24 THE TROPICAL 'WORLD. 



on the knees, the same divided hoof and a similar formation 

 of the toes and stomach. Thus Nature has formed in the llama 

 a species of mountain camel, admirably adapted to the exi- 

 gencies of a totally different soil and climate ; and surely it is 

 not one of the least wonders of creation to see animals so 

 similar in many respects emerge, without any connecting links, 

 at the opposite extremities of the globe. 



The ordinary load of the llama is about one hundred pounds, 

 and its rate of travelling with this burthen over rugged moun- 

 tain passes is from twelve to fifteen miles a-day. When over- 

 loaded it lies down, and will not rise until relieved of part of its 

 burthen. ' The Indians,' says Tschudi, ' often travel with large 

 lierds of llamas to the coast to fetch salt. Their journeys are 

 very small, rarely more than three or four leagues ; for the 

 llamas never feed after sunset, and are thus obliged to graze 

 while journeying, or to rest for several hours. While reposing 

 they utter a peculiar low tone, which at a distance resembles 

 the sound of an ^olian harp. A loaded herd of llamas tra- 

 versing the high table-lands affords an interesting spectacle. 

 Slowly and stately they proceed, casting inquisitive glances on 

 every side. On seeing any strange object which excites their 

 fears, they immediately scatter in every direction, and their 

 poor drivers have great difficulty to gather the herd.' The 

 Indians, who are very fond of these animals, decorate their 

 ears with ribbons, hang little bells about their necks, and 

 always caress them before placing the burthen on their back. 

 When one of them drops from fatigue, they kneel at its side and 

 strive to encourage it for further exertion by a profusion of 

 flattering epithets and gentle warnings. Yet, in spite of good 

 treatment, a number of llamas perish on the way to the coast or 

 to the forests, as they cannot stand the hot climate. 



The Hiianacu is of a greater size than the llama, and resem- 

 bles it so much that it was supposed to be the wild variety 

 until Tschudi, in his ' Fauna Peruana,' pointed out the specific 

 differences between both. Its fleece is shorter and less fine ; its 

 colour brown, the under parts being whitish — but varieties of 

 colour are never observed, as in the llama ; the face is blackish 

 grey, lighter and almost white about the lips. The huanacus 

 generally live in small troops of from five to seven. They are 

 very shy, but when caught young are easily tamed, though they 



