282 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



incisor teeth in the bottom jaw only, the top having a hard pad of gum, 

 at each side of which are three tusk-Hke teeth. The mouth is constantly 

 opened, and gurgling, bellowing sounds emitted, which arouse some 

 distrust in those unaccustomed to handling the animal. During these 



The sounds, the " palu," a bladder-like membrane from the back of the mouth, 



"palu.' is brought into view, and occasionally protrudes beyond the lips. It 

 appears to be a special provision for moistening the back of the throat, 

 and if this is correct is a very useful help in combating thirst. It is also 

 very much in evidence during the rutting season. On the top of the 

 head is found a gland, the surface of which becomes quite moist during 

 exertion, while the rest of the skin is quite dry. 



The skin. The skin should be free from scurf, and thickening in the bends of the 



joints, but on the knees, elbows, stifles and hocks, it shows thickened, 

 roughened patches, hard enough to prevent damage to the 

 parts when the animal is kneeling or sitting, which is its normal position 

 for rest. Under the chest is a large boss, with a hard surface, on which 

 the weight is rested, and this should be particularly well developed, thick, 

 and free from wounds or soreness. 



The hump. The hump is a fatty, fibrous lump developed on the summit of the 

 back. Its actual size varies considerably according to breed ; it is, 

 generally speaking, smaller in riding and desert camels than other 

 varieties. It has been regarded as a sort of reserve stock of food on 

 which the animal subsists during privation. It is true that the hump 

 wastes in starving or sick camels, and wastes rapidly, but as it is very 

 small in some desert camels, which are amongst the hardiest varieties, 

 it can hardly be regarded as a reserve larder, but rather as a peculiarity 

 of breed and locality. Its condition, whether naturally large or small is, 

 however, a correct index of health and fitness. In health it is firm, 

 plump, and upright. In disease, under privation, and in extreme age, it 

 shrinks and gets flabby, often leaning much to one side. 



The feet. The feet are formed for travelling over soft sand in particular, but 



are equally suitable for any ground which gives a firm foothold. The 

 toes are not distinct, but are embedded in a large elastic pad, the under 

 surface being of horny consistence and carrying short, strong nails at the 

 front. When the foot comes to the ground, the whole pad flattens out 

 and gives an ideal foothold on loose sand. It is, however, ill adapted 

 for muddy, slippery ground, and over such, the animal is unable to travel 

 with ease or safety. This peculiarity leads to the accident known as 

 " splitting " or " slipping up," Both hind and fore legs are liable to slip 

 out sideways and severe sprains or broken shoulders or hips result. The 

 accident is most common and severe in the hind limbs and if a fracture 



