THE TANTALUS. 
143 
and I shall feel pleasure, if, by stating this incident, 
it should be the means of saying 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 . 
