LLAMA, Auckenia lama, a most useful South American quadruped of the family cantelida3. It is doubtful whether it ought to be regarded 41S distinct species, or as a mere domesticated variety of the 1m:intim (q.v.). 1 t was in general use as a beast of burden on the Peruvian Andes at the time of the Spanish conquest, and was the only beast of burden used by the natives of America before thc: tairse and ass were introduced by Europeans. It is still much used in this capacity on the Andes, the peculiar confor mation of its foet (see AucuENIA) euabling it to walk. securely on slopes too rough and steep for any other animal. The working of many of the silver milles of the Andes could scarcely be carried on but for the assistance of llamas. The burden carried by the llama should not exceed 125 pounds. When too heavily loaded the animal lies down and refuses to move, nor will either coaxing or severity overcome its resolution. It is
generally very patient and docile. Its rate of traveling is about 12 or 15 m. a day. The llama is about 3 ft. in height at the shoulder, has a longish neck, and carries its head elevated. The females are smaller and less strong than the males, which alone are used for carrying burdens. The color is very various, generally brown with shades of yellow or black, frequently speckled, rarely quite white or black. The flesh is spongy, coarse, and not of a very agreeable flavor. The hair or wool is inferior to that of the alpaca, but is used for similar purposes; that of the female is finer than that of the male. The llama has been introduced with the alpaca into Australia; but it is only for steep moun tain regions that it seems to be adapted.