HOME IN THE OLD STONE BRIDGE 147 



had to dash right through the water as 

 it fell over the rocks. This nest was 

 built when the river was low, but a rise 

 of the water did not disturb the birds in 

 the least ; they had built their home well 

 underneath the rock, and although a large 

 quantity of water seemed to actually wash 

 right over the nest, it was really in a 

 safe spot, and the birds were simply put 

 to a little inconvenience as they entered 

 or left their home. But what did this 

 matter to the Dipper ! Why, the bird 

 revels in water, and I have seen them 

 dash right underneath fast running water, 

 and come up a moment or two later with 

 food. Another nest was on the bank 

 itself, underneath a piece of overhanging 

 turf. 



I often sat on a rock by the stream side 

 near the old bridge and watched the birds. 

 One, I knew, was sitting on the eggs, 

 and the other had just left her. I think 

 he had been taking food to her, and now 



