PROFITS OF THE CHURCH. 337 



about fifteen or twenty paces, he lets go the hand-ball, whereupon all 

 three whirl in a circle, and cling round the object aimed at. The 

 aim is usually directed at the animal's hind legs, and the cords twist- 

 ing round them, he is unable to move. Great skill and long practice 

 are required to throw the bolas dexterously; a novice in the art in- 

 curs the risk of dangerously hurting either himself or his horse, by 

 not giving the balls the proper swing, or by letting go the hand-ball 

 too soon. 



The vicunas, after being secured by the bolas, are killed; their 

 skins belong to the Church, and their flesh, which is tenderer and 

 better flavoured than that of the llama, is distributed in equal por- 

 tions among the hunters. 



Under the dynasty of the Incas, the Peruvians rendered almost 

 divine worship to the llama and his congeners, adorning the temples 

 with large figures of these animals fashioned in gold and silver.* 



* Dr. Von Tschudi, " Travels in Peru." 

 22 



