NATURAL HISTORY. 171 



" By Cinthia's liprht, and on the pleasant lawn, 



The wanton fairy we were wont to chase, 

 Which to the nimble cloven -footed fawn, 

 Upon the plain durst boldly bid the race." DRATTON. 



third stomach. During the short time which it stays in this situation, between the 

 folds of the internal coat, it is still further prepared for digestion, which is com- 

 pleted in the fourth or digestive stomach. The closing of the groove, as already 

 described, which determines the chamber or stomach into which the food shall be 

 passed, is an aot of will on the part of the animal. While young ruminants remain 

 at the teat, and live upon milk, the fourth stomach is the largest. The first stomach, 

 or paunch, only devclopes itself into its enormous volume, in proportion as it 

 receives supplies of herbage, which increases with the growth of the animal. 



It is remarkable that this faculty of rumination, so important to the animals in 

 their wild state, is no less valuable in their domesticated condition' : 



Cows stand patiently while being milked, chewing the cud the while, and deriving 

 gratification therefrom. 



Being driven to market, they are able to take with them a store of food, which 

 serves to mitigate their hunger during a period of abstinence from grazing. 



Sheep disperse their flocks and fill their paunches, and then draw together to chew 

 the cud, by which they derive warmth during cold hours of the night, and 

 obtain shelter from occasional storms. 



512. Why have all animals which chew the cud cloven feet? 



Because the splitting of the foot into two parts adds to its 

 spring and elasticity, prevents its sinking deeply into soft ground, 

 and permits it to be more easily withdrawn. As these animals 

 usually feed upon pastures and other fertile places, it will be 

 seen that this conformation of the foot not only favours the 

 movements of the animal, but renders the tread less destructive 

 to vegetation. 



513. What is the difference between the dromedary and the 

 camel ? 



The dromedary ', or Arabian camel, has one hunch on the back ; 

 the Bactrian camel has two hunches. The dromedary is a lighter 

 variety of camel, bearing much the same relation to the ordinary- 

 camel as a race-horse or hunter does to a cart-horse. It is used 

 principally for journeys in which dispatch is required, and carries 

 oiily a single rider or a very light burden. It can maintain a 

 trot at the rate of from six to eight miles an hour, for twenty-four 

 hours consecutively ; and a gentle easy amble of five milea an 



