10 THE LAMA. 



all over America, but are found chiefly upon those moon- 

 tains that stretch from new Spain to the Straits of Magel- 

 lan. They inhabit the highest regions of the globe, and 

 seem to require purer air than animals of a lower situation 

 are found to enjoy. Peru seems to be the place where 

 they are found in greatest plenty. In Mexico, they are 

 introduced rather as curiosities than beasts of burden : 

 but in Potosi, and other provinces of Peru, they make the 

 chief riches of the Indians and Spaniards who rear them : 

 their flesh is excellent food ; their hair, or rather wool, may 

 be spun into beautiful clothing, and they are capable of 

 carrying burthens not exceeding a hundred weight, with 

 the greatest safety. It is true, indeed, that they go but 

 slowly, and seldom above fifteen miles a day ; their tread 

 is heavy, but sure, they descend precipices, and find footing 

 among the most craggy rocks, where even men can scarce- 

 ly accompany them ; they are, however, but feeble creatures, 

 and after four or five days' labour, they are obliged to 

 repose for a day or two. They are chiefly used in carrying 

 the riches of the mines of Potosi, and w T e are told that 

 there are above three hundred thousand of these animals 

 in actual employ. 



Though the Lama is no way comparable to the camel 

 either for size, strength, or perseverance, yet the Ameri- 

 cans find a substitute in it, with which they seem perfectly 

 contented. It appears formed for that indolent race of 

 masters, which it is obliged to serve ; it requires no care, 

 nor expense in the attending or providing for its sustenance ; 

 it is supplied with a warm covering, and therefore, does 

 not require to be housed; satisfied with vegetables and 

 grass, it wants no corn to subsist it ; it is not less mode- 

 rate in what it drinks, and exceeds even the camel in 

 temperance. Indeed, of all other creatures, it seems to 

 require water least, as it is supplied by nature with saliva 

 in such large quantities, that it spits it out on every occa- 

 sion : this saliva seems to be the only offensive weapon 

 that the harmless creature has to testify its resentment. 

 When overloaded, or fatigued, and driven on by all the 

 torturing acts of its keeper, it falls on its belly, and pours 

 out against him a quantity of this fluid ; which, though 

 probably no way hurtful, the Indians are much afraid of. 

 They say, that wherever it falls, it is of such an acrimo- 

 nious nature, that it will either burn the skin, or cause 

 very dangerous eruptions. 



