186 THE CAMEL 



CHAPTEE IX 



MARCHING AND CARRYING POWER 



HERE we have another matter of vital importance in 

 connection with camel transport, and it is hard to say 

 whether it or the questions previously discussed of 

 ' feeding,' c watering ' and ' loading ' are of greater im- 

 portance. In reality they one and all so hinge upon 

 each other, and the evils which arise from neglect of 

 them are so evenly balanced and so comparatively 

 serious, that they deserve an equal amount of 

 attention. 



Like the others, the marching and carrying powers 

 of the camel have been grossly exaggerated and mis- 

 represented ; although he can carry a good load and 

 march well, especially on sandy soil and over loose 

 shingle, yet he must receive great care and attention. 

 It is a popular error to imagine that the baggager can 

 travel the long distances and work for the long hours 

 i.e. sixteen hours daily that people who are ignorant 

 of him say he can. Camels when worked regularly 

 like all other animals require feeding (grazing par- 

 ticularly) and rest, and twenty miles a day (perhaps 

 twenty-five in a push) is a good average. Of course, I 

 am speaking now of long distances. For short journeys 

 say, up, to 250 perhaps 300 miles animals in the best 

 of condition, and at their normal pace, can work sixteen 



