FLORAL EMBLEMS. 57 



ACTIVITY. 



THYME. Thymus. 



" O'er fringed heaths, wide lawns, and mountain steeps, 

 With silent step the artful Thyma creeps, 

 Unfolds with fragrant bloom her purple flow'rs, 

 And leads with frolic hand the circling hours." 



Rowden. 



The active qualities of this plant are duly 

 appreciated by epicures, since it excites and 

 rouses their appetites, by rendering every 

 dish savoury in which it is used. We are 

 told, that the highest flavoured venison is 

 always found where this penetrating herb 

 abounds. Bees seek it with great activity : 

 the honey of Athens was esteemed the best 

 in the world, on account of the thyme which 

 grew on the hills which surrounded that city. 



" With shepherds on the thyming downs, 

 I love to pass the summer's day." 



Williams. 



