NATURALIZATION OF THE ALPACA IN THE BRITISH ISLES.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 684, 3 November 1852, Page 4

NATURALIZATION OF THE ALPACA IN THE BRITISH ISLES.

[From the "Watchman," June 2.] The fibre known in commerce as Alpaca wool was first introduced into England in 1807, a few bales being sent over by the military authorities connected with the disastrous expedition to Buenos Ayres in that year. The wool was difficult to spin on the existing machinery, (then very imperfect,) and attracted no further notice. At a later period (1835 or 1836) Mr. Benjamin Outram, ot Greetltuid, near Halifax, succeeded, in manufacturing from it very handsome and curious articles, suitable for 'carriage shawls and cloakings, which fetched very high prices. The impoit in 1834 was only 5*700 lbs. In 183G, Mr. Titus Salt, of Bradford, turned his attention to the capabilities of the fibre for stuff fabrics ; and although considerable difficulties were at first experienced^ patience, perseverance, and skill ultimately overcame them all. The import rose rapidly to 1,438,032 lbs. in 1843, when it was classed separately in the wool returns, and it now constitutes an important part of the raw materiai used in the worsted district of the West Riding, and the source of employment to many thousands of its population. The latest returns give an Import of 2,186,480 lbs. for the year ending January 5, 1852, of which a considerable part, however, was re-exported. The Llama tribe is peculiar to South America, aad to that portion of it bordering on the Pacific Ocean, known as the Cordillera de los Andes, extending from 1 deg. 38 mm. south latitude, to the extremity of the vast chain of mountains, in the low and swampy grounds of Terra del Fuego. This tribe can neither be classed with -the sheep nor the camel, tjiough in some remarkable points I it resembles each genus. There are four distinct species, two wild — the Vicuna and I(he Guanaco; and two domesticated — the Llama and the Alpaca. Of the latter, tlie Alpaca, is that which bears the fleecy available for this market, and is the most adapted to the climate of this country. The wild species is found in the higher elevations of the Andes, 12,000 to 14,000 feet above the level of thp sea, the domesticated species is found where tile Indian fixes his abode in the same regions, that is, betwixt the height of 8,000 and of 12,000 feet above the level of the sea. The temperature is necessarily low and chilly, and the vegetation scanty, consisting of mosses, lichens, tender shrubs, and grassy plants, which are found on the borders of the snowy peaks and summits of the mountains,and of a plant called the Ichu, found in the natural meadows which occur on the lower levels. No artificial food of any kind is prepared either for the Llama or the Alpaca. These creatures procure their own subsistence, just as do the w ild species The constitution of the Alpaca is exceedingly hardy. It can endure hunger and thirst to an astonishing degree, and more especial!)'- thirst ; one kept in the Surrey Zoological Gardens for five years never having, at any one time, drunk as much as a tea-cup full of water, though subsisting entirely on dry food, such as hay, beans, and oats. It is also exceedingly unsusceptible of cold or chill ; its fleece completely protecting the skin, to which the rains and mists never penetrate. It is fixed in its habits, seldom wandering far from the place of birth, shows grpat sagacity in escaping from the snow storms and drifts so common in the high regions it inhabits, takes great care of its young, is exceedingly docile, and is altogether far bettor able to contend successfully with the dangers of its position than any of the .sheep genus. Those who are acquainted with Highland bheep farming know ho.v .serious those dangers are, and what terrible losses are frequently sustained by the Highland fiockinabters, by the suffocation of sheep under snow drifts. Such a calamity, in a more tempestuous region, ncvpr happens to the Alpaca , " His great size, strength

; courage, and activity," says Mr. "Walton, "enable him to contend successfully against storms; and, in case of emergency, and when no other alternative is left, instead of falling to leeward, he chooses the bleakest point, where the snow blows past or over him." Here, then is an animal evidently suited for the loftier parts of Scotland and Ireland, in oa^h of which there are vast tracts on which little else besides the red deer, or some other game, finds subsistence, but which would sustain the hardy Alpaca. The value of the Alpaca, like that of the sheep, consists of two distinct items — the fleece and the carcase. No comparison can be instituted as to the value of the former, between any breed of British sheep and the Alpaca; the fleece of the latter Aveighing from 8 to 121b5., and being worth from 2s. to 2s. (sd. per lb. As to the flesh, the Alpaca varies in weight from 150 to 2001' is, but of the probable estimation in which it would be held in this country, no definite opinion is attainable on existing* information. Thpre is no doubt that the Indians of Peru and other portions of South America use it as food; and there is abundant testimony that the wild species the Guanaco and Vicuna, afford a nutritious and savoury diet, not unlike venison. The flesh is also prepared something in the same way as "jerked beef" for the British navy, and is said to be palatable and wholesome. There can be no doubt that on the combined value of the fleece and caicase, the profitableness of introlucting the Alpaca into the British Islands would entirely depend; and we are bound in candour to say, that on the suitableness of theflesh to meet the requirement of British palates, the whole policy of naturalizing the Alpaca stands or falls. On this point more information is needed. As to the adaptation of the Alpaca to the soil and climate of this country, far less doubt exists. Mr. Walton gives a faithful account of numerous experiments to naturalise and acclimate the Llama and Alpaca here. On the whole, the experiments have not been successful; but then the true question is, were the experiments fair and philosophic! That is doubtlul — perhaps more than doubtful ! the Alpaca should be tried under ciicumstances as to locality, temperature, and herbage, corresponding with those of its original habitude : it has been tried either in rich pastures or with dry and artificial food in confinement! There is no question tlmt the fme-wooled sheep, now found in every latitude of Europe, and in the United States of America, can be traced back, through Spain and Italy to the rich and warm regions of Asia Minor : and yet it lives and thrives in the most dissimilar climes, and on herbage of varied kinds. And so of other domestic animals, whose origin has, doubtless been in the first seat of the human family — the plains of South-Western Asia. The experiment is worth a fair and full trial, whether the Alpaca alike for it* fleece and flesh, has adapted to certain localities of these islands, now yielding little but animals of chase, and those all but worthless sources of natural wealth. — Leeds Mercury.