Theater of Machines, Volume II

have their free, public rivers from the soil. Where, however, such flowing springs do not exist, one must seek the source and veins under the ground. In such a way that, at the place where one wishes to seek water, one lies down flat on the earth before the rising of the sun and directs one's face toward the view, holding the chin stiff and steady, and also ensuring it is held no higher from the surface of the earth than is necessary. Where it is then noticed that a vapor or steam rises from the earth and curls together, there you may safely dig, for such is not seen in a dry and thirsty place.
However, when one wishes to seek water, one must carefully consider the suitability of the place, for in some places constant, and in others inconstant, springs are found, which are small, meager, have little water, and do not well up deeply, and such waters are rarely