154 NATURAL HISTORY. 



without requiring to drink. If too heavily laden, or when 

 they are weary, they lie down, and no threats or punishment 

 will induce them to rise, so that their masters are forced to 

 unload them. When offended they have a veiy unpleasant 

 habit of spitting at the object of their anger. Formerly it 

 was supposed that their saliva was injurious, aud produced 

 blisters if it touched the skin. 



The fleece of the Llama is very long and fine, more resem- 

 bling silk than wool. It is very valuable, and is extensively 

 imported into this country for the purpose of malting cloth and 

 other fabrics. The fleece of the Alpaca is considered the 

 best, as it is sometimes twelve inches in length and very fine. 



In Chili and Peru the natives domesticate the Llama, which 

 in a state of captivity frequently becomes white. It is by no 

 means a large animal, as it measures about four feet six in 

 height. In general shape it resembles the camel, but has no 

 hump on its back, and its feet are provided with sharp hoofs 

 for climbing the rocky hills among which it lives. In Peru, 

 where it is most commonly found, there are public shambles 

 established for the sale of its flesh. 



Sub-family d. Moschina. 

 MOSCIIUS. (Gr. Moff^of, Musk.) 



Moscliiferus (Lat. musk-bearing), the Musk-deer. 



The MUSK-DEER inhabits many parts of India, and is 

 famous for the scent which it produces. This scent, called 



