29G Dr Hamilton's Observations on the Llama^ 



V>\\t latterly there has been such a demand for wool that more 

 attention will be given to the fleece, both of the llama tribe 

 and the common sheep of Peru ; and if this important object 

 1)C taken up by competent parties, both the quality and quan- 

 tity of wools from that quarter may be increased. 



It has been suggested that attempts should be made to na- 

 turalize the alpaca and llama on a large scale in this country 

 for the purpose of wool-growing, and also for obtaining the 

 flesh of these animals to eat ; but as to the latter, not to no- 

 lice its cost, the important question arises, would the flesh of 

 these creatures be relished by people in Britain ; and though I 

 have no desire again to partake of such ' venison,'' yet the ex- 

 l)criment may now be made, seeing that a number of these 

 animals are now domiciled in this counti-y ; and as tastes do 

 differ, it is possible that a joint of a llama or alpaca may be- 

 come a welconie dish on the Englishman's table. 



But allowing the eatability of alpaca flesh among Eng- 

 lishmen, another question arises, would it be profitable ? and 

 also, can the wools of these animals be purchased at a much 

 cheaper rate when sent from Peru than they could be bought 

 at, if purchased from the speculator in llamas or alpacas, 

 who M'ould propose to rear them on a grand scale on the 

 bogs and sterile mountains, or other parts of Britain and Ire- 

 land ? These are important points for the consideration of 

 all who would involve capital in siich a speculation. I still hold 

 the opinion expressed at the meeting of the British Associa- 

 tion at Glasgow, ^. e. that the experiment is worth trying by 

 those who are able and willing to risk the necessary expense ; 

 but I fear that it cannot succeed, because, besides other ad- 

 verse circumstances, the climate of Britain is very unlike that 

 of the native country of the alpaca. 



It rrtay be noticed that many llamas and alpacas are alto • 

 gethcr white, but more of them, especially alpacas, are wholly 

 black, exhibiting as marked a contrast as the black and white 

 swine which are seen in Piedmont. 



Party-coloured llamas and alpacas are numerous ; and wool 

 from them of a brown colour has occasionally been mixed 

 •with that of the vicuna. 



