THE CAMEL. 101 



of the males is swollen during the rutting season, 

 and protrudes from the mouth like a bag or bladder. 



The Camels of the Old World, if we consider all 

 the circumstances of their native country, may be 

 perhaps considered as among the most useful of the 

 ruminants. They are in fact the only animals which 

 could perform the journey in the desert, and support 

 for sufficient length of time, the heat of the burning 

 sands, and the deprivation of sustenance, to which 

 they are exposed ; and while thus fitted for life and 

 labour in countries of this description, they are of 

 aecessity, from organization, prevented from living 

 in those which possess much humidity of climate, 

 moisture producing inflammation of the feet and legs, 

 and becoming as insupportable to the camel, as the 

 seas of scorching sands would be to the horse or 

 oxen. 



Arabia with its deserts is the country most con- 

 stantly associated with the Camel, but at the present 

 day they are used most extensively in north and 

 western Africa, m Syria and Persia, Chinese Tar- 

 tary, and in some parts of India ; in the former coun- 

 tries, being the only beast used for burden, and by 

 its powers, rendering the most barren districts in the 

 world habitable, and keeping up an intercourse across 

 a barrier, which, without it, would have remained im- 

 passable. The Arabs are dependent on this animal for 

 every necessary; like the rein-deer to the Laplander, 

 it affords them food and raiment, and a carriage for 

 cheir burdens. T ne milk in its various forms nou- 



