CINCLUS. DIPPER. 49 



and several transverse rugae below. Toes rather large and 

 strong, covered above with a few plates, papillar beneath ; the 

 first, second, and fourth nearly equal, the third much longer ; 

 the second slightly connected at the base by a web with the 

 third, which is connected with the fourth by a longer but nar- 

 rower web, as far as the second joint of each. Claws rather 

 long, arched, bluntish, much compressed, slightly margined, 

 laterally grooved, that of the hind toe considerably larger. 



Plumage ordinary, rather compact, the feathers oblong and 

 rounded ; those about the base of the bill very short and some- 

 what velvety, without bristly points. No bristles at the base 

 of the bill. Wings rather short, broad, convex, and rounded ; 

 primary quills ten, the first very short and narrow, the third 

 longest, and, with the next three, slightly cut out on the outer 

 web towards the end ; secondary quills nine, long, broad, 

 rounded. Tail short, even, of twelve rather broad feathers, 

 which are slightly decurved. Legs feathered to the tibio-tarsal 

 joint. The whole body closely covered M'ith down, as in the 

 diving sea-birds. 



This genus is composed of at least three species : Cinclus 

 Pallasii, found by Professor Pallas in the Crimea ; C. Ameri- 

 caniis, which inhabits Mexico and the Rocky Mountains; and C. 

 Eurojjceus, which occurs in most parts of Europe. These species 

 present a remarkable uniformity as to form, and differ little in 

 size. They frequent the margins of streams and lakes, and 

 feed on aquatic insects and mollusca, to obtain which they 

 enter the water, pass beneath its surface, and, although not 

 web-footed, make their way in it even when the current is 

 strong. It is probable that the manners of the other species 

 are very similar to those of the European ; but as little is yet 

 known respecting them, I cannot here offer general remarks 

 equally applicable to all. 



VOL. II. 



