This animal, which the Spaniards call Guanáco, and the Abipones
Hakahátak, as it has no name in Latin, may be called ελαφοκαμηλον, a
cameleopard, as the ostrich is called a camel. For whilst it resembles a
stag in other particulars, its head, neck, the bunch on its back, the
fissure of the upper lip, and the tail a span long, are like those of a
camel. Its feet are cloven, and its skin shaggy, and for the most part
of a reddish colour. The hair of this beast serves to make hats with.
Its flesh is eaten both by Spaniards and Indians. Its swiftness stands
it in the stead of arms. It never attempts to kick or bite, but when
offended by any one, spits at him in a rage; this saliva is commonly
said first to create a red pustule, and afterwards to bring on the
mange. Like goats, these animals inhabit rocks and high mountains, but
come down in flocks, at pleasure, for the sake of the pasture in the
plains below the mountains; mean time one of the males occupies a high
place, whence, like a watchman from a tower, he sees if any danger is
near, and surveys every part of the neighbourhood. The whole flock
hurries away upon any alarm, the females going before, and the males
closing the company. This is seldom a panic terror, for the huanacos,
whilst occupying the pastures in the plain, are often caught by the
Spanish horsemen; but very swift horses are necessary for this business,
as they run extremely quick. I have often seen flocks of these animals,
when travelling in Tucuman, on the Cordoban mountains. Hearing the sound
of approaching horses, they crowd to the highest summits of the rocks,
whence, ranged like soldiers in a long file, they look down upon the
horses as they pass underneath, neigh for some time in a manner strongly
resembling human laughter, and presently, struck with sudden terror, for
they are extremely timorous, scour off in all directions. This spectacle
frequently amused and delighted us Europeans. Huanacos, though very wild
and shy, may be easily tamed in the towns, when young. Besides the skin
and flesh of the huanacos, the bezoar stone, which is often found in
their insides, is of value. It sometimes weighs more than a pound, is
always oval, scarce smaller than a hen's egg, and painted, like marble,
with most exquisite colours. Most probably it derives this medicinal
property from the animal's feeding upon wholesome herbs, which grow in
the mountains: its virtues, however, are thought little of by the
physicians of these times, who despise old prescriptions.