more secure. Then again,
the fruits of the earth, satisfying our desires with a more than
sufficient store of food stuffs, support and maintain living beings with
regular nourishment. Finally, water, not merely supplying drink but
filling an infinite number of practical needs, does us services which
make us grateful because it is gratis.

4. Hence, too, those who are clothed in priesthoods of the Egyptian
orders declare that all things depend upon the power of the liquid
element. So, when the waterpot is brought back to precinct and temple
with water, in accordance with the holy rite, they throw themselves upon
the ground and, raising their hands to heaven, thank the divine
benevolence for its invention.

Therefore, since it is held by physicists and philosophers and priests
that all things depend upon the power of water, I have thought that, as
in the former seven books the rules for buildings have been set forth,
in this I ought to write on the methods of finding water, on those
special merits which are due to the qualities of localities, on the ways
of conducting it, and how it may be tested in advance. For it is the
chief requisite for life, for happiness, and for everyday use.

CHAPTER I

HOW TO FIND WATER

1. This will be easier if there are open springs of running water. But
if there are no springs which gush forth, we must search for them
underground, and conduct them together. The following test should be
applied. Before sunrise, lie down flat in the place where the search is
to be made, and placing the chin on the earth and supporting it there,
take a look out over the country. In this way the sight will not range
higher than it ought, the chin being immovable, but will range over a
definitely limited height on the same level through the country. Then,
dig in places where vapours are seen curling and rising up into the air.
This sign cannot show itself in a dry spot.

2. Searchers for water must also study the nature of different
localities; for those in which it is found are well defined. In clay the
supply is poor, meagre, and at no great depth. It will not have the best
taste. In fine gravel the supply is also poor, but it will be found at a
greater depth. It will be muddy and not sweet. In black earth some
slight drippings and drops are found that gather from the storms of
winter and settle down in compact, hard places. They have the best
taste. Among pebbles the veins found are moderate, a