HERBS USED IN THE PRESENT TIME 3 1 



Marjoram (Origanum). 



Lafeu, 'Twas a good lady, 'twas a good lady. We may pick a thousand 



salads ere we light on such another herb. 

 Clo-uin. Indeed, Sir, she was the Sweet Marjoram of the Salad, or rather 



the herb of grace. 



AlPi WMihat End, Well, iv. 5. 



Not ail the ointments brought from Delos' Isle, 



Nor that of quinces, nor of marjoram. 



That ever from the Isle of Co(5s came, 



Nor these, nor any else, though ne'er so rare, 



Could with this place for sweetest smells compare 



Britanitias Pastorals, 



O, bind them posies of pleasant flowers, 

 Of marjoram, mint and rue. 



Devonshire Song. 



The scent of marjoram used to be very highly prized, 

 and in some countries the plant is the symbol of honour. 

 Dr Fernie says Origanum means in Greek the "joy of 

 the mountains," so charming a name one wishes it could 

 be more often used. Among ^ the Greeks, if it grew 

 on the grave it augured the happiness of the departed ; 

 " May many flowers grow on this newly-built tomb" (is 

 the prayer once offered); "not the dried-up Bramble, 

 or the red flower loved by goats ; but Violets and 

 Marjoram, and the Narcissus growing in water, and 

 around thee may all Roses grow." 



Parkinson writes it was " put in nosegays, and in the 

 windows of houses, as also in sweete ponders, sweete bags, 

 and sweete washing waters. . . . Our daintiest women 

 doe put it to still among their sweet herbes." Pusser 

 mentions it among his " herbs for strewing," and in some 

 recipes for pot pourri it is still included. Origanum vulgare 

 grows wild, and the dry leaves are made into a tea 

 " which is extremely grateful." The different kinds of 

 marjoram are now chiefly used for soups and stuffings. 

 Isaac Walton gives instructions for dressing a pike, and 



' Friend. 



