502 



RUMINANTS. 



the activity of Goats. Two si^ecies are known — the Llama 

 ■proper and the Vicunia. 



The Llama (Auchenia Llaoma) is met with in the mountainous 

 disti-icts of South America. It is of the size of a Stag and covered 

 with thick fm- of a chestnut colour. At the time of the conquest of 

 Peru by the Spaniards, it was the only beast of burden in that 

 country, and still continues to be employed for the same purpose. 

 Its usual load is about one hundred and fifty pounds ; but it is only 

 capable of making short journeys. 



The Alpaca, o^- Paco, is a variety of the domesticated Llama, 

 celebrated for its long woolly hair, whicli in fineness and elasticity 

 is not much inferior to the most beautiful wool of the goats of 

 Thibet. 



The Vicunia (Camelus Vicunna) is about the size of a sheep, 

 covered with yellow-brown wool, of admirable fineness and softness, 

 -which hangs "lilce long silk upon its breast. It inhabits the Andes 

 of Chili and Peru, near the line of perpetual snow ; and is actively 

 hunted on accoimt of its wool, which is manufactured into valuable 

 stufls and hats. 



The Musks {3Ioschus) differ from ordinary ruminants 

 in the absence of horns, and in having long canine teeth 

 in the upper jaw. They are beautiful animals, equally 

 remarkable for theii' elegance and their activity. 



The Musk {3Ioschus moschiferus) is about the size of a goat. It 

 has no tail, and is entirely covered with hairs, so thick and brittle 

 that they might be almost called spines. 



Fig. 429.— kaxchu.. 



