THE ALPACAS. (From the Sydney Morning Herald.)

Otago Witness, Issue 570, 1 November 1862, Page 6

THE ALPACAS. (From the Sydney Morning Herald.)

The accounts recently received respecting the flock of alpacas, which are still depasturing at Arthursleigh, are of a satisfactory character. The increase last season was not, however, so large as Mr Ledger had expected, owing to the ewes

having been put to the rams too young, and to

several losses from fluke. The number of alpacas is considerably in advance of those that-waw* ___j^^A_i^- M i-^-»s^ — loar-yeais ago. The Government have proclaimed a reserve for the alpacas of about twenty-five square miles, adjoining the Arthursleigh estate, and it is said to be admirably adapted for them. It was come months since that the Government had agreed to the re-sale of the animals to Mr Ledger, but nothing appears yet to have been done in the matter. But whatever may be fie fate of the flock, there can be little doubt that it is owing to the determination of the Government of New South Wales to maintain the breed of ! these animals that the Governments of Peru and Bolivia have thrown open their ports for the exportation of alpacas, being no longer able to preserve the monopoly. Late advices from South America state that upwards of 3,000 alpacas were about being shipped from Peru and Bolivia. Of this number, a first shiDment of 500 was being made by Mr * Duffield, for Melbourne ; there were also 300 to be sent to Tasmania by Mr Williams, formerly Her Majesty's consul in Bolivia ; besides other shipments for Algiers and France, for Natal, for California, and for Scotland. These large exportations of alpacas show that the result of Mr Ledger's enterprizc has been to break through the restrictions which the Government of Pern and Boliyia had imposed, for the purpose of pacifying the superstitious feelings of the Indians ; and also to throw open, a large and important trade, which will supply a new source of wealth to many countries. Alpacas can now be exported from Peru, upon payment of an export duty of 10 dols each, as easily as sheep can be exported from Germany or England. The last alpaca clip amounted to 26 cwt, including 108 lb of wool that was sent to the Exhibition. It is gratifying to notice that the Government of New South Wales has obtained a medal -it the International Exhibition for the first alpaca wool grown in the colony ; and also that Mr Ledger has obtained honorable mention for excellence of quality of alpaca tallow and pomade. The excellent representation of Australian alpacas at the International Exhibition has had the effect of directing attention throughout England and Europe to the beneficial results of Mr Ledger's enterprise ; and that it must be matter, for regret that the perseverance, zeal, and energy displayed by Mr Ledger, and the sacrifices he made in introducing the alpacas # into this colony, have not yet received their proper acknowledgment.