200 THE CAMEL. 



where they have since multiplied considerably : if trans- 

 ferred to our colonies at the Cape of Good Hope, they 

 might be rendered useful in rural economy. 



The genus is exclusively confined to the ancient continent. 

 The two known species, probably both Asiatic, are divided 

 into several different races, adapted to the necessities of 

 climate or locality, for burden or for speed. Both appear 

 to be clothed by nature in warm fur, which becomes scan- 

 tier in the aborigenes of hot regions ; and this circum- 

 stance seems to afford a fair presumption that the coun- 

 tries they first inhabited were occasionally cold. 



The several varieties differ in color, from deep brown, 

 to fawn and white. Those that reside towards the north 

 are thickly clothed in autumn and in winter with two kinds 

 of hair ; the one fine, woolly and frizzled, the other long 

 and straight. Both are well-known ingredients in man- 

 ufacture by the names of mohair and camlet. As we ad- 

 vance towards the south, the frizzled hair is almost super- 

 seded by a short and scantier fur, while a longer and less 

 rigid garment envelopes the forepart of the neck, throat, 

 and shoulders. 



Some inference of their intelligence may be drawn from 

 the obstinacy they occasionally show, and their desire of 

 revenge when unkindly treated. He who has given them 

 offence is sure to incur their resentment; but, having 

 gratified this feeling, all remembrance of injury is past. 

 Knowing this peculiarity of temper, the offending camel- 

 driver throws down his clothes within sight of the enraged 

 animal, and hastens to conceal himself. The camel, on his 

 part, tosses them about, and tramples on them till, his anger 

 being fully satisfied, the driver reappears, and the whole 

 business is forgotten. 



The Bactrian camel is readily distinguished by two 

 humps which adorn his back ; his weight is superior to the 

 Arabian, and his size larger. He is most probably the 

 origin of the Chinese Tong ; a species so remarkably fleet 



