Peru as It Is, Volume 2 (of 2): A Residence in Lima, and Other Parts of the Peruvian Republic, Comprising an Account of the Social and Physical Features of That CountrySmith, Archibald
History
Peru as It Is, Volume 2 (of 2): A Residence in Lima, and Other Parts of the Peruvian Republic, Comprising an Account of the Social and Physical Features of That Country
Smith, Archibald
Peru -- Description and travel
The pacos and alcos inhabit the Sierra or highlands. Such of them as are
domesticated descend with their masters to the coast, where they stay
but a short time, and then return; for in the heat of the coast they
soon fall victims to the _caracha_ or itch,—the consequence of increased
excitement and circulation on the surface of the body, and a want of
perspiration occasioned by the thickness of the skin. Not more remarkable
for their beauty are the eyes of the llamas and tarúcas in the Sierra,
than are the aborigines of the same mountains for the smallness of their
eyes and their inclination outwards towards the external angle: an useful
structure, for it adjusts their sight to their situation, and, by giving
them a side-long view of objects, often prevents them from falling over
precipices when crossing the wild passes of the mountains. The same
peculiarity of structure also defends them from the bad effects of the
sun’s reflection from the snow, which in white people and the natives of
the coast, whose eyes are full and large, induces _zurumpe_, which is a
troublesome ophthalmia.
The _tarúca_ or deer, and the _puma_ or lion, being fitted to endure the
temperature of the Sierra and of the coast, pass backwards and forwards
from one climate to the other: the deer go about in flocks; but the
little lions wander in solitude, apart from others of their kind. The
deer are of a middle size, and have pretty horns.[48] They are fleet,
and afford amusement to those who are fond of coursing. The _otorunco_ or
tiger, and the _ucumari_ or bear, do not frequent this side of the Andes,
but they inhabit the regions eastward of these mountains, where there are
many other animals of prey.
FOREIGN QUADRUPEDS.
The sheep transported from Europe have increased to an amazing degree on
the great commons or pastures of _ichu_[49] which abound in the heights
of the Andes; and in the wide-spreading provinces of Collao the quality
of the wool is particularly superior.
In the high and Cordillera ranges, horses, asses, and black cattle are,
like man, of small size, because their growth is stinted by cold: they
are covered with hair which has the softness, length, and consistence
of wool; by means of which Nature protects them against the inclemency
of those bleak and frozen wastes, even as she does the flowers of such
shrubs[50] as grow on the same frigid heights.
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