XVIII. THE CAMELS 



For ages the camel has been an aid to man, especially 

 on the African deserts, where it has made trade possible. 

 The long caravans are the substitutes for railroads in those 

 regions. These animals (Fig. 1 37) are particularly adapted 

 by nature to life in heated wastes. The feet are provided 

 with remarkable 

 cushions, or pads, 

 while the paunch 

 contains a series 

 of cells, or acces- 

 sory water tanks, 

 for holding an extra 

 supply of water 

 upon which the an- 

 imal can draw as 

 occasion demands. 



Fig. 137. — The Camel. 



They have either one or two humps of fat, which enable 

 the animals to pass days without food. Add to these great 

 endurance, pluck, and courage, and we can easily under- 

 stand why the camel can cross the great deserts with a 

 short supply of food and water, and brave conditions 

 which would result in the death of other animals. 



In Arabia, Syria, Persia, and Africa the single-humped 

 camel, or dromedary, is employed as a beast of burden 

 and for riding. A corps of native cavalry is mounted 

 upon them, and such a steed will carry a man at a rapid 



157 



