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Creeping Thyme

Thymus Serpyllum. Mint Family.

Stems.-Prostrate. Leaves.-Small; ovate; strongly-veined; not toothed. Flowers.-Small; purplish; crowded at the ends of the branches. Calyx.-Two-lipped. Corolla.-Slightly two-lipped. Stamens.-Two. Pistil.-One, with a two-lobed style.

This classic little plant is an emigrant from Europe which is not as yet extensively naturalized with us. The only "bank where the wild thyme blows" for me is somewhat too exposed a spot to be chosen as sleeping--place by any fairy queen. Neither is it "Over--canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk--roses and with eglantine."

Instead it borders the beautiful but open highway leading from Lenox into Stockbridge, filling the air with its pungent fragrance.