THE LLAMAS.
LLAMA.
The Llamas are to the New World what Camels are to the Old Continent. They are distinguished from the latter animal by the absence of humps on their backs; by their two-toed feet only touching the ground at their extremities; by their soles, which are less flattened; and their shape, which is more slender and graceful.
There are three species of Llama—the Llama proper, the Paca, and the Vicuna.
The Llama was the only beast of burden made use of by the Peruvians at the time America was discovered by Europeans, and it exists nowhere else in a wild state. It is about the height of an under-sized Horse; its head is small and well set; its coat is coarse, and varies in color from brown to black; occasionally it is grey, and even white. The hair on its body is always longer and more shaggy than on its head, neck and legs.
The ancient inhabitants of Peru made use of this species entirely as beasts of burden and labor; but since the introduction of Horses into South America their employment has much diminished.
These animals are, however, very useful for the transportation of heavy weights across the mountains, on account of the wonderful sureness of their footing. They walk very slowly, and can carry upwards of a hundred and sixty pounds weight; but they must not be hurried, for if violence is used to quicken their pace they are certain to fall down, and refusing to get up, would allow themselves to be beaten to death on the spot rather than resume their course.
The climate which this animal prefers is that of plateaux, from 10,000 to 11,000 feet above the sea, and in these localities the most numerous herds of Llamas are to be found. The natives fold the domesticated ones, like Sheep, in special enclosures near their cabins. At sunrise they are set at liberty to seek their food. In the evening they return, frequently escorted by wild Llamas; but these take every precaution to avoid being captured.
In more ways than one the Llama is most valuable to the inhabitants of the mountains; for the flesh of the young is good and wholesome food, their skin produces a leather of value, and their hair is used for various manufactures.