THE HISTORIC TREES OF MASSACHUSETTS 



"tree of friendship" in front of the Badger 

 house measures loj feet in circumference 

 at breast height. There is, however, an 

 elm near the road, to which Welles may have 

 referred, that is 13^ feet in circumference 

 at breast height, and a little over 15 feet 

 near the ground. The tree in the yard is in 

 direct line with the stump of a larger tree 

 claimed to have been its companion. 



Several other trees have become identified 

 with the history of the town. An elm, 

 described by Bacon as the finest of all blew 

 down only a few years ago. The spread of 

 its branches was over one hundred feet. 

 The elm which stands on the margin of the 

 Charles River, not far from Eliot's monu- 

 ment, is one of the most magnificent speci- 

 mens of its kind to be seen anywhere. The 

 curves of its powerful branches, were it 

 situated on higher ground, would be visible 

 for miles. Other characteristics are its ap- 

 parent health and strength. 



A very beautiful elm may be seen about 

 a quarter of a mile further up the street. 

 Under this tree Washington stood and con- 



