504 VILLA GARDENING part v 



enough, or cuttings may be inserted in March or April and kejit 

 moist. Division of tlie roots will, in most cases, answer all require- 

 ments, the Lemon Thyme especially yielding to this mode of pro- 

 pagation. Thyme may either he planted in beds, or used as a 

 bordering to any other plant. It is very hardy, but sometimes in 

 severe, cold, wet winters old plants die off ; therefore, it is always 

 best not to trust too much to old beds. Select a warm site, with 

 light rich soil, mulch witli old leaf-mould or manure, and there 

 will always be plenty of Thyme. It will seed as it grows, and 

 l)lenty of plants ('an be raised in that way, without any other 

 trouble. These may l)e lifted and planted in a new bed to form 

 a succession in spring. 



WoRMAvooD. — This is exceedingly bitter, and is often used by 

 country people as a tonic. It is cut and dried for winter and 

 spring use, and is strongest when just opening its flowers. Most 

 people cut it for drying then. In the country, if any one wants a 

 tonic, a handful of Wormwood is placed in a jug or pitcher, boiling 

 water is poured over it, and a glassful is dnmk eveiy other morning. 

 It has no merit, except for the purjiosc named, but in a collection 

 of medicinal plants it must be grown. It is a native i^lant, and 

 grows wild in the fens of Cambridgeshire. May be propagated by 

 seeds in spring ; or division, slips, or cuttings in March or April. 

 WiU grow vigorously in any Light warm soil. 



Drying Herbs. — The active principle of all plants is strongest 

 just when the flowering process is going on, but before seeds are 

 actually formed, and this is, therefore, the best time for cutting 

 and drying herbs. They should not be dried in the sun in August, 

 for that takes too much out of them. An open shed or building 

 is the best place. They may be spread out on shelves, or tied up 

 in small bunches, and hung up to the rafters beneath the roof, 

 where the air can circulate freely among them. When thoroughly 

 dry, they will retain their strength best if rubbed up fine, and 

 placed in bottles, corked up tightly. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 



Garnishing Plants. — According to the present foshion (which, 

 however, may soon change), dishes of fruit are not placed on the 

 dinner-table. That is now given up to flowers and foliage, and 

 the fruit is dished up and set out on a sideboard, whence it is handed 

 round. This, however, refers only to party nights ; at other times 

 the dessert goes on the table in the old way. It is said that 

 " good wine needs no bush ;" but it is certain good fruit needs some 



