The Dabchick dr Dobchiek is the least species of Cireb^ 
though the most plentiful in this country, being met with 
in most streams and ponds, particularly such as are sedgy ; 
its motions are lively and active, and with care it may be 
rendered so tame, as to feed from the hand ; but is 
generally a shy bird. Its actions in and on the water are 
particularly graceful ; it may frequently be seen running on 
the surface for a considerable distance, flapping its wings and 
chattering, then on a sudden diving and reappearing at the 
spot from whence it took its departure ; we believe it is 
almost invariably the practice of this bird, that, when it 
dives, it does not, as is common with the duck tribe, con- 
tinue its way forward, but returns, and by this mode is 
enabled to elude its pursuers, who looking for its appearance 
at a considerable distance forward, generally lose the object 
of their pursuit ; when alarmed, it dives to the first tuft of 
grass or rushes, and will remain with only its bill above 
water for a great length of time. 
The nest is formed of so great a quantity of grass, 
flags, and other vegetables, that Pennant supposed it fer- 
mented, and gave warmth to the eggs ; it is woven to- 
gether with the leaves and part of the stem of some tall 
aquatic plant, which are bent down to the surface of the 
water; and by this method the nest is not liable to injury 
from any sudden rise of the water, and is generally secure 
from being carried away by the current. The Dabchick 
lays five or six whitish eggs, which are frequently stained 
by some of the vegetables with which they are covered ; 
the female does not sit immediately on the eggs, as there 
usually 
