NORTH AMERICA. 
H5 
tion, encircling the expanfive plains, obferving each 
one its own orbit ; then lowering fail, defcend 
on the verge of fome glittering lake ; whilft other 
fquadrons, afcending aloft in fpiral circles, bound 
on interelting difcoveries, wheel round and double 
the promontory, in the filver regions of the clouded 
ikies, where, far from the fcope of eye, they care- 
fully obferve the verdant meadows on the borders of 
the Eaft Lake ; then contract their plumes and de- 
fcend to the earth, where, after retting a while on fome 
verdant eminence, near the flowery border of the 
lake, they, with dignified, yet flow, refpe&ful fteps, 
appproach the kindred band, confer, and treat for 
habitation ; the bounds and precincts being fettled, 
they confederate and take poffeffion. 
There is inhabiting the low mores and fwamps 
of this river and the lakes of Florida, as well as 
Georgia, a very curious bird*, called by an Indian 
name (Epoufkyca) which fignifies in our language 
the crying bird. I cannot determine what genus 
of European birds to join it with. It is about the 
fize of a large domeftic hen : all the body, above 
and beneath, is of a dark lead colour, every feather 
edged or tipped with white, which makes the bird 
appear fpeckled on a near view ; the eye is large 
and placed high on the head, which is very promi- 
nent ; the bill or beak is five or fix inches in length, 
arched or bent gradually downwards, in that refpect 
to be compared to otfe half of a bent bow ; it is large 
or thick near the bafe, comprelfed on each fide, and 
flatted at top and beneath, which makes it appear 
four fquare for more than an inch, where the noftrils 
are placed, from whence, to their tips, both man- 
dibles are round, gradually lefTening or tapering to 
Tantalus pidtus. 
L 
their 
