OF MASSACHUSETTS. 199 



Hingham. 



Hingham has an area of tidal flats comprising nearly 650 acres. The 

 characteristic soil is of two kinds: a marginal strip of pebbly beach 

 extending the full length of the shore, and the broad flats of Hingham 

 harbor and Weir River, with their extensive areas of mud, eel grass 

 and mussels. The clamming territory is confined for the most part 

 to this narrow strip fringing the shore, though scattering clams are 

 found in diminished numbers on the mud flats. 



The shellfish industry of the town consists mostly in procuring clams, 

 mussels and cockles for bait. Clams are dug to some extent for home 

 consumption and for the hotels at Nantasket; but the fishery is carried 

 on in a desultory manner by a few men who dig when other work fails, 

 and who do not wholly depend on clamming for a livelihood. 



Summary of Industkt. 



Number of men, - 



Capital invested, - 



Production, 1907: — 



Bushels, 250 



Value, $250 



Total area (acres) : — 



Sand, 25 



Mud, 450 



Gravel, . 100 



Mussels and eel grass, 75 



Total, 650 



Productive area (acres) : — 



Good clamming, . - 



Scattering clams, 100 



Barren area possibly productive (acres), - 



Waste barren area (acres), 550 



Possible normal production, $20,000 



Hull. 

 The stony shores of Hull offer but little suitable clam area, though 

 fair digging is found in the vicinity of Hog Island and in Weir River. 

 The usual type of flat is a pebbly or gravel beach, while near White 

 Head and Weir River there are large mud areas. Clams are dug only 

 for home consumption or for bait. 



SuMMABT OP Industry. 



Number of men, - 



Capital invested, - 



Production, 1907 : — 



Bushels, ........... 100 



Value, $100 



