-cj.cr»»-. 



THE ALPACA. 25 



always remain spiteful, and can hardly ever be trained to carry 

 burthens. 



The Alpaca is smaller than the llama, and resembles the 

 sheep ; but its neck is longer, and it has a more elegantly 

 formed head. The wool which, on ac- 

 count of its admirable qualities, is 

 extensively used in England, is very 

 long, soft, fine, and of a silky lustre — 

 sometimes quite white or black, but 

 often also variegated. 



Shy, like the chamois or the stein- 

 bock, the Vicuna inhabits the most '^^^ alpaca. 

 sequestered mountain-valleys of the Andes. It is of a more 

 elegant shape than the alpaca, with a longer and more graceful 

 neck, and a more curly wool of extreme fineness. During 

 the rainy season, the vicuiias retire to the crests of the Cor- 

 dillera, where vegetation is reduced to the scantiest limits ; 

 but they never venture on the bare summits, as their hoof, 

 accustomed to tread only on the turf, is very tender and sensi- 

 tive. When pursued, they never fly to the ice-fields, but only 

 along the grass-grown slopes. In the dry season, when vegetation 

 withers on the heights, they descend to seek their food along 

 the sources and swampy grounds. From six to fifteen she- 

 vicunas live under the protection and guidance of a single male, 

 who alway|s remains a few paces apart from his harem, and 

 keeps watch with the most attentive care. At the least ap- 

 proach of danger he immediately gives the alarm by a shrill 

 cry, and rapidly steps forward. The herd, immediately assem- 

 bling, turns inquisitively towards the side whence danger is 

 apprehended, and then, suddenly wheeling, flies, at first slowly, 

 and constantly looking back, but soon with unrivalled swiftness. 

 The male covers the retreat, frequently standing still and 

 watching the enemy. The females reward the faithful care of 

 their leader with an equally rare attachment ; for when he is 

 wounded or killed, they will keep running round him with 

 slirill notes of sorrow, and rather be shot than flee. The cry of 

 the vicuna is a peculiar whistle, which, though greatly re- 

 sembling the shrill neighing of the llama, may easily be dis- 

 tinguished by a practised ear, when it suddenly pierces the thin 

 air of the Puna, even from a distance where the sharpest eye is 

 no longer able to distinguish the form of the animal. 



