296 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



brown in the upper parts, and with the chest and 

 throat white, the breast of the more common 

 variety being of a chestnut colour, whereas that 

 most frequently met with in the Northern counties 

 is without this colour on the breast. The water 

 ouzel is one of the few of our British water birds 

 which is not frequent in the Eastern counties, 

 the streams in those districts being unsuitable 

 for its requirements. It is also known by the 

 name of dipper, water crow, water blackbird, 

 water pyet. Although not web-footed, the water 

 ouzel is an accomplished swimmer and diver, 

 using its legs and wings for the purpose. It is 

 asserted that it is in the habit of walking under 

 water in the bed of the stream, a performance 

 which I have never had the opportunity of witness- 

 ing, though I think it is highly probable that 

 such is the case, since, not being web-footed, and 

 feeding in the manner above described, a bird 

 which is able to remain for so long a time under 

 water would be by this means enabled to procure 

 a larger and more varied supply of food. It is 

 stated that the water ouzel is addicted to the crime 

 of eating the spawn of fish. Such may be the 

 case. I am unable to contradict the statement, 

 but considering that these birds, though not un- 

 common, are nowhere very plentiful, I am of 

 opinion that it may well be left free of the streams 

 it loves to frequent, and which it so much graces. 

 It doubtless does good in some way or other, 

 and I for one should indeed grieve were it to 



