64 NATURAL SCIENCE. July, 



we are somewhat puzzled by the statement on page 13 that in the 

 figure of the tracks on the opposite page only one-half of the track of 

 the animal is delineated. Surely, as the impressions are both right 

 and left they must include those of the feet of both sides ; if not, will 

 the author kindly explain his views more fully? 



The restorations of the mammals are for the most part well done, 

 and they are probably as near like the originals as we are ever likely 

 to approximate, although it is probable that even the artist himself 

 would be willing to admit that the indications of colouring, which 

 have in some cases been attempted, are more or less fanciful. It is, 

 moreover, a little misleading to find pig-like creatures included in the 

 chapter entitled " Tapir-like Animals, etc." That the book will 

 attract a large number of readers, we have little doubt, and we can- 

 not do more than wish it a success similar to that which has attended 

 its predecessor. 



The Cult of the Camel. 



The Camel : Its Uses and Management. By Major A. G. Leonard. 8vo. 

 Pp. ix. and 335. London : Longmans & Green, 1894. Price 21s. 



It is a well-known fact that during the last Cabul war and the Nile 

 Expedition the loss of camels through overwork, improper or scanty 

 feeding, and bad treatment, was almost appalling ; and although a 

 considerable proportion of this loss was inevitable, there is little doubt 

 that the number of casualties might have been enormously reduced 

 by the bestowal of more attention on the needs and habits of the animals 

 in question. As wars in the same regions or other districts where 

 camels can be employed are inevitable in the future, we heartily welcome 

 Major Leonard's attempt to give Tommy Atkins and his superiors 

 some insight into the habits and needs of these invaluable although 

 unsociable creatures. As the author was both present during the 

 Afghan war and accompanied the Camel Corps during the march to 

 Korti, where he appears to have been connected with the commissariat 

 department, his opportunities of observing the camel at work have 

 been unrivalled ; and that good use has been made of such oppor- 

 tunities, the present work affords ample proof. In the book before us 

 we have chapters on the characteristics and temperament, and the 

 instinct and intelligence, of camels, as well as others on their breeding, 

 watering, feeding, loading, management, and ailments, and further 

 one on their capacity and endurance. For the most part, these are well 

 written, and ought to show any intelligent officer how to make the 

 best use of these animals when put under his charge. We notice 

 that, although the stupidity of the camel is admitted, Major Leonard 

 does not give the camel such a bad character in general as is attri- 

 buted to it by Palgrave and others ; and he is doubless right in his 

 assertion that much of the moroseness of its disposition is due to bad 

 treatment and mismanagement. Attention may also be directed to 

 the author's observations on the importance of watering camels at 

 stated intervals whenever practicable, since there is no doubt that 

 during the wars alluded to above a large proportion of the deaths 

 were due to the mistaken belief that these animals are capable of 

 going for an almost unlimited period without water. 



If the author had confined his attention to the camel as a beast of 

 burden, we should have had nothing but commendation for his book ; 

 but he has unfortunately thought it necessary to say something of the 

 geological and zoological history of the creature, and in the course of 

 his observations renders the statement in the introduction that he is 



