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REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



order. They live constantly on the edge of the water, or in the 

 water itself, hunting for the insects which constitute their food. 

 Although their toes are not webbed, they may often be noticed 

 diving and moving about under water, by extending their wings and 

 using them as fins. They are frequently to be observed flying along 

 streams, and catching the winged insects skimming over the surface 

 of the water. They live a solitary life, except during the pairing 

 season, and frequent by preference the banks of mountain streams, 



m 



Fig. 238. — The Dipper. 



especially such rocky and precipitous countries as the Alps, Pyrenees, 

 and other mountain chains in the south, west, and north of Europe. 

 It is met with in Great Britain and France. 



The Hermit Thrushes (Tardus solitarius, Fig. 239) are distinguished 

 from the other Dentirostral Passerines by their long and slender tarsi. 

 They are natives of America, and are principally to be found in the 

 midst of the vast forests that margin the Mississippi. Their food is 

 indifferently vegetable or insectivorous. They fly heavily, but in 

 running and hopping they are very adroit. They lay their eggs on the 

 ground, on a bed of dry leaves, which are always well secreted among 

 grass and brush. They have two broods each season. Their eggs, 

 which are marked with blackish-brown splotches, are generally five 



