498 AMERICAN DIPPER. 
When wounded and caught, it struggles hard, grasping firmly with 
the feet, but does not attempt to bite. I mention this circumstance as 
common to certain species of birds, such as the Fieldfare, Blackbird, 
and Starling, which, without possessing the power of annoying their 
enemy, yet do not tamely suffer themselves to be destroyed, but struggle 
to the last, undismayed, and ready to use the slightest chance of escape. 
Other species, equal in strength, such as the Snipe, the Golden Plover, 
and the Lapwing, do not struggle so vigorously, but meet their fate in 
a quiet and apparently stupid manner. Some birds, again, such as the 
Tits and Warblers, although evidently extremely frightened on being 
seized, watch every opportunity of biting. I need scarcely add that 
some, as the Kestril and Sparrowhawk, grasp and bite with as much 
good-will as effect. 
The most melancholy ornithological exhibition that I remember to 
have witnessed, was that of a wounded Dipper which was shot through 
the lungs, above Cramond Bridge, near Edinburgh. It stood still, with- 
out attempting to fly off, apparently insensible to all external objects, 
its legs bent, its wings drooping, its head declined. The blood was 
oozing from its side, and gurgling in its windpipe, which the poor bird 
made ineffectual efforts to clear. At intervals, a convulsive heaving of 
the chest took place, followed by an effort to vomit ; and in that state 
the sufferer stood for five minutes until I got over the stream to it, 
when it expired in my hand. In the agony of death, the pupil became 
contracted to a mere point, and presently after dilated, when the lower 
eyelid gradually rose and covered the eye. This is commonly the case 
in birds, which do not expire with their eyes open, like man and most 
quadrupeds. 
The food of the Dipper is said by authors to consist of small fishes, 
roe, and water-insects. Thus, according to Wittucusy, “ Pisces 
predatur, nec insecta aversatur.” Mowracv states that he saw an ‘old 
bird flying in with a fish in its bill,” and that “ these birds will some- 
times pick up insects at the edge of the water.” _M. Temminck alleges 
that its food consists of “ insectes d’eau, demoiselles et leurs larves; 
3 
souvent du frai de truite.” Mr Setsy judiciously combines these state- _ 
ments, informing us that “ water-insects and the fry and spawn of fish — 
form its food.” Mr Jenyns, more wary, confines it to “aquatic insects.” — 
It would answer no good purpose to bring forward the notions of other — 
compilers. There is nothing incredible in all these statements, al- 
