ON RURAL AFFAIRS, BOOK I.

tur; if there are no bladder afflictions. If you see these, and similar signs, consistently among the inhabitants, you need not suspect the air or the springs.

V. Regarding the earth, fertility must be sought: it should not be a white and barren soil, nor loose gravel without a mixture of earth, nor chalk alone, nor parched sands, nor thirsty grit, nor stony barrenness of golden dust, nor salty or bitter ground, nor swampy soil, nor sandy and thirsty tofus a type of porous volcanic rock/tuff, nor a valley that is too shaded and dense. Instead, seek a crumbly and nearly black soil, capable of covering itself with its own grass; or soil of mixed color, which, even if sparse, is bound together by the addition of rich earth. What it produces should neither be rough, nor scorched, nor lacking natural moisture. It is a useful sign for sowing grain if it produces hellebore, rushes, reeds, grass, healthy clover, lush brambles, and wild plums. The color, however, is not as important to seek as the richness and sweetness. You recognize the rich soil thus: if you sprinkle a small clod with fresh water and knead it, and if it is sticky and adheres to your hand, it is clearly rich. Likewise, if a hole is dug and then refilled, and there is excess earth, it is rich; if there is a deficit, it is thin; if it fits level, it is of moderate quality. Sweetness is recognized if you take a clod from the part of the field that is most questionable, soak it in fresh water in an earthenware vessel, and test it by taste. You will also recognize land useful for vineyards by these signs: if it is somewhat loose and crumbly in color and texture; if the shoots it produces are smooth, shiny, tall, and fruitful, such as wild pears, plums, brambles, and other things of this kind; and if they are not twisted, sterile, or languishing from thinness.