ALPACA OR PERUVIAN &HEEP. 



153 



UNITED STATES CENSUS STATISTICS OF LIVE STOCK 

 AND WOOL FOR 1839. 



SOUTH AMERICAN SHEEP. 



As has already been observed, no sheep are found in 

 South America of an indigenous character. The Argali is 

 not there, and the only native animal whose covering is ap- 

 propriated to manufactures, is the Lama of Chili and Peru. 



ALPACA OR PERUVIAN SHEEP. 



This animal, which, from its great resemblance to the 

 camel, was classed by Linnseus in the Camelide, is the 

 Lama of Peru and Chili. There are, according to Cuvier, 

 three species of the animal ; the Guanico, the Paco, and the 

 Vicuna. It is the Paco or Alpaca which is under notice, 

 and which, from the peculiar qualities of its long silky hair 

 or wool, has obtained the name of Peruvian sheep. ' The 

 following authentic description of this animal, and the uses 



