312 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



shallow. Water lightly in hot, dry weather, both before 

 and after the plants are up. Let them remain in the drills, 

 or transplant when two or three inches high. Thin the 

 plants to six inches apart, and keep free from weeds while 

 the plants are small. 



Thyme is often used as an edging. A very small plot 

 is enough for any family. 



For Seed. It bears seed abundantly, if permitted. The 

 spikes should be gathered as it ripens, before it is washed 

 out by the rain. Dry upon a cloth in the shade. 



Use. The young leaves and tops are used in soups, 

 stuffings, and sauces. They can be dried and preserved 

 like other herbs ; but in mild climates this is unnecessary, 

 as it is evergreen. 



TOMATO. (Lycopersicum esculentum.) 



The Tomato is a tender annual, a native of South 

 America, and some say of Mexico, and of the same natural 

 family with the Egg-plant and Irish potato. It was intro- 

 duced into England in 1596, and was long cultivated in 

 the flower garden for its beautiful red and yellow fruit, 

 which was not used for food, but by many considered pois- 

 onous. "As an esculent plant, in 1828-9," says Buist, 

 speaking of its use in this country, " it was almost detested ; 

 in ten years more, every variety of pill and panacea was 

 4 extract of tomato.' " It is now one of the most popular 

 vegetables in cultivation, and springs up self-sown in all 

 our gardens. There are many varieties. 



The Large Red is one of the best. It is patty-pan- 

 shaped, and extra large specimens are sometimes six inches 

 in diameter, or as large as a common bush squash. One 

 of the best flavored. 



