CHAPTER IX. 



DIET, AND POWERS OF ABSTINENCE. 



WITH such an organization as is described in 

 Chapter VI. it is obvious that the camel can sub- 

 sist for a considerable time upon a quantity of 

 food and of water otherwise quite inadequate 

 for the sustenance of so large an animal. It is 

 upon this property that his great value chiefly 

 depends. 



By means of the nutriment derived from the 

 absorption of the hump, and the fluid preserved 

 in and perhaps also secreted by the water-sac, 

 he is able to travel several days without any new 

 supplies of either meat or drink. The period of 

 abstinence depends upon the temperature and 

 season, the breed, training, and habits of the 

 particular animal, and the amount of labor de- 

 manded of him. 



With respect to food, there is no doubt that 

 the camel sometimes endures two, three, 1 and 



i Carbuccia, p. 15. 



