Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/202

162 flock of these animals is a handsome sight. When resting, they make a singing sound peculiar to the species.

Llamas are not noted for their sweet tempers. They are easily irritated, and when angry, have a nasty habit of spitting in the face of any one with whom they happen to be offended. The Indians of South America understand them better than any one else.

They fondle and pet them and adorn their necks and ears with tinkling bells and bright coloured ribbons. Before loading, they caress and play with them, getting them into excellent humour before departing on a long journey.

If while travelling the Llama lies down, the arriero kneels beside him and coaxes the animal with expressions of endearment. The warm climate is hard on them, because of their heavy coats and many die before they can return to the mountains.

The average Llama is three feet three inches high at the shoulder, and four and one-half to five feet to the top of the head. They are brown