H2 TH£ CAMEL 



fters, to whom, at all other times, they are very- 

 fubmiffive. Their mode of copulating differs 

 from that of all other quadrupeds ; for the fe- 

 male, inftead of (landing, lies down on her knees, 

 and receives the male in the fame pofition that 

 me repoles, or is loaded *. This pofiure, to 

 which the animals are early accuftomed, becomes 

 natural, lince they afTume it fpontaneoufly in 

 coition. The time of geftation is near twelve 

 months f , and, like all large quadrupeds, the fe- 

 males bring forth only one at a birth. Her milk 

 is copious and thick ; and, when mixed with 

 a large quantity of water, affords an excellent 

 nourifhment to men. The females are not o- 

 bliged to labour, but are allowed to pafture and 



produce 



* When the camels copulate, the female lies down in the 

 fame manner as when fhe is about to be loaded. Some of 

 them go thirteen months with young ; Relation de Thevetiot, 

 torn. 2. p. 23. — The female receives the male lying on her 

 belly ; Voyage de Jean Ovington, p. 223. — It is remarkable, that, 

 when thefe animals copulate, the females lie on their bellies 

 in the fame manner as when they are loading. The time of 

 their geftation is from eleven to twelve months ; Voyage de 

 Chardin, torn. 2,p* 28. — It is true, that the females go with 

 young twelve months : But thofe who aflert, that, during the 

 time of ccirien, the male turns his crupper to the female, are 

 ■deceived. This error proceeds from the circumftance of his 

 difcharging his urine backward, by placing the penis between' 

 the two hind legs. But, in copulating, the female lies on her 

 belly, and receives the male in that pofition ; Voyage de Olea- 

 rhis, torn. 1. /. 5^3. 



\ The females go with young near twelve months, or front 

 one fpting to the following j Shaw's travels. 



