56 CINCLUS EUROPiEUS. 



and curved claws are very 111 adapted for running, but admir- 

 ably calculated for securing a steady footing on slippery stones, 

 whether above or beneath the surface of the water. Like the 

 Kingfisher it often remains a long time perched on a stone, but 

 in most other respects its habits are very dissimilar. 



The first opportunity which I had of observing this bird ad- 

 vancing under water, occurred in Braemar, in 1819, when 

 from the bank of the stream which passes by Castleton I 

 noticed one " tumbling about" in the rapid current. In Sep- 

 tember 1832, I watched a Dipper for some time, on a part of 

 the Tweed, where the current was very strong. It flew off from 

 the shore, and alighted in the middle of the stream, where it 

 immediately dived. Re-appearing a little w^ay farther up the 

 river, it floated for a few seconds, dived, emerged, and flew to 

 the opposite bank, on reaching which it again disappeared un- 

 der water for a short time, and thus continued its exertions. 

 When perched on a stone near the shore, especially if the water 

 be not much agitated around, it usually makes short incursions 

 into it, apparently for the purpose of procuring food, and re- 

 turns to its station. On these occasions it is not difficult to 

 approach it, provided due precaution be used ; but in general 

 it is shy and easily alarmed. I have several times shot an in- 

 dividual which observed me as I was quietly walking up to it ; 

 but it is not often that one remains until you come within shot. 

 A method which I have often successfully practised was to 

 mark the position of the bird at a distance, taking note of an 

 object on the bank opposite to it, then make a circuit, and sud- 

 denly come upon the spot. When one has been pursued either 

 up or down a stream for a quarter of a mile or so, it usually 

 turns to regain its ordinary station, when it may be shot as it 

 shoots past. 



In August 1834, while ascending White Coom, the highest 

 mountain in Dumfries-shire, accompanied by my son, I ob- 

 served a Dipper retreating beneath a large stone, over which 

 the water fell, in the midst of a streamlet that flowed along 

 the bottom of a narrow scar or rut. Imagining that its nest or 

 young might be concealed there, we went up to the place, and, 

 on perceiving the bird behind the little w^aterfall, endeavoured 



