ANIMALS. o\5 



at a time, and their age never extends above ten or twelve year3 

 at farthest. 



Though the llama is no way comparable to the camel, either 

 for size, strength, or perseverance, yet the Americans find a sub- 

 stitute in it, with which they seem perfectly contented. It ap- 

 pears formed for that indolent race of masters which it is obliged 

 to serve ; it requires no care, nor no expense in the attending 

 or providing for its sustenance •, it is supplied with a warm co. 

 vering, and therefore does not require to be housed ; satisfied 

 with vegetables and grass, it wants neither corn nor hay to sub- 

 sist it ; it is not less moderate 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 ofl!ensive weapon that the 

 harmless creature has to testify its resentment. \VTien over- 

 loaded 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 acrimonious nature that it will either burn the skin, or 

 cause very dangerous eruptions.* 



Such are these animals in their domestic state ; but as 

 they are found wild in very great numbers, they exhibit marks 

 of great force and agility in their state of nature. The stag is 

 scarcely more swift, or the goat or the shamoy a better climber. 

 All its shapes are more delicate and strong ; its colour is tawny, 

 and its wool is but short ; in their native forests, they are grega- 

 rious animals, and are often seen in flocks of two or three hun- 

 dred at a time. When they perceive a stranger, they regard him 

 at first with astonishment, without marking any fear or surprise ; 

 but shortly, as if by common consent, they snufl^ up the air, 

 somewhat like horses, and at once, by a common flight, take 

 refuge on the tops of the mountains ; they are fonder of the 

 northern than the southern side of the Andes ; they often climb 

 above the snowy tracts of the mountain, and seem vigorous in 

 proportion to the coldness of their situation. The natives hunt 

 the wild llama for the sake of its fleece. If the dogs surprise 

 one upon the plain, they are generally successful ; but if once 

 * The saliva of llamas, it is now well ascertained, is perfectly harmless. 



