WELL SINKING. 201 



sometimes remains in pools long after the stream 

 has ceased to run; and such places may often be dis- 

 covered by following up the fresh tracks of animals. 

 Should these be dry, wells must be sunk in the 

 places where the ground appears to be the lowest. 

 In mountainous districts small springs are 

 generally found amongst primary rocks; but 

 after a long drought, search should be made in 

 the water-courses that wind through the bottom of 

 the deepest ravines, where pools of water often 

 remain all the year round. Should these prove 

 dry, there is no alternative but to dig in the 

 places where water appears to have been last; 

 and the most likely places are often indicated bv 

 the greenest vegetation, or by plants that in that 

 country are usually found near water. 



In sinking wells, the presence of 



"Well-sinking. 



water is indicated by moist sand or 

 earth, before it makes its appearance, as unless 

 a spring is struck by chance the water takes 

 some time to filter through the sides of the well, 

 and at first it generally collects very slowly. 



