THE CAMEL. 



The NAPU, or JAVA MUSK, inhabits JAVA and Sumatra, and without possessing the 

 intellect of the Kanchil, is a very pleasing animal to the sight, and as it is readily 

 domesticated, is well adopted to European menageries. 



FROM the earliest times that are recorded in history, the CAMEL is mentioned as one 

 of the animals which are totally subject to the sway of man, and which in eastern 

 countries contribute so much to the wealth and influence of their owners. 



There are two species of Camel acknowledged by zoologists, namely, the common 

 Camel of Arabia, which has but one hump, and the Mecheri, or Bactrian Camel, which 

 possesses two of these curious appendages. Of these two animals, the former is by far 

 the more valuable, as it is superior to its two-humped relative in almost every respect. 

 Admirably fitted, as are all animals, for the task which they are intended to perform, the 



CAMEL. Came/us Arablcus. 



Camel presents such wonderful adaptations of form to duty, that the most superficial 

 observer cannot but be struck with the* exquisite manner in which the creature has been 

 endowed with the various qualities of mind and body which are needful under the 

 peculiar circumstances amid which it dwells. 



As the animal is intended to traverse the parched sand plains, and to pass several 

 consecutive days without the possibility of obtaining liquid nourishment, there is an 

 internal structure which permits the animal to store up a considerable amount of water 

 for future use. For this purpose, the honeycomb cells of the "reticulum" are largely 

 developed, and are enabled to receive and to retain the water which is received into the 

 stomach after the natural thirst of the animal has been supplied. After a Camel has 

 been accustomed to journeying across the hot and arid sand wastes, it learns wisdom 

 by experience, and contrives to lay by a much greater supply of water than would be 



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