124 BREEDING AND TRAINING. 



they are stupid and timid. A hare starting from 

 beneath their feet has been known to throw a whole 

 caravan into confusion ; and a large stone or heap of 

 bones to cause them *to bolt altogether. If the saddle 

 or load roll off its back the camel is terrified, and runs 

 in any direction, followed by its companions ; and 

 when attacked by a wolf it never attempts to defend 

 itself, although one blow from its powerful foot would 

 kill its enemy ; it only cries and spits, expectorating 

 the chewed food with the saliva, a proof of the terror 

 which takes possession of it. When angry it will 

 also strike the ground with its hoof, and curl up its 

 unsightly tail. Malice indeed is not in its nature, 

 probably on account of its apathetic temperament ; 

 but the males become vicious during the rutting 

 season, which is in February, and they will then fight 

 with one another, and sometimes attack mankind. 

 The interference of man is needed to bring the 

 sexes together. The period of gestation is thirteen 

 months, at the expiration of which the dam gives 

 birth to one, or as an exception two, foals.•^ Human 

 assistance is also required at the time of parturition. 

 The newborn camel is the most helpless creature 

 imaginable ; it must be lifted by hand and placed 

 under the mother's teats ; but as soon as it can walk, 

 it follows her about everywhere, and the latter is so 

 attached to her offspring that she cannot bear to be 

 separated from it. 



The young camel enjoys but a short period of 



' The female camel is granted its lilrcrty for a w hole year after 

 parturition, so that it only foals evcr_\ other \ear. 



