THE VICUNA. 357 



rich fawn-coloured coats, with patches of white across the 

 shoulders and inside the legs. The wool is shorter and more 

 curly than that of the three other species, and, from its ex- 

 treme fineness, is of much greater value. 



During the dry season, when the grass of the plains has 

 withered, they descend to the swampy ground below. One 

 male is followed by a dozen or more females, over whom he 

 watches with the most faithful care. Should he apprehend 

 danger, he utters a loud, shrill cry of alarm, and rapidly 

 advances. The herd then collecting, moves forward slowly ; 

 but immediately they discover the approach of an enemy they 

 wheel round and fly — at first at a slow pace, frequently look- 

 ing round, and then away they dart, fleet as the wind, the 

 male covering their retreat. Should their protector be wounded, 

 the females return and keep circling round him, uttering pierc- 

 ing notes of sorrow, and remain to be shot rather than desert 

 their companion. 



Although it is only when enraged that the llamas and 

 huanucus spit upon those near them, the vicunas and alpacas 

 invariably eject saliva and undigested food — which has a 

 peculiarly disagreeable smell — upon all who approach them. 



Vicunas in vast numbers are found ranging over the more 

 remote and lofty regions of the Puna, where they are able to 

 find a safe retreat from the attacks of man. They have, how- 

 ever, a very formidable enemy in the ravenous condor, who 

 frequently robs them of their young. 



These two wild species the Peruvian peasants were never 

 allowed to hunt, they being as much the property of the 

 government as if enclosed within a park. Only on stated 

 occasions, once a year, great hunts took place under the 

 superintendence of the Inca, or his principal officers. They 



23 n 



