156 THE CAMEL 



The latter contains a large proportion of starch, 

 and is considered more nourishing than wheat flour. 

 A small quantity given daily is, so the Hadendowas 

 say, of great use in preserving good condition in 

 camels, and there is not the slightest doubt what- 

 ever that it keeps up the animal's strength very 

 materially. In North Africa and Asia dried dates 

 and beans are given to the camels, and are most 

 excellent and fattening food, especially the former. 

 The Eussians in Central Asia, when they consider it 

 necessary to keep up a camel's strength, give it a few 

 handfuls of dry forage which, on the half loaf better 

 than no bread principle, may be better than nothing, 

 but, practically speaking, is useless, because dry 

 forage should be given in quantities to do any good. 

 As a substitute they give 3 Ib. of meal mixed with 

 3 oz. of salt. This is far more nourishing, though here, 

 again, the quantity is rather small. Kaffir corn and 

 mealies in small quantities would do, I think, when 

 working them hard ; but do not forget when using the 

 grain, even the best, to do so sparingly and with the 

 utmost caution. The French in Algeria give emaciated 

 camels from 4 to 6 Ib. of oats per day ; but the digestive 

 organs of animals in such condition are not in proper 

 working order, from a similar but stronger cause that 

 affects those of animals which are in a state of ex- 

 haustion, and I think it very unwise to give them 

 grain while they are in this condition. Turn them out 

 to graze for a few days or weeks, according to the state 

 they are in, as the natives do, until they have recovered 

 themselves to a certain extent, and their internal organs 

 have assumed a vigorous, healthy tone, then by all 



