall and slender, and the buds are 

 conspicuously black. 



LAURACEiE. 



Sassafras (Sassafras officinale, Nees.). The pleasant aromatic 

 Sassafras is very common. It is a line tree, with peculiar leaves, 

 some being regularly lobed, others formed like a mitten, with a 

 sort of extra lobe on one side. Its green blossoms arc not showy. 

 The leaves, bark, and especially the root, are highly spicy. 



Spice- Bush {Lindera benzoin, Meisner). This plant grows near 

 water-courses and in low lands in various parts of the town. It 

 is a beautiful shrub, with a handsome bark, and brilliant shining 

 leaves which exhale a pungent, spicy odor on being crushed. The 

 small yellow r blossom is followed by the bright scarlet fruit, some- 

 thing like a small cranberry in shape. 



URTICACE^G. 



The White Elm (fUlmu% Americana, L.) is one of our noblest 

 trees, and grows in all kinds of soil, everywhere, but prefers 

 swamps. Among the finest specimens in town are the elm at 

 Rocky Nook, a magnificent and very symmetrical tree, the noble 

 Cushing elm on Main Street a few rods south of Broad Bridge, 

 and the tree in front of the Gay estate at West Hingham. The 

 variety of growth in trees standing alone on wet meadows, 

 leading to their being called " wine-glass elms," is extremely 

 beautiful and graceful. Some of these may be seen on the river 

 banks at Rocky Nook. 



The Nettle Tree (Celtis occidental is, L.) grows on the turn- 

 pike on the westerly slope of Baker's Hill and at Stoddard's 

 Neck ; also near New Bridge and Cross streets. It is rare. The 

 very singular twisted and gnarled habit of growth which some 

 specimens exhibit is peculiar to the species. Its flower is very 

 inconspicuous ; the fruit a small olive-green berry on a long 

 stem. 



PLATANACEiE. 



Buttonwood or Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis, L.). This 

 tree grows sparingly in all parts of the town. Its ragged, flaky 

 bark, its large leaves, and the rigid character of its growth 

 strongly mark it. Some very imposing specimens of this species. 



