DIPPERS, OR WATER OUZELS 



85 



belong, for a parallel with which we must turn not only to the 

 water-birds, but to the lowest representatives of the natatorial 

 group, such as Loons, Grebes, Cormorants, and Penguins. In all 

 the true water-birds, the feet are paddles, or oars, and as such 

 fit instruments of progression. Those that dive but little or not 

 at all use the feet exclusively in swimming ; in others, that 



travel below as well as upon the surface of the water, like 

 those just named, the wings are also brought into requisition 

 as efficient organs of locomotion. But in the Dippers, the feet 

 retain a thoroughly iusessorial character, being no more fitted 

 for swimming purposes than those of a Thrush or Siiarrow; 

 and when the birds make their aquatic excursion3, they swim 

 down, and stay below by means of their wings — in a word, they 



