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 Industry.
| 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.
Summary of Industry.