THE EUROPEAN DIPPER. 69 



tions. The nest is generally constructed un 

 some brow or overhanging rocks, or among tk 

 matted roots of a tree ; at other times under 

 some fall, which is projected over a space hollow, 

 and comparatively dry within, or beneath th? 

 dam or weir which serves to turn off the water to 

 supply machinery ; and we have once or twice 

 observed it under the very sluice of the mill- 

 wheel. In the latter situations the parent bird 

 dashes through the face of the rushing waters 

 when about to enter the nest, and seems to enjoy 

 the act, entering and retreating again two or 

 three times before commencing her seat. The 

 nest is built chiefly of the common mosses, lined 

 on the bottom with dried leaves. It is of a 

 circular form, with an entrance hole on the one 

 side, and seen exteriorly is very similar to the 

 structure of that of the common wren. Where it 

 is placed in a situation resting on some narrow 

 ledge, but entirely free above, the building is 

 made completely round ; but where the impend- 

 ing brow or rock may form the top, it is used as 

 a part, the front only being filled up with moss. 

 Mr Thomson has mentioned one instance, where 

 the " domed structure" was dispensed with ; but 

 though this may occasionally happen, the general 

 character of the structure will be found to be 

 supplied in a manner instinctively either one way 

 or another. In like manner the circumstance ot 

 the bird perching on the willows around, as 

 mentioned by the same author, was unusual ; it is 

 not their general habit even in g'ens fringed with 



