useful in Victoria. 67 



proves an improved breed, both as to vigor and size, compared 

 with the pure Alpaca, and as they lamb within about twelve 

 months, a few years only will be required to obtain a superior 

 Alpaca fleece, with the additional advantage of having also a 

 more robust and hardy animal. This circumstance is well 

 worthy of attention ; and as these animals thrive in all tem- 

 peratures, they may become of great importance to this 

 colony.* 



The Vicuna, after the conquest, suffered more than the 

 other two species, on account of its being more feeble, timid, 

 and shy. A small number only can be now seen among the 

 domesticated animals, but the superior quality of the wool 

 will sufficiently justify any additional attention required to 

 secure the increase of so valuable an article of commerce. 

 The penalty of death was incurred under the rule of the 

 Incas by any one who dared to injure one of these highly 

 prized animals. 



In the interior of the mountain ridges of the Eastern Cor- 

 dilleras of Peru and Ecuador there exists another animal 

 tribe which has scarcely been known beyond the mountain 

 ridges where it breeds, but which has been highly appreciated 

 wherever it has been introduced j it is called the " Peruvian 

 Highland Goat." Although in many particulars similar to 

 the well-known species, it differs from the mountain goat of 

 Switzerland, being taller and stouter than that fine specimen 

 of the species. In fact, it is beyond doubt the best developed 

 in size and bulk of its species. But the chief characteristic 

 of the Peruvian goat is the long curly hair which covers its 

 back and hind quarters. From this peculiarity in some dis- 

 tricts it has been called " la cabra lanuda," or the woolly 

 goat. The wool is generally grey mixed with a light brown 

 and white, or black and white, the latter being the most pre- 

 valent. 



The milk of the goat has been generally regarded as a good 

 substitute for the mother^ s milk of our species, and in many 

 parts of the world the goat will be found with the dog as the 



* The pasture on which the Peruvian sheep principally feed is a long rough 

 grass, to which the Spaniards gave the name of " techo, " as it is useful 

 for thatching. Some writers have stated that the Peruvian sheep will not 

 thrive where this kind of grass does not prevail ; this is not exactly the case, 

 for I have seen these animals in a flourishing state in N. Granada, where the 

 "techo" was not known. This herb is by botanists known by the name of 

 Monandria Dygynia, of the Iarava class — Ichu being the common name for 

 this gramineous tribe, the reed of which is high and strong, the top part 

 being the favorite food. 



