HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 153 



Africanus says fifteen. Camels can discover water 

 by their smell at half a league's distance; and, after 

 a long abstinence, will hasten towards it, some time 

 before their drivers perceive where it lies. 



The feet of the Camel are peculiarly adapted to 

 the soil on which it treads. On moist or slippery 

 ground he cannot well support himself; and his 

 broad and tender feet are liable to be injured by 

 the resistance of stones : but he is observed to tread 

 with perfect ease and security on the dry and yield- 

 ing sand; and whilst, from its peculiar structure, 

 his hoof is incapable of fastening with any degree 

 of security on the ground of a steep ascent or 

 shelving declivity, his movements on a smooth and 

 level surface are singularly firm and safe. 



Many attempts have been made to introduce this 

 serviceable animal into other countries ; but, as yet, 

 none have succeeded. The race seems to be con- 

 fined to certain districts, where its utility has been 

 known for ages. 



Though a native of warm climates, the Camel 

 dreads those which are excessively hot : it can 

 neither subsist in the burning heat of the torrid 

 zone, nor in the milder air of the temperate. It 

 seems to be an original native of Arabia; for in 

 that country, it is not only more numerous, but 

 thrives better than in any other part of the world. 



There are two varieties of this animal, which 

 have been distinguished previous to all historical 

 record : that which is called the Bactrian Camel has 

 two hunches on its back, and is found chiefly in 

 Turkey and the countries of the Levant : whilst the 

 Arabian Camel has only one hunch. 



