NOTE-BOOK OF A NATUKALIST. 125 



forward, and lighted by eyes that can look onward, and 

 in some degree backward, but which are protected from 

 the do^\^lward stroke of the sun by an overhanging orbit 

 which prevents the camel from looking upward. The 

 nostrils are so formed that the animal has only to make 

 the muscles do their duty to shut them against the 

 sand-storm of the simoom. From the sole of the elastic 

 foot to the crown of the well-balanced head the camel 

 externally is formed for the destiny which it has to 

 fulfil; and its internal structure is pregnant with proofs 

 of its adaptation to its own wants as well as the wants of 

 man on that particular portion of the earth where it is 

 most vigorous: if it be taken thence and transplanted to 

 other localities, it does its duty after a fashion, but the 

 breed dwindles. 



The geologist well knows that the disposition of the 

 strata, after all the convulsions and disruptions they 

 have undergone, is precisely that which presents the 

 most accommodating surface to man. If they had re- 

 mained as they were at first deposited, where would he 

 have found that mineral wealth which is the great 

 source of civilization? It is quite true that this very 

 mineral wealth is enabling him to supersede the animal 

 of which we have been treating, perhaps at too great 

 length. The steam-power — Darwin was a great and true 

 prophet* — may leave the camel far behind, even in the 

 desert: but no sound physiologist can contemplate the 

 creature without seeing in it an overwhelming manifesta- 

 tion of the wisdom of the Creator. 



June, 1850. 



* Soon shall th}- arm, unconquer'd steam, afar 

 Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car. 

 This is fulfilled. Who shall say that the rest of the prophecy- 

 may not come to pass ? — 



Or, on wide weaving wings expanded bear 

 The flying chariot through the fiehls of air. 



