144 THE TANTALUS. 



and I shall feel pleasure, if, by stating this incident, 

 it should be the means of saving others from so dis- 

 tressing 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 distinguishing 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 appe- 

 tite 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 Voyages. 



