THE C.\MEL. 283 



does not occur, the strain of the muscles inside the thig^hs is often so 

 severe as to incapacitate the animal from carrying a load in future. 



The digestive system calls for special notice as regards the stomachs, The 

 for on account of their peculiar structure the idea has become prevalent digestive 

 that the animal is possessed of a water storage system which only needs system, 

 replenishing at infrequent intervals. Like other ruminants, the stomach 

 is divided into four compartments. 



The paunch is very small in the young, but develops into the largest 

 compartment in the adult animal. On its sides are a number of small 

 cells or sacs which on post mortem examination always contain a quantity 

 of grumous fluid, a mixture of food and water. The capacity of the cells 

 on the right side is about a quart, on the left side about a gallon. Their 

 contents are usually not nearly so much and the fluid is not pure water, 

 but a mixture of food, water and mucus. They may be a means of 

 storing fluid, but the idea that a camel keeps the supply of days in these 

 sacs does not bear investigation. 



The honeycomb, or second stomach, is aptly described by this popular 

 name, and consists of a deep and intricate network of compartments 

 exactly like a honeycomb. It also usually contains a fluid mixture of 

 water and food. 



The third stomach is not so well developed as in the ox, and the fourth 

 compartment is where the digestion of food really commences. The 

 camel like other ruminants can go for long periods without water, but has 

 no special water storage except as above described ; and his treatment in 

 this respect when on service calls for the exercise of common sense 

 (p. 289). 



The temper of the Camel is peculiar. Though as a rule docile under The 

 attendants who understand them, they are liable to sudden fits of rage temper ot 

 which are most pronounced in the male during the rutting season, and on ^^^ eamel. 

 this account it is advisable to keep males and females apart when at work. 

 At other times they are quiet and obedient, though when loaded or handled 

 they make curious gurgling sounds in the throat. Geldi?igs are of course 

 easier to manage than entire animals, and though it is said that they are 

 deficient in stamina, they were proved to be very good workers in 

 Somaliland. 



Under fire they are less Hable to panic than other animals, and if made Under 

 to kneel will remain so, perfectly quiet and contented. Breeds not fi^e. 

 accustomed to Europeans are however timid on their approach, and it 

 has been observed that the Somali camel is specially nervous and liable 

 to panic at night. 



Paift, if one may iudge by other animals, is borne by them with Pain. 



