64 THEPHILOSOPHY 



refervoir pure and limpid ; becaufe neither the humours of the bo- 

 dy, nor the juices that promote digeftion, can have accefs to it. 

 Befide this fingularity of ftrudure, the camel has two large flefliy 

 bunches on his back, and the dromedary, or fwift camel, one bunch; 

 and the feet of both are covered with a very tough, but flexible 

 fubftance. The conformation of thefe animals enables them to tra- 

 vel with heavy loads through the fandy defarts of the Eaft, where 

 the horfe or the afs would inevitably perifh ; becaufe Nature has 

 not provided them with refervoirs for holding and preferving water, 

 which arc indifpenfible in countries where none of that element 

 can be procured but in particular places, that are often diftant many 

 days journey from each other. When we confider the ftrudture of 

 the camel and dromedary, we cannot be deceived with regard to 

 their deftinatlon. The four ftomachs indicate a vegetable diet, and 

 the fame docility and gentlenefs of manners which charaderife the 

 •whole ruminating tribes. From the addition of a fifth bag, or re- 

 fervoir for the reception and prefervation of water, we fhould expert 

 to find fome peculiarity of difpofition. In this conjedure we are 

 not deceived. Of all animals which man has fubjugated, the camel 

 and dromedary are the moft abjed Haves. With incredible patience 

 and fubmiffion they traverfe the burning fands of Africa and Arabia, 

 carrying burdens of amazing weight. Inftead of difcovering fymp- 

 toms of reludance, they fpontaneoufly lie down on their knees till 

 their mafter binds the unmerciful load. Arabia, and fome parts of 

 Africa, are the drieft and moft barren countries in the world. Both 

 the conftitution and ftrudure of camels are nicely adapted to the 

 foil and climate in which they are produced. The Arabians con- 

 fider the camel as a gift fent from heaven, a facred animal, without 

 whofe affiftance they could neither fubfift, traffick, nor travel. The 

 milk of the camel is their common food. They alfo eat its flefh ; 

 and of its hair they make garments. In poffeffion of their camels, 

 t,he Arabs want nothing, and have nothing to fear. In one day 



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