twelve inches high, shrubby, of a
brownish-red color, and much branched; the leaves are small, narrow,
green above, and whitish beneath; flowers purple, in terminal spikes;
the seeds are black, and exceedingly small,--two hundred and thirty
thousand being contained in an ounce; they retain their vitality two
years.

_Propagation and Cultivation._--When propagated by seeds, they are sown
in April or May, thinly, in shallow drills ten or twelve inches apart.
When the plants are up, they should be carefully cleared of weeds, and
thinned to eight or ten inches apart, that they may have space for
development. They may be cut for use as soon as they have made
sufficient growth; but, for drying, the stalks are gathered as they come
into flower.

If propagated by dividing the roots, the old plants should be taken up
in April, and divided into as many parts as the roots and tops will
admit. They are then transplanted about ten inches apart, in beds of
rich, light earth; and, if the weather be dry, watered till they are
well established. They may be cut for use in August and September.

_Use._--The leaves have an agreeable, aromatic odor; and are used for
flavoring soups, stuffings, and sauces.

NARROW-LEAVED. _Mill._

The stalks of this variety are shorter than those of the Broad-leaved;
the leaves also are longer, narrower, and more sharply pointed; and the
flowers are larger.

It is propagated, cultivated, and used as the Broad-leaved.

VARIEGATED-LEAVED.

A sub-variety of the Broad-leaved, with variegated foliage. It is
generally cultivated as an ornamental plant; and is propagated only by
dividing the roots, as directed for the Broad-leaved.

LEMON THYME. _Loud._

Thymus citriodorus.

A low, evergreen shrub, with a somewhat trailing stem, rarely rising
more than six or eight inches high. It is readily distinguished from the
Common or Broad-leaved by the soft, pleasant, lemon-like odor of the
young shoots and leaves.

It is used for flavoring various dishes, and by some is preferred to the
Broad-leaved.

The species is propagated from seeds by dividing the roots, and by
layers and cuttings. Seedling plants, however, are said to vary in
fragrance; and, when a choice stock can be obtained, it is better to
propagate by dividing the plants.

CHAPTER IX.

LEGUMINOUS PLANTS.

American Garden-bean. Asparagus-bean. Lima Bean. Scarlet-runner. Sieva.
Chick-pea. Chickling Vetch. English Bean. Lentil. L