174 THE CAMEL 



transport should be used in preference for this class of 

 stores. Cases and casks, or any globular or oval-shaped 

 packages, are exceedingly bad loads for camels, as they 

 are very difficult to adjust and impossible to steady. 



Mule Mule loads should not exceed in length 2 feet, 



breadth 1 foot, depth 1-J foot ; and for donkeys smaller 

 dimensions if possible. 



HOW to Loads should be placed so as not to be either too 



high up over the animal's back, or too low down on his 

 sides, but should rest high on the ribs, as they prevent 

 freedom of action. Of the two extremes, however, it 

 is better to have loads too high than too low on this 

 very account. I have often seen clumsy misshapen 

 loads badly slung, and so low that every step the un- 

 fortunate camel took or, to speak more correctly, tried 

 to take he not only barked his legs very badly, but, 

 owing to the presence of the load in such a low and 

 faulty position, he was quite unable to take a full and 

 free stride. This apart from the nasty bruises, which 

 in a hot climate especially quickly develop into sores, 

 or if on the bone lead to lameness wearies and harasses 

 the poor beast so much that, if allowed to continue, 

 loss of condition would ensue. The driver who loads 

 in this brutal careless way ought to be severely flogged, 

 and the officer in charge of the convoy who allows it 

 should be suspended until he learns to be more 

 thoughtful and considerate. 



Do not place too heavy or too bulky a load on an 

 animal's back. Not only does it crush and damage the 

 saddle, but in the long run it injures the animal. It is 

 wiser not to put any weight at all on the top or centre 

 of the back. Never choose a stony spot, if you can 



