CHAPTER XYII. 



INTRODUCTION OF THE CAMEL INTO THE UNITED STATES. 



The question of the practicability and ad- 

 vantages of introducing the camel into the 

 United States is a topic of much interest and 

 importance. 



Among those who are practically familiar with 

 the habits and properties of the camel, and who 

 have studied the physical conditions of our terri- 

 tory west of the Mississippi, there is, I believe, 

 little or no difference of opinion on the subject ; 

 and I am persuaded that the ultimate success of 

 judicious and persevering effort is certain, and 

 will be attended with important advantages. At 

 the same time, it must not be concealed that, as 

 much depends on a point that nothing but ex- 

 perience can determine, — the selection, namely, 

 of the particular breeds best adapted to our 

 climate, soil, and other local conditions, — the 

 result of a first experiment is extremely un- 

 certain. 



The question must be considered under two 

 aspects : the one regarding the camel as simply 



