THE DIPPER. 6 1 



The moss which grows in wild profusion all around is 

 selected, and the outside of the nest, at least, is com- 

 posed entirely of this soft and beautiful material. In 

 form it is precisely like the nest of the Wren, spherical, 

 with a hole in the side to admit the birds. The inside 

 of the nest is lined with dry grass, moss, and withered 

 leaves, but very rarely feathers. Mimicry is the pro- 

 tective art employed by the Dipper in shielding her 

 nest from danger, and most effectually are her wiles 

 displayed. The moss with which her nest is made 

 never dies — the humidity of the nesting-site prevents 

 this — and her home is literally nothing more than a cave 

 whose walls are full of life and verdant beauty. Keen 

 and perceiving must be the eyes of him who can, at a 

 casual glance, discern the home of the Dipper when 

 placed amongst the moss-grown rocks, for it presents an 

 appearance unvarying from the emerald hues of the 

 surroundings. The eggs of the Dipper are four or five 

 in number, and entirely different from the eggs of any 

 other British TJiriisJi. They are pure white and spot- 

 less, and about the size of a Song-thrush's ^g^. The 

 shell, however, does not possess any gloss, as is the case 

 with the eggs of the Kingfisher and Woodpecker, and is 

 somewhat rough in texture. The old birds display great 

 caution in returning to and quitting the nest, and should 

 you discover it, they m^anifest little or no outward signs 

 of anxiety for the safety of their treasure. 



It is with the utmost caution you must approach the 

 Dipper if you are desirous of watching his actions, for a 

 shy and wary bird is he. However, ample means of 

 concealment are at hand, and by hiding behind one of 

 the rocky boulders, and keeping quiet and motionless, 

 you may observe him as long as his restless nature 

 allows him to remain in your company. Vou may hap 



