The four forms commonly distinguished by the inhabitants of South America are recognised by some naturalists as distinct species, and have had specific designations attached to them, though usually with expressions of doubt, and with great difficulties in defining their distinctive characteristics. These are (1) the Llama, _Auchenia glama_ (Linn.), or _Lama peruana_ (Tiedemann); (2) the Alpaca, _A. pacos_ (Linn.); (3) the Guanaco or Huanaco, _A. huanacus_ (Molina); and (4) the Vicugna, _A. vicugna_ (Molina), or _A. vicunna_, (Cuv.) The first and second are only known in the domestic state, and are variable in size and colour, being often white, black, or piebald. The third and fourth are wild, and of a nearly uniform light-brown colour, passing into white below. They certainly differ from each other, the Vicugna being smaller, more slender in its proportions, and having a shorter head (Fig. 116) than the Guanaco (Fig. 117). It may therefore, according to the usual view of species, be considered distinct. It lives in herds on the bleak and elevated parts of the mountain range bordering the region of perpetual snow, amidst rocks and precipices, occurring in various suitable localities throughout Peru, in the southern part of Ecuador, and as far south as the middle of Bolivia. Its manners very much resemble those of the Chamois of the European Alps; and it is as vigilant, wild, and timid. The wool is extremely delicate and soft, and highly valued for the purposes of weaving, but the quantity which each animal produces is not great. [Illustration: FIG. 117.—Head of Guanaco, from an animal living in the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London.] The Guanaco has an extensive geographical range, from the highlands of the Andean region of Ecuador and Peru to the open plains of Patagonia, and even the wooded islands of Tierra del Fuego. It constitutes the principal food of the Patagonian Indians, and its skin is invaluable to them, as furnishing the material out of which their long robes are constructed. It is about the size of a European Red Deer, and is an elegant animal, being possessed of a long, slender, gracefully curved neck and fine legs. Dr. Cunningham,[190] speaking from observation on wild animals, says:—