328 
THE TANTALUS. 
this incident, it should he 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 Voyages. 
