154 ANIMALS USED IN WAR. 



plane of health, efficiency, and merit generally. Officers and 

 men 'know him now more intimately, and the personal factor of 

 man makes for his greater usefulness. Stall-feeding in practic- 

 ally the same manner as in other military animals has done 

 wonders in the reduction of the disease Surra, as well as adding 

 to his increased power for work. We have progressed very 

 considerably in recent times, as the records of sickness and 

 inefficiency, and more especially the condition and appearance 

 of our service camels, distinctly and surprisingly show. Un- 

 fortunately, with work up the river beds in Waziristan during 

 the past hot weather there has been an increase of Surra over 

 the past year, from the prevalence of biting flies. Deaths from 

 heat exhaustion, cases of night blindness, and a considerable 

 number of sore-feet from traversing river beds too, have sent 

 up inefficiency. Camels' feet were never intended for water ; 

 and in normal times it is the wise custom to refrain from work 

 in the middle of the day ; indeed owners of camels do not, as a 

 rule, work them from the middle of May to 1st October. If 

 operations are to continue in these regions in future years it 

 would seem that the Camel would have to be equipped with 

 goloshes on his feet, goggles on his eyes, and a Dolly Varden 

 hat on the top of his head. Having a supercilious demeanour 

 at any time, he would look a real gem so attired, and he would 

 prove a fortune for the " Movies." 



The carrying power of a camel depends on the breed, the 

 climate in which he is employed, and the distance to be tra- 

 versed. The usual load of an Indian Camel is 5 maunds or 

 400 lb. e.g. five bales of Bhoosa — two oh each side and one on 

 the top. An equal number on each side and none on the top, 

 say three bales of bhoosa on each side, or a total of 480 lb, is a 

 much better balanced load, and the removal of any article from 

 the top has saved many hump-galls. Moreover, ability to carry 

 extra work on occasion is a direct return for the good food and 

 attention which have been bestowed on the animal. In Algeria, 

 Morocco, Tunis and Tripoli the load is from 300 to 400 lb, in 

 Egypt from 350 to 5501b, in Syria, Asia Minor, Persia and 

 Tartary 560 to 600 lb. Civilian Camels engaged on local duty 

 at present in the Waziristan Force at Dera Ismail Khan are 



