NORTH AMERICA 
4J 
tieil, encircling the expaiifive 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 interefting difcoveries, wheel round and double 
the promontory, in the filver regions of the clouded 
fkies, where, far from the fcc-pe 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 refling a while on fome 
verdant eminence, near the flowery border of the 
lake, they, with dignified, yet flow, refpedtful fleps, 
approach the kindred band, confer, and treat for 
habitation ; the bounds and precindls being fettled* 
they confederate and take poffefiion. 
There is inhabiting the low fliores and fwamps 
of this river and the lakes of Florida, as well as 
Georgia, a very curious bird*, called by an Indian 
name (Ephoufkyca) which fignifles 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 domeflic 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 refpedl; 
to be compared to one half of a bent bow; it is large 
or thick near the bafe, coinpreffed 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 leffening or tapering to 
# Tantalus pidtus. 
i 1 
m them 
