204: 
ANIMALS. 
small number of them for work ; and the Mije Indians generally 
prefer transporting every thing on their own backs to burdening 
their beasts. 
In the prosecution of such works as may be required for the 
opening of a line of communication across the Isthmus, the ad- 
vantages accruing from the great number of horses, mules, and 
cattle can hardly be overrated. Good beeves may be had at 
prices ranging from four to six dollars per head ; and for pur- 
poses of draught there is no lack of oxen. On the Pacific 
plains, where the surface of the country is sufficiently level to 
admit of wheeled vehicles, they are extensively employed — the 
yoke being secured by hide thongs to the horns. 
On the less habitable portions of the Isthmus the numerous 
allies, ticks, and other vermin prove a serious annoyance to the 
larger domestic quadrupeds ; and at some localities, especially 
Boca del Monte, the Yampyre bat ( Yam^yrus spectrum) exists 
in great numbers. Both men and animals are subject to its 
attacks, and nightly the latter suffer depletion from its fangs, 
frequently to such an extent as to be incapacitated for the next 
day's work. The Yampyre bleeds its victim with such extreme 
gentleness, and such is the noiseless flutter of its velvet wings, 
which stir the air to a soft and fanning breeze, that the sleeper 
is soothed into a calm, dream-like repose ; while, unconscious of 
harm, he yields the vital fluid till he approaches the verge of 
delirium. 
Goats are mostly confined to the southern division of the 
Isthmus, where they are found in considerable numbers. There 
are also a few sheep, which do not seem to thrive, partly from 
the want of care, but chiefly from the excessive elevation of 
temperature. The inhabitants, however, having no occasion for 
woollen garments, and the flesh being seldom eaten, sheep are 
a worthless possession. On the elevated spurs near San Juan 
Guichicovi there are a few Alpaca, or Peruvian sheep {AuGhenia), 
notwithstanding it has been said that they are confined exclu- 
sively to portions of South America. Their existence on the 
Isthmus gives the appearance of truth to a tradition still pre- 
served among the Mijes concerning the migration of their 
ancestry from Peru. 
