306 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR* 



or lemon-thyme, are the only two varieties in cul- 

 tivation for culinary purposes. 



Culture. The first sort may be easily raised 

 from seed, sown in the beginning of April, on light, 

 rich, dry ground, which should be properly dug over, 

 and the surface made moderately smooth with a 

 spade. As the seed is small, it should not be sown 

 too thick, or be covered too deep. 



The plants generally appear in two or three 

 weeks, and when they are grown stocky, with bushy 

 full. heads, they may be transplanted to where they 

 are to remain, in a bed or border, at six or eight 

 inches distance ; water being given till they are 

 fresh rooted. Afterwards, occasional hoeing be- 

 tween the plants, and stirring the surface of the 

 earth, will much improve their growth. 



The cuttings and slips of the young branches 

 grpw readily, when planted in the spring season, in 

 a shady place, and well watered; but the former 

 method is preferable, and attended with less trouble. 



Thyme that is intended for winter use should be 

 cut when in blossom, and after being well dried in 

 the shade, hung up in paper bags. 



The lemon-thyme can be propagated either by 

 slips or by parting the roots ; almost every bit of 

 which will grow, provided they are planted in a 

 light dry soil. As this variety spreads very fast, it 

 is improved by being taken up, parted, and re- 

 planted in beds about ten or twelve inches distance, 

 every third or fourth year. 



