PEKCHING BIRDS. 107 



rivers, swimming and diving with great facility, 

 and feeding principally upon the various water- 

 insects which abound in those places where it 

 haunts. It is chiefly found in the mountainous 

 parts of England and Scotland, and in Wales it is 

 resident here all the year round. The form of the 

 dipper is rather " dumpy," but it has a sprightly 

 look arid manner, and is a very interesting bird. 

 It catches part of its food standing on land, and 

 part as it floats on the water, but also a con- 

 siderable part under the water, and to the water it 

 retreats when threatened with danger on land. 

 It walks into, or lights upon, the surface rising, 

 descending, or moving sideways, and apparently 

 walking at the bottom of the stream. In fact, it 

 appears to have almost as much command over 

 itself there, as other birds have in the air. Its 

 plumage is remarkably thick and close, like that 

 of water-birds, and its feathers are supplied with 

 oil, so that they do not become wet, even though 

 it be a considerable time under the water. 



This bird inhabits the most romantic situations, 

 generally in the midst of fine scenery, and always 

 among the rocks and banks of a rushing roaring 

 torrent, or a clear bubbling mountain stream. 

 The noise of the water hurrying over its rocky 

 bed, is his sweetest music, and he can never be 

 happy unless within reach of his native torrent 



