CENTURY IV. 195 



waters according to the place whence they spring or 

 come : the rain-water is, by the physicians, esteemed 

 the finest and the best ; but yet it is said to putrify 

 soonest, which is likely, because of the fineness of 

 the spirit : and in conservatories of rain-water, such 

 ns they have in Venice, &c. they are found not so 

 choice waters ; the worse, perhaps, because they are 

 covered aloft, and kept from the sun. Snow-water 

 is held unwholesome ; insomuch as the people that 

 dwell at the foot of the snow mountains, or other* 

 wise upon the ascent, especially the women, by 

 drinking of snow-water, have great bags hanging 

 under their throats. Well-water, except it be upon 

 chalk, or a very plentiful spring, maketh meat red ; 

 which is an ill sign. Springs on the tops of high hills 

 are the best : for both they seem to have a lightness 

 and appetite of mounting ; and besides, they are most 

 pure and unmingled ; and again, are more percolated 

 through a great space of earth. For waters in 

 valleys join in effect under ground with all waters of 

 the same level ; whereas springs on the tops of hills 

 pass through a great deal of pure earth with less 

 mixture of other waters. 



397. Seventhly, judgment may be made of 

 waters by the soil whereupon the water runneth ; as 

 pebble is the cleanest and best tasted; and next to 

 that clay-water; and thirdly, water upon chalk; 

 fourthly, that upon sand ; and worst of all upon 

 mud. Neither may you trust waters that taste 

 sweet, for they are commonly found in rising grounds 



