Stevens, who has been called the Pied Piper of treasure hunters, has brought countless individuals and families to that moment of glory when the first flake of gold glows in the gold pan, or that rainbow chip of a mineral quivers between thumb and finger.

This book further develops, instructively and irresistibly, the gold and gem scenes. It tells of dramatic new mineral discoveries, and it coaxes from imaginative gold panners their tactics and hunting grounds.

And now the canvas has been enlarged to include a tantalizing array of other pursuits. Tugging at the leash of that fantastic electronic bloodhound, the metal detector, we find inventive people with new techniques, tips and visions. A few dive underwater, some stalk their prey-like Sherlock Holmes- with the powers of perception, and others just happily follow their hunches.

We delve into the past with passionate and dedicated people as they gently lift from the ground an Indian arrowhead untouched by hands for thousands of years. We learn where to search, what to do, what not to do.

We find snippets of history coming alive along the Arnold Trail, and we search for those many-colored artistic frailties that the uninitiated call "old bottles."

The people we meet are also treasures: in their individualism, inventiveness and generosity as they share their secrets with us. Yes, there is something in it for you. If you are a novice, your steps will be guided on each of the many intriguing paths you can choose. For the fierce veteran of the search there are new and ingenious ideas, hitherto unthoughtof  treasure-hunting combinations -- a wonderfully stretched horizon.