432 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



age; as it was thought to renew the strength and spirits. 

 It has a pleasant, aromatic smell, and a warm, pungent 

 taste. There are two varieties — the broad and narrow 

 leaved. 



Lemon Thyme is also a low, trailing evergreen shrub, 

 seldom rising above four or six inches high. It has a 

 strong smell of lemons, which gives it its common name, 

 and is preferred for some dishes. 



Culture. — Thyme is raised by seed, cuttings, and 

 dividing the roots. A light, dry soil is suitable. The root 

 slips may be set out in rows six inches apart each way. 

 The seeds are very small, and should be sown in moist 

 weather in spring, the soil for their reception made very 

 fine, and the seed raked in lightly with the back of the 

 rake. Press the surface gently with a board or the back 

 of a spade. Make the drills six inches apart and very 

 shallow. AVater 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 the plant 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. — (Lyeopersicum 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 eggplant and Irish potato. It 



