236 



MAMMALIA. 



These animals are, however, very useful for the transportaty)n of 

 heavy weights across the mountains and over the difficult roads 

 of the Cordilleras, on accoimt of the wonderful sureness of their 

 footing. They walk very slowly, and can carry upwards of a 

 hundred and sixty pounds weight ; but they must not be hurried, 

 for if violence is used to quicken their pace they are certain 



Fig. 77.— The Llama (F. Cuv.) 



fall down, 

 be beaten 



and refusing to 

 to death on the 



up, woidd allow themselves 

 spot rather than resume their 



get 



to 

 to 

 course. 



The climate which this animal prefers is that of plateaux, 

 from 10,000 to 11,000 feet above the sea, and in these localities 

 the most numerous herds of Llamas are to be foimd. The natives 

 fold the domesticated ones, like Sheep, in special enclosures near 

 their cabins. At sunrise they are set at liberty to seek their food. 



under the guidance of the old males. 



In the evening they return, 



