172 THE STORY OF THE CAMEL. 



visions. Others bear canopies of linen or brilliant colored stuffs, on light 

 frameworks made of wood or palm branches. Under these dais repose the 

 women, children, invalids, and oftentimes the young camels which are unable 

 to endure the fatigue of the journey. The men ride barebacked upon the 

 rear ranks of the non-laden camels, and many enjoy tranquil slumber, undis- 

 turbed by fear of falling from their perilous position. The chiefs, on horse- 

 back, follow or escort the caravan, and men, on foot or mounted on asses, 

 are scattered here and there the whole length of the file, according as occu- 

 pation or inclination leads them. 



During winter the caravan pursues its way from morning till night with- 

 out stopping; but in summer a few hours, during the hottest portion of the 

 day, is consecrated to repose. In any case the average number of hours in 

 the day's journey does not exceed ten. 



During the journey, the camel looks around for the pasturage he likes, 

 and, by elongating his neck, browses upon it without discontinuing his 

 march. At the evening halt, a locality as rich in pasturage as can be found is 

 selected, the bags and all the luggage of the caravan are deposited in order, 

 and piled around in a circle; the camels separate in search of pasturage, but 

 are kept in sight by the drivers, who' fasten their forefeet as a security against 

 their wandering too far away. While the camels are browsing, their driver 

 goes to fill the leathern bottles at the well or spring, if there be one in the 

 locality; if not, the poor animals' only resource is patience. 



The camel pays no heed tO' his rider, pays no' attention whether he be 

 on his back or not, walks straight on when once set agoing, merely because 

 he is too stupid to turn aside. Should some tempting thorn or green branch 

 allure him out of the path, he continues to walk on in the new direction, 

 simply because he is too dull to turn back into the right road. He is from 

 first to last an undomesticated and savage animal, rendered serviceable by 

 stupidity alone. 



In addition to its value as a beast of burden, the camel is also esteemed 

 by the natives of many countries on account of its milk and flesh, while its 

 hair is woven into ropes and cloth, and in some parts of India its bones are 

 used instead of ivory for inlaying and decorative purposes. 



The Bactrian camel of Central Asia is distinguished from the Arabian 

 species, not only by its double hump, but likewise by its inferior height, 

 stouter and more clumsy build, shorter legs, and harder and shorter feet, as 

 well as by the greater length and abundance of the hair. This animal is, in- 

 deed, in all respects, better adapted for a rocky and hilly country than its 



