_Yet one other =Specimen= of Probation by the help of Eagles
Feathers._
That Artificer _Lazarus Ercker_, most famous for finding out the Veins
of Metals, in his Book of Probations (or of finding out Veins) relates,
that the _Venetians_ hired certain men for wages, and sent them into
_Germany_ to gather of the glassy dark coloured Grains of Sand of the
Rivers running by the Mountains, and to transport it to _Venice_.
The same is done at this very day. And although this Exportation is
prohibited by Law, yet they desist not, but clandestinely proceed.
The common People of those parts perswade themselves, that Grains of
Gold are contained in those Sands, and therefore by Edict every man is
forbid, either to remove it thence, or to convert the same to his own
use.
Indeed _Lazarus Ercker_ added, that he had subjected such Grains of
Sand to various Trials, but never found Gold in them; yet that he also
understood, that the _Venetian_ Artificers prepared of that Sand such
beautifull Colours, as with them were in more esteem, than Gold it
self. But I affirm, that _Erckerus_ did not rightly know those Grains
of Sand. For indeed there is little corporal Gold in them, but much
spiritual Gold. If to those Sands the Eagles Feathers be added, they
will carry upwards with themselves much spiritual Gold, which will be
very conducent in Medicine. Such Grains are found in all the Sands of
Rivers in all Regions of the World, and in the Gravel on the Shores
of common Navigable Rivers: whence much good may be gained. Now these
may suffice to be spoken touching the Eagles Feathers, for it is not
convenient to divulge more.