60 PURCHASE OF CAMELS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES. 



Christian. The prices stated by residents are generally the mini- 

 mum of those asked among themselves, and not those demanded of 

 strangers. The burdens above mentioned are those fey journeys^ and 

 not short lifts. 



If regard is had in importation to the Pacific coast of America, I 

 can give no positive information beyond indicating the countries where 

 the different varieties of the camel can be obtained, as neither by read- 

 ing nor i^ersonal experience have I had any opportunity of ascer- 

 taining either the restrictions upon exportation from them, nor the 

 ranges of prices in them. 



Burden camels and dromedaries can be obtained from Egypt and 

 Abyssinia. Good burden camels and the finest dromedaries from 

 Arabia. Dromedaries from Persia bordering upon the gulf, and good 

 burden camels from northern Persia, if the distance and temper of the 

 intervening tribes will permit of their being driven to the gulf. Bur- 

 den camels and dromedaries are to be had in Cabool, Beloochistan, 

 Hindoostan, and Birmah. The best burden camels of these four last 

 mentioned countries, however, are not able from all accounts to carry 

 more than 400 pounds. The Bactrian breeder could only be obtained 

 from Asia Minor or northern Persia by driving down to the Persian 

 gulf. 



TRANSPORTATION. 



Whether the importation be to the Atlantic or Pacific coast of 

 America, the camel should, for protection against the weather, be car- 

 ried under shelter. At certain seasons of the year the animals might 

 perhaps be transported upon deck in secure houses built for them, but 

 this is a nautical possibility beyond my experience to determine ; in 

 either case, whether between or on deck, six feet from breast to tail, 

 and four feet from breast to forehead, should be allowed for the 

 average length of the animal, and from six feet eight inches to seven 

 feet for the average height from top of hump to ground when standing. 



From some practical experience and much observation of the trans- 

 portation of horses and mules during our war with Mexico, in vessels 

 of all kinds and sizes, I have no hesitation in saying that the camel 

 iS' much more easily transported than either, and with less trouble. 

 At the time of this writing, one of our camels (from Tunis) has been 

 on board, without ever leaving the vessel, eight months, and the others 

 from three to two months, during which time they have experienced 

 much rough weather and three severe gales. The vessel, moreover, 

 even in smooth seas has, and deservedly, a very bad character for roll- 

 ing. I have had, therefore, fair opportunity for comparison. 



It is only necessary at the commencement of rough weather or of a 

 gale to make the animals kneel down and so secure them to prevent 

 them from rising. In this position they will remain patiently until 

 released, and after the first fear from the unusual motion has subsided, 

 will eat their food and chew tiie cud with almost as much complacency 

 as if on shore. 



The odor from a number of camels between decks is about the same 



