Bolivia has many interesting animals. There are numerous species of monkeys that inhabit the forests of the tropical region, together with the puma, jaguar, wild cat, tapir, and sloth. A rare bear, the _Ursus ornatus_ (spectacled bear) inhabits the wooded Indian foothills. The chinchilla lives in the colder plateau regions of the country. The most interesting of all the Bolivian animals, however, are the guanaco (gwah-na´ko) and its relatives, the llama (lyah´ma), alpaca (al-pak´ah) and vicuña (vi-koon´yah). These animals have the structure and habits of the African camel, but are smaller and have no hump. They are able to go without food and drink for long periods. The llama and the alpaca have been domesticated for centuries; but the guanaco and vicuña are found in a wild state only. The llama is used as a pack animal; and the alpaca is highly prized for its fine wool. The slaughter of the guanaco and the vicuña is rapidly diminishing their number. Of birds the species in Bolivia are very numerous. The high mountains are frequented by condors and eagles of the largest size; while the American ostrich and a species of large stork inhabit the tropical plains and valleys. The common vulture is scattered throughout the whole country. All sorts of plants, flowers and vegetation are to be found in Bolivia. Coca (a shrub of the flax family, the dry leaves of which are chewed by the native Indians as a stimulant) is one of the most important plants of the country. The most important of the forest products, however, is rubber. Sugar cane, rice, and tobacco are cultivated in the warm districts. The most important industry in Bolivia is mining. The lofty and desert part of the country finds its only natural source of wealth in minerals. The Western Cordillera is especially rich in copper and silver, the Eastern in gold and tin. It has been said that one-third of all the world’s production of tin now comes from Bolivia. It was from the east Andine regions that the Incas obtained those vast stores of gold which so excited the Spaniards. Legend has it that the gold that the Spanish took out of the country was much less than that which the Indians buried or threw into the lakes to keep it from the conquerors. Next to mining, stock raising is one of the chief industries of the country. Horses and, to a greater extent, cattle, are raised there. Goats and sheep are also a source of profit. Although the agricultural resources of Bolivia are of great value, their development has been slow. Sugar cane is grown, but chiefly for the manufacture of rum. Rice is also raised, but the quantity is not great. Tobacco and coffee of fair quality grow readily. The product that receives most attention, however, is coca. This plant is highly esteemed by the natives, who chew the leaf. It is also used for medicinal purposes.