LLAMA. 
in the upper jaw. The upper Hp is divided 
like that of the hare ; and, from this aperture, 
the creature spits in the face of those who 
olFend it, to the distance of ten paces, with a 
saliva so acrid, that it inflames or blisters the 
skin. The feet are not only cloven, like those 
of the ox ; but they are armed behind with 
spur, which assists the animal in supporting it 
self on rugged and uneven ground. The wool 
or hair, on the back, crupper, and tail, is short 
but, on the flank and belly, it is very long. 
Through the whole extent of Peru, frc 
Potosi to Caracas, these animals are extremel 
numerous : their flesh is good eating ; thei 
wool is excellent ; and their whole lives ar 
spent in transporting the commodities of the 
country. Their common load is a hundred 
and fifty pounds ; they march slowly, and sel- 
dom go more than four or five leagues a day. 
They descend precipitous ravins, and climb 
steep rocks, where even man feats to venture 
They are much employed in carrying the rich 
ores dug out of the mines of Potosi. Bollv 
remarks that, in his time, three hundred tho 
sand of these animals were constantly occu 
pied in this work, 
Tl« 
