stocky, and with
bushy full heads; in which case they should be set out to six or eight
inches distance; when those thinned out may be planted in another place,
in rows six or eight inches asunder, giving water till fresh rooted,
keeping the whole clean from weeds by occasional hoeing between them in
dry days, which will also stir the surface of the earth, and much
improve the growth of the plants: they will be in perfection for use in
summer, or early in autumn. Some think the common thyme best cultivated
for kitchen use in beds or borders, in rows at least half a foot apart,
employing for the purpose either the young seedling plants, which are
fit to set out, or the root slips of old plants, each of which soon
increase into plants of bushy growths proper for being cropped for the
above use. It may also often be well cultivated as an edging to herbary
and other compartments; in both of which methods the plants multiply
exceedingly fast by offsets, and are abiding, furnishing the means of
great future increase. Some should, however, always be annually raised
from seed in the above manner, as such plants possess a stronger
aromatic quality than those from old ones. When it is intended to
increase any particular varieties, and continue them the same with
certainty, it can only be effected by slips and cuttings. In respect to
the offsets and slips, all the sorts multiply by offsets of the root and
slips of the branches: the rooted slips are the most expeditious method,
as the old plants increase into many offset stems rising from the root,
each furnished with fibres; and by taking up the old plants in the
spring, &c. and slipping or dividing them into separate parts, not too
small, with roots to each, and planting them in beds of good earth, in
rows half a foot asunder, giving water directly, and repeating it
occasionally in dry weather till they have taken root, and begin to
shoot at top; they soon grow freely, and form good bushy plants in two
or three months. The strong slips of the branches without roots, succeed
when planted any time in the early spring season in a shady border, in
rows four or five inches distant, giving due waterings; and become good
plants by autumn, when they may be planted out where they are to remain.
The cuttings of the young branches grow readily, the same as the slips,
when planted at the same season in a shady place, and well watered. The
common thyme is in universal use as a pot-herb for var