194 THE CAMEL 



act by routine ; bat if possible, so long as proper and 

 reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the animals 

 being stampeded and raided, even at the risk of a fight, 

 graze your camels when and where you can, for do not 

 lose sight of the fact that they will not thrive without 

 it, and in the finish you will get far more out of them. 

 Everything naturally depends on the nature of the 

 country. In countries where grazing and water are 

 plentiful march camels regular distances, but if these 

 are at irregular intervals, then march accordingly ; but 

 the general average should not exceed twenty to 

 twenty -five miles a day, according to (1) the length of 

 the journey, (2) the weight and nature of the loads, 

 (3) scarcity or abundance of fodder and water, (4) 

 intensity of heat or cold ; in a few words, in proportion 

 to the difficulties of the route, and the climatic and 

 botanic conditions in general. Everything must give 

 way to the camel, like the shoe that is made to fit the 

 foot, and not the foot that is tortured to fit the shoe ; 

 make your marches to suit your camel, and do not 

 make them to suit your own convenience, or because 

 those demi-gods Eoutine and Eegularity say that 

 you must. When your animals are concerned never 

 let that bugbear of the British officer, fear of responsi- 

 bility, stand in your way. By taking care of your 

 camels you are indirectly caring for and thinking of 

 your men ; and if you do your duty conscientiously, 

 always act fearlessly on your own responsibility. 

 Transport It may be assumed, without even a shadow of 

 duties' 8 doubt, that when a convoy is about to march the chief 

 starting problem that the transport officer in charge has to 

 solve is his best plan of action as to mode of procedure, 



