J. G. Keuleiruaivs del. et littu-
Minterru B r o s m
D IP P E R .
Cmelius acju aticru s, Bechst.
'mm:
DIPPER
CINCLUS AQUATICUS, Bechst.
Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst. Orn. Taschenb. i. p. 206 (1802);
Naum. iii. p. 925 ; Hewitson, i. p. 77; Yarr. ed. 4, i.
p. 241; Dresser, ii. p. 167.
Cinclus europaeuSj Macg. ii. p. 50.
Aquassiere, French; Wasseramsel, Wasserschwatzer, German
; Pordo de Agua, Peckiblanco, Spanish.
This delightful little bird is probably well known to
those of my readers who are addicted to salmon- and
trout-fishing, as the favourite haunts of the Salmonidae
are the favourite resorts of the Dipper; in fact, the bird
is accused of devouring the spawn of these fishes, and
has, I grieve to say, been almost exterminated in certain
places on that account. I do not pretend to pronounce
judgment on this subject, but am very strongly inclined
to consider that the damage done by the Dipper has
been grossly exaggerated, and can only say that if I
were the fortunate possessor of a salmon- or trout-river
this merry little bird should be as welcome to take his
share of their produce, as the Herons and Kingfishers
are to theirs of the coarse fishes of our Northamptonshire
Nene.
The Dipper, except for his aquatic habits, much