FLORAL EMBLEMS. 
57 
ACTIVITY. 
Thyme .—Thym us . 
“ 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.” 
Hole den. 
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 
m 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 . 
