3 8 DIPPER 



flew in and out with the greatest ease. Again, another placed 

 for several years in succession on the rafter of a salmon fish- 

 lock is recorded by Mr. Hewitson. Others have been known 

 to be built within the passage of a mill-race. In such cases 

 the mother bird will often dash two or three times through 

 the rushing waters, as if in the enjoyment of pastime, before 

 resuming her place on the eggs. The young soon quit the 

 nest, and are at home almost from the first in the water. 



The birds are strongly attached to their accustomed 

 building-place, and the same spot has been known to be 

 occupied for thirty-one years. 



The dipper rears two or three broods in the year. A 

 second clutch of eggs is often deposited in the same nest 

 with the young birds. 



The eggs, from four to six in number, are white, and of 

 a regular oval form. 



