H THE PHILOSdPHT 



each other. When we confider the ftruclure of the 

 camel and dromedary, we cannot be deceived with regard to 

 their deftination. The four ftomachs indicate a vegetable 

 diet, and the fame docility and gentlenefs of manners which , 

 characlerife the whole ruminating tribes. From the addi- 

 tion of a fifth bag, or refervoir for the reception and prefer- 

 yation of water, we fhould expedt to find fome peculiarity 

 of difpofition. In this conjedlure we are not deceived. Of 

 ^11 animals which man has fubjugated, the camel and drome- 

 dary are the moft abje£l flaves. With incredible patience 

 and fubmifiion they traverfe the burning fands of Africa and 

 Arabia, carrying burdens of amazing weight. Inftead of dif- 

 covering fymptoms of reluctance, they fpontaneoufly lie 

 down on their knees till their mafter binds the unmerciful 

 load. Arabia, and fome parts of Africa, are the drieft and 

 moft barren countries in the world. Both the conftitutiori 

 and ftru£lure of camels are nicely adapted to the foil and 

 climate in which they are produced. The Arabians confid- 

 er the camel as a gift fent from heaven, a facred animal, 

 without whofe afiiftance they could neither fubfift, trafiick, 

 nor travel. The milk of the camel is their common food. 

 They alfo eat its flefh ; and of its hair they make garments. 

 In pofi^eflion of their camels, the Arabs want nothing, and 

 have nothing to fear. In one day they can perform a jour- 

 ney of fifty leagues into the defert, which cuts ofF every ap- 

 proach from their enemies. All the armies in the world would 

 perifh in purfuit of a troop of Arabs. An Arab, by the 

 afiiftance of his camel, furmounts ail the difiicukies of a 

 country which is neither covered with verdure, nor fupplied 

 with water. Notwithftanding the vigilance of his neigh- 

 bours, and the fuperiority of their firength, he eludes their 

 purfuit, and carries ofl^, with impunity, all that he ravages 

 from them. When about to undertake a depredatory expe- 

 dition, an Arab makes his camels carry both his and their 



