432 OLERACEOUS PLANTS. 



Broai- The Broad-leaved Thyme is more cultivated 



leaved. 



in this country than any other species or vari- 

 ety. The stem is ten or twelve inches high, shrubby, of a 

 brownish-red color, and much branched ; the leaves are 

 small, narrow, green above, and whitish beneath, flowers 

 purple, in terminal spikes ; the seeds are black, and exceed- 

 ingly small. Two hundred and thirty thousand are contained 

 in an ounce, and they retain their vitality two years. 



Propagation and Cultivation. When propagated by seeds, 

 they are sown in April or May, thinly, in shallow drills ten 

 or twelve inches apart. When the plants are up, they should 

 be carefully cleared of weeds, and thinned to eight or ten 

 inches apart, that they may have space for development, 

 They may be cut for use as soon as they have made sufficient 

 growth ; but, for drying, the stalks are gathered as they come 

 into flower. 



If propagated by dividing the roots, the old plants should 

 be taken up in April, and divided into as many parts as the 

 roots and tops will admit. They are then transplanted about 

 ten inches apart, in beds of rich, light earth, and, if the 

 weather be dry, watered till they are well established. They 

 may be cut for use in August and September. 



Use. The leaves have an agreeable, aromatic odor, and 

 are used for flavoring soups, stuffings, and sauces. 



Narrow- The stalks of this variety are shorter than 



leaved. Mill. 



those of the Broad-leaved ; the leaves also are 



longer, narrower, and more sharply pointed ; and the flowers 

 are larger. 



It is propagated, cultivated, and used as the Broad- 

 leaved. 



Variegated- A sub-variety of the Broad-leaved, with vari- 

 leaved. 



egated foliage. It is generally cultivated as an 



