Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1882-03-01
quently undergo considerable molecular
THE INDIAN DARTER,

QuenUlY Undergo COuSlu6IdDI0 MOltCuldI
change.
THE INDIAN DARTER.
The Barter forms curious type OF
birds allied to the cormorant III struc-
ture but heron-like III gait and gesture.
Its mode of fishing is peculiar. The
Barter in its normal position sits erect
upon branch or stump overlooking the
water. When proceeding to fish it dives
head foremost into the stream, and
swimming entirely under water, trans
fixes it's finny prey with the rapidity of
lightning. Emerging from the water
with the fish speared upon it's long
into the air, and catching its head fore
most with unerring aim swallows it whole.
The varieties of this bird usually found
in European collections are those of
South America and Africa. A third
species, the Indian Barter, was recently
added to the garden of the London
Geological Society. In state of nature,
says DIR. Jerden, this beautiful diver is
found throughout all India, Ceylon,
Burmah and Malayana. 1t is exceeding
ly numerous in some parts of the coun-
try, especially in Bengal; hundreds are
often to be seen on a single jheel. They
hunt singly in general, or in scattered
parties, but often roost in company, both
at night and in the middle of the day,
when numbers may be seen perched on
the trees overhanging some tank or river.
They float low on the water, often with
nothing but the head and neck visible,
and swim and dive with rapidity. After
feeding for some time they perch on the
bough of tree or on pole or stone and
spread their wings out to dry as the
cormorants do.
THE CARE OF WATER PIPES.
A good way to protect water pipes
from frost is to wrap them with old rags
-woolen if they can be had. Over this
casing of rags should be wrapped several
thicknesses of paper, which is one of the
best non conductors. and costs almost
nothing. They should be ywrapt close
and tight and tied every few inches so as
to effectually keep out the cold air.
Thus treated it will require extraordi-
nary cold weather to freeze them. If In
consequence of pipe being unprotected
it should freeze, it is folly to waste all
the hot water in the house by pouring it
on the naked pipe. The proper way is
to wrap few old ags around the pipe
and then pour on the hot water. The
rags will hold the heat long enough to
cause the ice to melt. Should pro-
tected pipe freeze, hot water should be
applied, but afterward the wet wrapping
should be removed and replaced with
dry. If this is not done the pipe will
freeze up again quicker than before, and
every time it freezes the pipe swells
little and gets thinner and thinner till
finally it bursts. But a burst pipe can
be mended without much difficulty by
almost anyone. Shut the water off, and
when all that is above the cock has run
out, rivet the opening down close and
even with hammer; cover it with white
lead or thick shellac varnish; over this
wrap a piece of thick muslin; then put
on another coat of white lead or shellac,
and then wind strong Irvine closely and
evenly from end to end of the patch, ex-
tending an inch or more over the break
each way, Repeat this treatment four
or five times, and if it is well done there
will be joint which will stand a greater
strain than the original pipe.