352. BULLETIN OF THE 



Four specimens are contained in the collection, including a skeleton and 

 several skins suitable for mounting, of both the adult and young. 



" Some of the habits of the Vicunas, Guanacos, Llamas, and Alpacas 

 deserve especial mention, particularly so since they do not seem to be gen- 

 erally known. One is that of lying down during the act of copulation, — a 

 habit common to but few if any other of the Ruminants, and one of rare 

 occurrence among other mammals. Another habit worthy of note is that of 

 their depositing their excrement in heaps, for which purpose they are said to 

 return to the same place day after day. In consequence, when travelling 

 through their haunts, one finds at short distances rounded mounds, where 

 for months, and perhaps for years, daily additions of excrement have been 

 made. Economically considered, this habit is of great importance to the 

 inhabitants of a region so scantily supplied with woody vegetation, the dung 

 of these animals being used by them for fuel. The greater part of the cook- 

 ing, such as it is, is done by its use, and even the government steamers on 

 Lake Titicaca are supplied with fuel from this source. If the pellets of 

 excrement were scattered about as by sheep, it would not be available, but 

 being deposited in mounds it is easily gathered. It is collected to such an 

 extent that it furnishes a profitable source of income, being sold for the use 

 of the steamers. 



" The flesh of these animals is inferior to mutton ; the natives eat it, but 

 strangers use it under protest. That of the Vicunas and Guanacos is con- 

 sidered 'to be better than that of the Llamas and Alpacas." 



6. Habrothrix sp. incog. One specimen (skin). 



7. ? Reithrodon sp. incog. One specimen (skin). 



8. Cavia boliviensis Waterhouse. Three specimens. 



" ' Conejos.' Found in numbers near Puno, under walls and rocks. They 

 were to be taken only late in the evening when they had left their burrows, 

 or early in the morning before they had retired to them." 



9. Dasyprocta Azarse Licht. Two specimens. 



10. Lagidium Cuvieri Bennett. Six specimens are embraced in the 

 collection, which vary considerably in respect to the amount of fulvous suf- 

 fusion, and the distinctness of the dorsal stripe. 



"'Vizcacha.' Very common in the rocky districts, but not met with on 

 the pampas. Invariably selects rocky places for its burrows, and builds no 

 mounds at their entrances, which are usually under or between large rocks. 

 Runs about and feeds during the day as well as at night. Is not very tena- 

 cious of life, being as easily killed as a rabbit. I sometimes found them a 

 mile away from their homes, and though closely pursued they would pass 

 burrow after burrow till they reached their own. The trails used by these 

 animals in passing to and fro are so well smoothed and worn as to be easily 

 traceable for long distances. Their long tails, which drag on the ground, 



