THE EUMINANT OEDEE. 235 



The strengtli and energy of these animals are consequently sus- 

 tained a long time ; but when much reduced in condition, they 

 only recover their proper form by obtaining abundant and regular 

 nourishment for a lengthened period. 



The faculty which the Camel possesses of being able to dis- 

 pense with drinking for a considerable time, has generally been 

 attributed to the fact that it carries internally a reservoir 

 of water, which it uses in cases of necessity. Their digestive 

 organs, like those of other Ruminants, are composed of four dif- 

 ferent stomachs ; the paunch, however, presents a very remarkable 

 peculiarity. It is divided into two distinct bags, one of which is 

 composed of cubical cellules, which form reservoirs ; and when 

 the body of a Camel is cut open, a quantity of water is fre- 

 quently found in these receptacles. It has long been thought 

 that this liquid had been stored there by foresight, and that 

 it is used when occasion requires ; but it seems more reasonable 

 to consider that this water proceeds from a secretion, analogous 

 to the physiological phenomenon which fills the bladders of Fish 

 with air or the urn of the Nepenthe (among vegetables) with 

 water. 



Llama. — The Llamas are to the New World what Camels 

 are to the Old Continent. They are distinguished from the 

 latter animal by the absence of humps on their backs ; by their 

 two-toed feet only touching the ground at their extremities ; by 

 their soles, which are less flattened; and their shape, which is 

 more slender and graceful. 



There are three species of Llama : the Llama proper, the Paca, 

 and the Vicuna. 



The Llama (Fig. 77) was the only beast of burthen made use of 

 by the Peruvians at the time America was discovered by Euro- 

 peans, and it exists nowhere else in a wild state. It is about the 

 height of an under- sized Horse ; its head is small and weU set; 

 it has callosities on its breast, knees, and hocks. Its coat is coarse, 

 and varies in colour from brown to black ; occasionally it is grey, 

 and even white. The hair on its body is always longer and more 

 shaggy than on its head, neck, and legs. 



The ancient inhabitants of Peru made use of this species entirely 

 as beasts of burthen and labour ; but since the introduction of 

 Horses into America their employment has much diminished. 



