74 



NATURAL HISTORY 



is nothing on. which an Arab lays so much stress as on the condition of his Camel's hump, which, 

 from what we have just said, must be considered to be nothing more or less than a reserved store 

 of food. 



Upon the chest, the elbows, the fore-knees (true wrists), knees, and hocks, callous pads of har- 

 dened skin are found, upon which the creature supports its weight whilst kneeling down, a position 

 in which it always rests, and one which it assumes when being loaded. These pads are present 

 in the new-born Camel-calf, proving, contrary to the view maintained by some, that they are not 

 the direct result of pressure, but are special provisions in accordance with the requirements of the 

 species, arrived at by a process of natural selection, those individuals alone surviving in which 

 there is the power of resisting the injurious effects of protracted sti'ain upon a few spots of the 

 skin. 



The coat is, in the summer, scanty ; in the winter, of considerable length, and matted into 

 lumps. The two-toed feet are very much expanded, and tipped with a pair of small hoofs. The 

 lips are covered with hair, the upper one being split up for some distance in the middle line. The 

 nostrils, when closed, are linear, and from their construction prevent sand from entering the air- 

 passages when the animal desires it. The tail is of fair length, reaching to the ankle-joint. There 

 is a fixity about its attitudes, and a formality about its paces, which is quite characteristic. Its 

 power of enduring fatigue upon its scanty fare, whilst carrying a weight as great as 600 Ibs., together 

 with its endurance, makes it invaluable in its desert home. 



A stolid obstinacy is its usual disposition. Mr. Palgrave, criticising the reputation, that the 

 animal has for docility, remarks : " If docile means stupid, well and good ; in such a case the Camel 

 is the very model of docility. But if the epithet is intended to designate an animal that takes an. 

 interest in its rider so far as a beast can ; that in some way understands his intentions, or shares them 

 in a subordinate fashion ; that obeys from a sort of submissive or half fellow-feeling with his master, 



(TRUE) CAMEL. 



