RUMINANTIA. 189 



of the Incas ; the " priests of the sun " sacrificed it, at stated sea. 

 sons, to the orb of day. Frequently the Llama, but preferably the 

 Alpaca, was a pet in the Indian's cabin. In intelligence these 

 animals rank high among the ruminants. As regards patience 

 and resignation, they are said to equal the ox, while in point of 

 sensibility, they are unsurpassed by any other quadrupeds. 

 The size and shape of the eye indicate a strong and quick sight 

 as well as a peculiar capacity for bearing the reflection of the 

 sun's rays in the same manner as the Camel resists that glare of 

 the sands which in man so often produces ophthalmia. (Gr. 

 blearedness of the eyes.) 



Auchenia Llama. The GUANACO. 



The animals of this species are rather larger than sheep, but 

 smaller than heifers. Their compact bodies, their long legs, 

 and their feet having toes armed with nail-like hoofs, fit them for 

 dwelling in their wild state, among crags and precipices, where 

 the hunter would be foiled if he dared to venture. Vast herds 

 of wild Guanacos associate, during the summer, free as the 

 air, feeding upon the herbage of their elevated abode, and the 

 grass or rush called icho, which covers the mountain slopes. 

 As long as green and succulent vegetables can be procured, the 

 animal never drinks. The cells of the stomach in this animal 

 probably retain the moisture of the masticated vegetables for the 

 necessities of the system, perhaps even adding to it by a liquid 

 secretion of their own. It is a proof of Divine Providence 

 that formed to dwell in such regions, the Guanacos are not only 

 able to live without water, but if they can obtain their natural 

 food, do not even require it. 



Auchenia Alpaca. PAGO, or ALPACA LLAMA. 



The great peculiarity of this species is its long, fine and silky 

 wool, covering the neck as well as the other parts of the body. 

 The staple of our common wools is not more than six inches 

 long; but that of the Alpaca averages from eight to twelve, and 

 sometimes reaches twenty inches ; acquiring strength without 

 being accompanied by coarseness, the reverse of which occurs 

 in other woolly tribes. Each filament, or thread, appears straight, 

 well formed, and free from crispness; and the quality is more 

 uniform throughout the fleece. There is also a glittering bright- 

 ness upon the surface, which gives it the glossiness of silk, espe- 

 cially, when it comes out of the dye-vats. It is distinguished by 

 softness, an essential property in the manufacture of fine stuff; 

 and being exempt from spiral, curly and shaggy portions, 

 when not too long, it spins easily, and yields an even and true 

 thread. It is, besides, less liable than other wool to form knots 



