38 THE WONDERS OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



and mountains of Cusco, Potosi, and Tucuman ; from which they descend to graze in the vallies, and 

 it is there that they become the sport of the natives. The mode of entrapping these animals is 

 rather curious, and exhibits a striking feature in their natural history. The hunters commence their 

 operations by extending some cords across the places where the animals are likely to effect their 

 escape ; to these cords are attached, at stated distances, some tufts of cloth of different colours, which 

 have the effect of so intimidating the animals, that they dare not attempt to overleap the barrier, which 

 could not stand for a moment against their united force. The hunters then begin to make a great 

 noise, and try to drive the animals towards some rocks which are too steep for them to ascend. The 

 extreme timidity of the animal prevents it from turning its head towards its pursuers, and in this state 

 it is easily caught by the hinder legs, and it seldom happens that a single one of the whole herd is 

 allowed to escape. There is a law enacted, which punishes with a heavy penalty these unlimited 

 massacres ; but it is a law to which a very slight obedience is paid. In some instances, the hunters 

 are satisfied with the fleeces of the animals, and, having shorn them, restore them to their liberty. 

 From five hundred to a thousand fleeces are sometimes the fruit of these expeditions. 



If we refer to Augustin de Zarate, who in 1544 held the office of treasurer-general of Peru, we 

 there find that the pacas, or alpacas, even at that early period, formed a part of the food of the 

 natives, as their flesh was sold in the public shambles in all parts of Peru where the animal was to 

 be found. 



" In those places," he says, " where there is no snow, the natives are often in great distress for 

 water, and in order to supply this deficiency, they fill the skins of sheep with water, which they load 

 on the backs of living sheep, (it must be observed that he calls llamas, sheep,) for these sheep of Peru 

 are sufficiently large to serve as beasts of burthen. They have a great resemblance to the camel in 

 their shape, although they have not the hump on the back like that animal. These sheep are able to 

 carry about a hundred pounds, and it was the custom of the Spaniards to ride them, as they travel 

 with ease five or six leagues a day. When the animal is fatigued, it throws itself down upon the 

 ground, and as, from its obstinate disposition, there are no means of making it get up, either by 

 coercion or assistance, the load is then generally taken off. It frequently happens, when the 

 beast is tired and the rider urges him to proceed, that it turns its head round, and discharges its 

 saliva into his face, which is of such a deleterious nature, that the most disagreeable consequences 

 result from it. These animals are of great use and profit to their owners, the wool of them 

 being exceedingly fine and good, especially of that species which are called pacas, or alpacas. The 

 fleeces are very long, and very little expense is incurred in their keeping, as a few yams or a little 

 maize will suffice them during the day, and water does not appear to be indispensable to their 

 existence. Their flesh is as good as that of the sheep of Castile, and public shambles are now erected 

 for the sale of their flesh." 



In regard to the natural characteristics of the alpaca, it so nearly resembles the llama, that the same 

 description will apply to both. In its state of nature few animals exhibit marks of greater strength or 

 agility. The stag is scarcely more swift, or the goat or the chamois a better climber. All its shapes 

 are delicate and strong, and there is a keenness in its look which is strongly indicative of the natural 

 disposition of the animal. It is fonder of the northern than the southern side of the Andes; often 

 climbing above the snowy tracks of the mountain, and appearing vigorous in proportion to the 

 coldness of its situation. If the dogs surprise a single alpaca upon the plain, they are generally 

 successful ; but if once the animal attains the rocky precipices of the mountain, the hunters are 

 obliged to desist from their pursuit. 



