THE STORY OF THE LLAMA. 
When Pizarro and his Spaniards conquered Peru they found a beast of 
burden in use by the Peruvians, and along with the other booty gained they 
acquired this animal, which is called the llama. The tons of gold and silver 
sent to> Spain were all transported from, the mountain recesses to the 
coast on the backs of the llama. 
Only the males were used as beasts of burden, while the smaller females 
were kept.for their milk and flesh. In traveling along the roads the droves 
marched in single file, under the guidance of a leader; and such a line 
would traverse the highest passes of the Cordillera, and skirt the most 
stupendous precipices with perfect safety. When not in active use, the herds 
of llamas were kept on the higher mountain pastures, where they would 
often temporarily associate with wild guanacos. The Spanish conquerors of 
Peru spoke of llama flesh as being fully equal to the best mutton, and they 
established in the towns shops for its regular sale. At the period of the 
conquest it is estimated that upwards of three hundred thousand llamas 
were employed in the transport of the product of the mines of Potosi alone. 
The llama can conveniently carry from ioo to 125 pounds, but should 
the load put upon it exceed its strength, it lies down, and shows itself inflex¬ 
ible to force or persuasion until it is removed or lightened. Its usefulness 
349 
