576 



THE BACTRIAN CAMEL. 



not very particular as to the quality of the liquid which may save his life. Unpleasant though 

 it be, this water is hardly more unpalatable than that 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 1 s stomach is even cooler than that which lias 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 burning 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 





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wr. 





VICUGNA. — Auchenia vicunna. 



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. 



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 structure 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 absti- 

 nence, prove that, like its Arabian relative, it is intended for the purpose of traversing 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 the world. It is not so 

 enduring an animal as the Arabian species, requiring a fresh supply of liquid every three days ; 

 while the Arabian camel can exist without water for five or even six days. It is employed by 

 the Persians in a rather curious military capacity ; its saddle being furnished with one or two 

 swivel guns, which are managed by the rider. The corps is called the Camel Artillery, and is 

 of considerable value in the peculiar mode of fighting which is prevalent in the East. 



