328 THE TANTALUS. 



this incident, it should be the means of saving others from so 

 distressing a circumstance."* 



Of the fifth genus, Anastomus, or Open-Beaks, little is 

 known, except that their habits and food are similar to those 

 of the preceding genera. The beak is the prominent distin- 

 guishing feature; the edges of which, instead of closing 

 throughout, meet only at the extremities. 



The sixth and last genus is that of the Tantalus, all 

 foreigners inhabiting Asia, Africa, America, and Australia. 

 They have feet, nostrils, and beaks, like those of Storks, but 

 differ from them in the form of the bill, the back of which is 

 rounded, and its point curved towards the bottom. They 

 frequent marshy spots, living on reptiles and fish. When 

 their appetite is satisfied, they retire to high trees, where 

 they remain in an erect attitude, the bill resting on the 

 breast. They are simple birds, and may be easily shot. 



* CAPTAIN OWEN'S 



