THE CAMELS 



997 



Aversion to 

 Water 



Camels have a great aversion to crossing even the smallest stream, 

 and swim either imperfectly, or not at all, without assistance; this 

 aversion doubtless indicating that the original home of the animal was 

 in desert lands. On this subject, Sir Samuel Baker observes that "a camel either 

 cannot or will not swim unless it is supported by inflated skins; thus the passage of 

 the broad river, Atbara (about three hundred yards wide), is an ajfair of great 

 difficulty. Two water skins are inflated, and attached to the camel by a band 

 passed like a girth beneath the belly. This arranged, a man sits upon its back, 



THE BACTRIAN CAMEI,. 

 (One-twenty-third natural size.) 



while one or two swim by the side as guides. The current of the Atbara runs at a 

 rapid rate, and the camel is generally carried at least half a mile down the river 

 before it can gain the opposite bank. 



The Bactrian camel (C. bactrianus}, of Central Asia, is distinguished 

 from the Arabian species, not only by its double hump, but likewise 

 by its inferior height, stouter and more clumsy build, shorter legs, 

 and harder and shorter feet, as well as by the greater length and abundance of the 

 hair. This animal is, indeed, in all respects, better adapted for a rocky and hilly 



Bactrian 

 Camel 



