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THE DIPPER. 

 (Cinclus aquaticus.) 



THE Dipper's habits are most interesting. The bird fre- 

 quents the most picturesque streams, perching on the dry 

 boulders, with the water gurgling and splashing about 

 him. From this he dives and walks under the water, 

 turns over the small pebbles and returns to his stone. 

 This led to his being suspected of being an enemy to 

 the fisherman. It has, however, be proved by the 

 inspection of the contents of the stomachs of several 

 Dippers that only insect remains and small shell-fish 

 were eaten. The fact that he will attach himself to 

 brooks which contain no fish at all, proves that he does 

 not feed on these. The bird's plumage is simply water- 

 tight, and therefore admirably adapted to a bird which 

 can swim as well as dive. 



The song of the Dipper is strong and cheery; and the 

 lively ways of this Water-ouzel, as it often called, lend 

 a charm to our mountain streams. With us in Hungary 

 a thorough investigation of the life-habits of this bird, 

 which spread over a considerable period, and involved 

 much correspondence, has resulted in the complete 

 vindication of this bird's character. 



Mr. Herman's verdict on the Dipper and the King- 

 fisher, are the more valuable because he is the great 

 authority, in his own country, in all that relates to 



