208 SOUTH AFRICA. 



Such being the case, it is evident that the time 

 is fast approaching when it will become imperative 

 for those interested in the country to look the 

 question in the face, and, discarding prejudice, to 

 consider whether it would not be wise and profit- 

 able to follow the example of the Queensland 

 (Australia) colonists, who, under pressure of the 

 same kind resulting, however, from a different 

 cause, imported camels, ten thousand of which 

 are already doing satisfactory work in that Colony. 

 I do not think, however, that the heavy transport 

 camel chiefly in demand there would find favour 

 here, but the light, swift camel which the Arabs use 

 only for riding would be the ideal animal, not only 

 for police mounts, carrying of posts, and keeping up 

 communication throughout the north-west portions 

 of British Bechuanaland and the Rhodesian terri- 

 tory generally, but as a means of rapid locomotion 

 for individuals whose business requirements pre- 

 clude the possibility of sedentary habits. Subject 

 to experiment, there can be little doubt, moreover, 

 that these animals would breed and thrive in any 

 part of the country, and it is incontestable that 

 upon the coarsest and scantiest food they will cover 

 more ground in three consecutive days than any 



