78 THE CAMEL 



as to deteriorate the physical constitution of their pro- 

 genitors, the offspring will suffer and become more 

 degenerate still. And if the physical condition degene- 

 rates, the mental will do likewise, for they are so 

 closely connected as to be in a great measure de- 

 pendent on each other. So that we cannot expect the 

 transmission of superior qualities when they no longer 

 exist, but on the contrary qualities which are in every 

 way inferior. But if, instead of generations, we pile 

 centuries on centuries, and ages upon ages, and when 

 we know that each preceding generation has communi- 

 cated inferior tendencies to its successor, it is not 

 surprising that the present offspring are deficient in 

 physical and mental vigour. And so it has been with 

 the camel, and I fully believe that at one time his 

 physical and mental powers, the former more especially 

 but disproportionally, were far greater than they now 

 are, at so remote a period, however, as to place it 

 beyond the present reach of practical demonstration. 

 Massou- Lieut. Massoutier, of the 1st Eegiment of Zouaves, 



v\ews tra- m a pamphlet on ' The Conduct of Convoys in Southern 

 Algeria,' says that 'camels are easily frightened, and 

 that when they are, or when they scent from afar off 

 some more pleasing pasturage, it is astonishing to see 

 the speed with which they " make tracks ; " and thefts 

 of camels will often take place, notwithstanding every 

 precaution.' 



As to their powers of smell, I have spoken of them 

 in the last chapter as undoubtedly exaggerated ; but, 

 without wishing to doubt, or in any way to cast a 

 reflection on the accuracy of this statement, I can only 

 say that, after a long experience with various breeds, I 



