708 



'HE BACTRIAN CAMEL. 



which is carried in leathern bags on the Camel's back, and which is not only heated by 

 the rays of the fierce sun, but is strongly impregnated with a leathery flavor, and smells 

 as if it were taken out of a tan-pit. The water which is taken from the Camel's stomach 

 is even cooler than that which has been carried on its back, as the natural heat of the 

 animal is not comparable to that which is produced by the continual rays of the burn- 

 ing desert sun. 



The height of an ordinary Camel at the shoulder is about six or seven feet, and its 

 color is a light brown, of various depths in different individuals, some specimens being 

 nearly black, and others almost white. The dromedary is the lighter breed of Camel 

 and is chiefly used for riding, while the ordinary Camel is employed as a beast of 

 burden. Between the two animals there is about the same difference as between a 

 dray-horse and a hunter, the Heirie being analogous to the race horse. 



/tr 



BACTRIAN CAMEL. -Came/us Bactrianus. 



The BACTRIAN CAMEL is readily to be distinguished from the ordinary Camel by the 

 double hump which it bears on its back, and which is precisely analogous in its struc- 

 ture and office to that of the Arabian Camel. 



The general formation of this animal ; its lofty neck, raising its head high above the 

 solar radiations from the heated ground ; its valve-like nostrils, that close involuntarily if 

 a grain of drifting sand should invade their precincts ; its wide cushion-like feet, and its 

 powers of abstinence, prove that, like its Arabian relative, it is intended for the purpose 

 of travers.ing vast deserts without needing refreshment on the way. This species is spread 

 through central Asia, Thibet, and China, and is domesticated through a large portion of 



