174 THE REASON WHY: 



" Precisions and plain plodders such 



Is this, and so is that 

 In love do swallow camels, whilste 

 They nicely straine a gnat." WARREN. 



the water so deposited is, in the first place, not liable to pass intc 

 the intestines ; in the second place is kept separate from the 

 solid element : and, in the third place, is out of the reach of 

 the digestive action of the stomach, or of mixture with the gastric 

 juice. It appears that the animal, by the conformation of its 

 muscles, possesses the power of squeezing back this water from the 

 adjacent bags into the stomach, whenever thirst excites it to put 

 this power into action. 



520. Mr. Partington, from whose "Cyclopaedia" we have several times quoted, 

 culls in question this endowment of the camel. We have no doubt, however, of 

 the capability of the animal in this respect, though we think the fact has been 

 exaggerated and wrongly described. That travellers have ever killed camels, and 

 taken supplies of water from their second stomachs, is unfounded, though fre- 

 quently stated. But that the animal is capable of long abstinence from water, and 

 that it derives this power from being able to receive and retain a store of the fluid 

 either in the cells or coats of one or all of his stomachs, there cannot be the slightest 

 question. 



521. Why are the earners feet provided with large cushions 

 or pads? 



Because a foot thus furnished is best adapted 

 for treading upon sand. The foot of the camel is 

 planted with a heavy downward stamp, and lifted 

 up straight and high. The oval cushion under- 

 neath meets the sand with a dead pressure, and 

 therefore has little tendency to sink into it. The 

 extremities of the toes are fortified by flat nails, 

 which have a very slight resemblance to proper hoofs. These give 

 firmness to the cushion that lies underneath. The cushion also, 

 being a non-conductor of heat, prevents the heat ct ihe sands from 

 distressing the animal upon its journey. 



522. With what other peculiar functions is the camel endowed, 

 suitable to its habits and employment? 



The elevation of the camel's head and the acuteness of its sight 

 and smell, enable it to discern the green oasis, and to scent the 

 refreshing water, at a great distance. 



