326 THE CAMEL 



Non-iia- by the way), Major von Francois found that they had 

 cameHo ' m no wa y been affected by cattle diseases or horse sick- 

 Jj^| S1 ness. As the climatic, botanic, and geological conditions 

 of Damara- and Namaqualands are very similar to, if not 

 identical with, Bechuanaland and the Protectorate, this 

 removes the only obstacle that might have been advanced 

 against the introduction of the animal into those parts, 

 utility in A doubt also exists as to the employment of camels 

 mates 6 1 in a wet climate. As a rule, of course, a dry climate 

 is essential for breeds of the Arabian species, though 

 with a little care they will stand the exposure, and 

 prove quite serviceable. And, as I have pointed out, 

 if necessary the feet can always be protected a pro- 

 tection causing less trouble and expense than shoeing. 

 Camels of the Bactrian breed are better suited for 

 damp, as they are accustomed to it, and their feet are 

 more adapted to wet and slippery soil. 

 Superi- j n hj s Report, Major von Francois alludes to the 



onty over 5 



Damara superiority of the camel over the Damara oxen in 

 abstinence from food and water. But this is by no 

 means extraordinary, as a knowledge of his internal 

 machinery will quickly demonstrate, and because, as I 

 have endeavoured to explain in this work, his powers 

 in this way, although exaggerated, are greater than 

 those possessed by other ruminants. 



He also refers to their not becoming footsore in the 

 stony ground of the border regions of Damar aland. 

 Camels are tolerant of shingle and stones, and, provided 

 you are careful of them, will march for days over such 

 country. Both in Afghanistan and the Soudan I have 

 taken camels over very broken stony ground without 

 knocking up their feet. In fact, they will go anywhere 



