194 NATURAL HISTORY. 



wherein you may find some difference, though not 

 much ; and the lighter you may account the better. 

 392. Secondly, try them by boiling upon an equal 

 fire ; and that which consumeth away fastest, you 

 may account the best. 



393. Thirdly, try them in several bottles or 

 open vessels, matches in every thing else, and see 

 which of them last longest without stench or corrup 

 tion. And that which holdeth unputrified longest, 

 you may likewise account the best. 



394. Fourthly, try them by making drinks 

 stronger or smaller, with the same quantity of malt; 

 and you may conclude, that that water which maketh 

 the stronger drink, is the more concocted and nou 

 rishing ; though perhaps it be not so good for medi 

 cinal use. And such water, commonly, is the water 

 of large and navigable rivers ; and likewise in large 

 and clean ponds of standing water ; for upon both 

 them the sun hath more power than upon fountains 

 or small rivers. And I conceive that chalk-water is 

 next them the best for going furthest in drink : for 

 that also helpeth concoction ; so it be out of a deep 

 well, for then it cureth the rawness of the water ; 

 but chalky water, towards the top of the earth, is too 

 fretting ; as it appeareth in laundry of clothes, which 

 wear out apace if you use such waters. 



395. Fifthly, the housewives do find a difference 

 in waters, for the bearing or not bearing of soap : 

 and it is likely that the more fat water will bear soap 

 best ; for the hungry water doth kill the unctuous 

 nature of the soap. 



396. Sixthly, you may make a judgment of 



