710 THE ALPACA. 
the death of thousands of Vicugnas, which are slain by various methods merely for the 
sake of their coats. The colour of the Vicugna is a nearly uniform brown, tinged with 
yellow on the back, and fading into grey on the abdomen. Its height at the shoulder is 
about two feet six inches. 
The GUANACO is spread over a very wide range of country, ranging over the whole of 
the temperate regions of Patagonia. The colour of this species is a reddish-brown, the 
ears and hind legs grey. The neck is long in comparison to the size of the body, and the 
height at the shoulder is about three feet six inches. . 
The Guanaco lives in herds varying in number from ten to thirty or forty, but is 
sometimes seen in flocks of much greater numbers, resembling sheep, not only in their 
gregarious habits, but in the implicit obedience with which they rely upon their leader. 
Should they be deprived of his guardianship they become so bewildered that they run 
aimlessly from spot to spot, and can be easily destroyed by experienced hunters. It is a 
very wary and timid animal; but like many creatures of similar disposition, is possessed 
with so strong a feeling of curiosity that it can be attracted towards the hunter if he lies 
down on the ground and kicks his feet in the air. Even the reports of his rifle do not 
frighten the animals, who, says Darwin, consider them as part of the performance. Still, 
it is a quick-sighted and wary animal, and if it perceives a human being approaching its 
domicile, it sets up a shrill neighing scream, which is often the first intimation of its 
presence. The whole herd then set off into a rapid canter along the hill-side, and gain 
some elevated spot where they can feel themselves safe. 
The Guanaco, in common with the other species, is rather short-tempered, and has a 
very unpleasant habit of displaying its anger by discharging a shower of half-digested 
food and saliva over the offender. Formerly, this salival discharge was thought to be 
acrid, and capable of raising blisters upon the human skin. This, however, is fortunately 
not the case, although the assault is eminently disagreeable, on account of the ill scent of 
the ejected liquid. In its wild state the Guanaco seems to have little or no idea of 
resistance, being easily held by a single dog until the hunter can come up and make sure 
of his prize. But in domesticated life, it seems to imbibe a spirit of combativeness, for 
it will kick with both hind legs, and deliver severe blows with the knees of those limbs. 
Among themselves, however, the males fight desperately, the cause of combat being 
generally some favoured and coveted female. 
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 colour, 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 colour 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. 
