weet Marjoram is raised from seeds sown
annually in April, May, or June. Its propagation, however, is generally
attended with more or less difficulty, arising from the exceeding
minuteness of the seeds, and the liability of the young seedlings to be
destroyed by the sun before they become established. The seeds are sown
in drills ten or twelve inches apart, and very thinly covered with
finely pulverized loam. Coarse light matting is often placed over the
bed immediately after sowing, to facilitate vegetation; and, if allowed
to remain until the plants are well up, will often preserve a crop which
would otherwise be destroyed.

The seeds are sometimes sown in a hot-bed, and the plants set out in May
or June, in rows twelve inches apart, and six inches apart in the rows.

_Gathering._--The plants, when in flower or fully developed, are cut to
the ground; and, for winter use, are dried and preserved as other
pot-herbs.

_Use._--Sweet Marjoram is highly aromatic, and is much used, both in the
green state and when dried, for flavoring broths, soups, and stuffings.

POT MARJORAM.

Origanum onites.

A perennial species, from Sicily. Stem a foot or more in height,
branching; leaves oval, comparatively smooth; the flowers are small, of
a purplish color, and produced in spikes.

_Propagation and Cultivation._--The species is propagated, and the crop
in all respects should be treated, as directed for Common Marjoram. The
properties and uses of the plant are also the same. Both, however, are
much inferior to the Sweet Marjoram last described.

WINTER SWEET MARJORAM. _Corb._

Origanum heracleoticum.

A half-hardy perennial, from the south of Europe. Stem eighteen inches
high, purplish; the leaves are opposite, oval, rounded at the ends, and
resemble those of Sweet Marjoram; the flowers are white, and are put
forth in July and August, in spikelets about two inches in length; the
seeds ripen in September.

_Propagation and Culture._--It may be grown from seeds, but is generally
propagated by dividing the roots either in the spring or fall, and
planting the divisions ten inches apart, in rows eighteen inches
asunder. It succeeds best in dry localities, and requires no other
attention than to have the soil kept loose, and free from weeds.

There is a variety with variegated leaves, but differing in no other
respect from the foregoing.

_Use._--The leaves and young branches are used in soups, and stuffing
for meats;