276 THE CAMEL 



unless he is thoroughly well looked after and kept clean. 

 Even then he will pick them up when grazing in the bush. 

 These parasites, the former especially, not only worry and 

 annoy the poor animal, but if left long enough on him 

 will perceptibly reduce his condition, and, in addition to 

 the irritation which they cause, are often the indirect 

 means of producing sores, as the animal will rub and 

 scratch himself against any obstacle to relieve the itching. 

 To prevent this daily grooming is an absolute necessity. 

 Should a camel be badly covered with these parasites, 

 take him away from camp, shear his coat as close as 

 possible, pull and scrape off all you can, and rub his 

 body over with paraffin or carbolic oil. 



Kemedy When nothing else has been available, I have often 



used a powerful infusion of the strongest tobacco, and 

 found it efficacious both for horses and camels ; or, if 

 you can get soft soap, the two together make a good 

 mixture. Put -^ Ib. of cut cavendish or twist into 2 

 quarts of boiling water, and let it stand until cool. 

 Also put 2 Ib. of soft soap in 2 gallons of water, and 

 stir it up into a solution. Then mix them well, and 

 apply with a medium brush, rubbing it well into the 

 skin. Cover up the animal with a rug until dry, wash 

 off the mixture, and then dry him. 



Messrs. Hey ward of Lincoln have a cattle wash 

 preparation which is also very useful for the removal 

 of parasites, and of all kinds of itchings in the skin. 



Oiling and In connection with this subj ect of cleaning and groom- 

 ing camels there is another matter of great importance, 

 from a hygienic point of view especially, and that is 

 shearing and oiling them. The former is particularly 

 applicable to hot climates, and during the hot and dry 



