52 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



in the ventriculus for water : the dentition is nearly the 

 same, excepting that they want the canines in the lower 



jaw. 



Most species are readily tamed, and even capable of 

 considerable attachment to their keepers : all are believed 

 to have their types still in a state of freedom, mostly at 

 considerable elevations along the flanks of the Southern 

 Cordilleras ; where they live gregariously, sometimes as- 

 sembling in herds of considerable number. By the con- 

 formation of the toes, they are much more sure-footed than 

 true camels could be in rocky places and among slippery 

 ice and snow, where they shew a decision and a vivacity of 

 action, not unlike deer. Although no apparent provision 

 is made to enable them to live deprived of water, it is 

 known that they drink seldom, and in some cases not at all. 

 They are curious and timid, but not very shy ; some have 

 a feeble bleating, others it is said, a neighing voice. They 

 void their urine like the Camel, and are inclined to dung 

 in one place : the females have but two teats, and, con- 

 sequently, they produce, in all probability, but one at a 

 time : of the time of copulation, gestation, fyc. nothing is 

 yet known. 



Before the conquest of Peru, they were the only beasts 

 of burden employed by the natives; since that time the 

 increase of horses, and the superior vigour and sagacity of 

 mules, have diminished their importance and consequent 

 numbers among men : still, however, many are used by the 

 poorer inhabitants, in the difficult passes of the mountains. 

 When overloaded they are apt to lie down, and refuse to 

 rise, notwithstanding every method is tried by the drivers ; 

 yet the larger species will carry, as we have had occasion 

 to witness, a full grown man, and trot or rather run with 

 great swiftness for several miles. The weight usually im- 

 posed does not exceed one hundred and fifty pounds, which 

 they convey from sixteen to twenty miles in a day, with 



