MAMM1FEROUS ANIMALS. 389 



that each of these parts, so unprepossessing in 

 their aspect, has its own especial use in enabling 

 the animal to perform those respective functions, 

 for which it was most obviously created. For 

 the small head and ears, and the length and va- 

 rying form of the neck, are particularly titted to 

 penetrate, without injury, the prickly trees and 

 shrubs upon whose branches it is often compelled 

 to feed ; and these, combined with the structure of 

 its teeth, which partly partake of those of the 

 horse, and partly of the other ruminating animals, 

 enable it to seize and masticate substances, 

 which the latter could neither reach, nor swallow. 

 The hunch on the back serves as a protection 

 to the rider who sits behind it, and to fix upon 

 it with more steadiness, those heavy articles 

 which it is intended to carry. The bushy extre- 

 mity of a powerful tail, is successfully used in 

 driving off from its flanks, the offensive insects 

 that swarm in the countries over which it has to 

 pahs ; while the length and direction of its legs, 

 and the peculiarity in the formation of its feet, 

 consisting of two elongated toes, protected above, 

 by strong nails, and below, by a thick, horny, 

 but elastic pad, altogether give it that stabi- 

 lity on the ground, and that adaptation of its 

 feet to the soil, which are most essential to a 

 beast of burden, used in conveying very heavy 

 arid cumbersome weights, over deep sands, in 

 which every other animal would fail in the at- 

 tempt. 



