THE GUANACO OF SOUTH AMERICA. 495 
The limbs are very slender, like those of the antelope : 
the posterior extremities are longer than the fore-legs; 
hence the animal in running proceeds by vast bounds. On 
the fore-legs the tawny fur descends below the carpus, or 
what is commonly called the knee of quadrupeds ; but on 
the posterior extremity, it does not reach the corresponding 
joint by three inches. The spot mentioned in the character 
occurred in all the specimens of this animal which have 
fallen under my observation, and had, in all, the same form 
and colour. Its hue is deep chocolate-brown, when nar- 
rowly examined, or almost blackish-brown : it lies in the 
space between the bone and the strong flexor tendons : its 
form is acutely elliptical. The exterior spot is larger than 
the interior. The former was 2 inches long, and i an inch 
broad at its widest part. 
The foot of this animal is singularly formed. The divi- 
sion extends up to the first joint of the leg ; yet the sole is 
very flat, and the sulcus apparently small, when seen from 
below. The soles of the feet are furnished with callus, of 
an elongated form, and slightly rounded at the extremities. 
The hoofs are very small, and rather resemble nails or 
claws, forming triquetrous coverings to the extremities only 
of each toe, with the acute edge towards the inner and up- 
per part, being quite open below, and projecting beyond 
the end of the toes in a sharp point. This is the structure 
of both feet. 
The habit of the animal resembles that of some of the 
more slender antelopes. The limbs are long, and convey 
the idea of great fleetness. Its manners appeared gentle ; 
yet, when irritated, it turned its head round, and, by a 
forcible expiration, projected its saliva, in small quantity, 
at the object of its dislike. The Spaniards assert;, that the 
saliva, thus projected, has an acrid quality, sHghtly infla- 
ming the skin where it alights, and producing some itching. 
Kk2 
