THE ALPACA. 579 



The Guanaco is wonderfully sure-footed upon rocky ground, and is also a good swimmer, 

 taking voluntarily to the water, and swimming from one island to another. When near the 

 sea, it will drink the salt water, and has often been observed in the act of drinking the briny 

 waters of certain salt springs. 



THE YAMMA, or LLAMA, is of a brown, or variegated color, and its legs are long and 

 slender. In former days, this animal was the only beast of burden which was possessed by 

 the natives, and it was largely used by the Spaniards (who described it as a sheep) for the 

 same purpose. It is able to carry a weight of one hundred pounds, and to traverse about 

 fourteen or fifteen miles per diem. As a beast of burden, it is now being rapidly supplanted 

 by the ass, while the European sheep is gradually taking its place as a wool-bearer. The flesh 

 of the Llama is dark and coarse, and is accordingly held in bad repute. 



THE ALPACA, or PACO, is, together with the last animal, supposed by several zoologists to 

 be only a domesticated variety of the Guanaco. Its color is generally black, but is often 

 variegated with brown and white. The wool of this species is long, soft, silky, and extremely 

 valuable in the commercial world. A herd of Llamas has been imported into Australia, and 

 seems to have succeeded remarkably well, the yield of wool having been quite as rich as was 

 hoped by the enterprising importer. It is a handsome and a gentle animal, and is only found 

 in a domesticated state. 



