42 
and always on the margin of the stream, or perched 
in their peculiar attitude on some projecting stone 
in the middle of the water. By some naturalists 
they have been said to walk with apparent ease at 
the bottom of the water, a statement which after 
close observation appears doubtful. They breed 
early, and the young are generally fledged in the 
beginning of May. They build their large mossy 
nest in any part of a rock that overhangs a stream. 
Similar in shape to that of the Wren, the nest is 
composed externally of moss and lined with the 
decayed leaves of oak and other trees. When 
perched this bird delights in a constant dipping 
motion, at the same time flirting its tail, which is 
carried rather erect, in the same manner as that 
of the Wren. The eggs, four or five in number, 
are of a transparent white. 
DIVER, GREAT NORTHERN. 
CotymMBus GuacraLis, Lin. 
The Great Northern Diver is not very numerous, 
nor permanently resident in any locality. Narrow 
channels, friths, sealocks, and sandy bays are its 
favourite places of resort. It swims with great 
speed, smking partially when alarmed, and dives 
with remarkable celerity, remaining a long time 
under water. On account of its vigilance and 
