THE LLAMA THE ALPACA. 355 



in bearing the produce of the mines of Potosi to the coast, often 

 in places where the hoof of the mule could find no support. 

 It was estimated, after the conquest, that 300,000 were thus 

 employed. As they never feed after sunset, it is necessary, 

 when journeying, to allow them to graze for several hours dur- 

 ing the day. They utter a peculiar low sound, which at a dis- 

 tance resembles, when the herd is large, the tone of numer- 

 ous ^Eolian harps. On seeing any strange object which 

 excites their fears, they immediately scatter in every direc- 

 tion, and are with difficulty reunited. The Indians treat them 

 kindly, ornamenting their ears with ribbons, and hanging little 

 bells about their necks. When any of them, over-fatigued, 

 fall to the ground, their conductors endeavour by every gentle 

 means to induce them to proceed. In spite, however, of the 

 kind treatment they receive, numbers, from the heat of the 

 coast region, which they cannot stand, annually perish. 



When offended, the llama shows its anger by turning its 

 head at its driver, and discharging a saliva with a bad odour 

 in his face. It is about the size of the stag. It carries 

 its long neck upright, constantly moving its long ears. The 

 animals vary in colour. Some are of a light brown, the under 

 part being whitish ; others dappled ; but they are seldom found 

 quite white or black. In consequence of the introduction of 

 the mule and horse into the country, which have superseded 

 them in many places as beasts of burden, their price seldom 

 exceeds three or four dollars. The flesh of the llama is eaten; 

 and as many as 4,000,000 were, in days gone by, annually 

 killed for food. 



THE ALPACA. 



The alpaca is smaller than the llama, and somewhat re- 

 sembles the sheep. It has a long, soft, fine fleece of a silky 



