THE CAMEL. 



declared their firm belief that this rapid quadruped would 

 have performed the journey with perfect ease. 



These camels, with feet like the wind, are principally 

 kept for purposes of state, or as couriers. On high occasions 

 they are elegantly caparisoned, and covered with red vel- 

 vet cloth, and pack-saddles of the same costly materials, 

 embroidered with gold a very ancient practice, for we 

 read in Judges of golden ornaments on the necks of the 

 Midianitish Camels which Gideon took, and of the chain 

 about their necks. This species is probably the one men- 

 tioned in Holy Writ, as being used in war, on account of 

 their astonishing fleetness ; in peace to carry despatches 

 from one country to another. We hear of David smiting 

 the Amalekites, all except four hundred men, who rode upon 

 camels, and fled : and of the amazing despatch with which 

 the reversal of the edict which had been obtained from 

 Ahasuerus by proud Ham an was conveyed throughout his 

 dominions. 



