122 THE WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



But Nature seems to have made the camel on purpose for 

 desert work. For, instead of possessing hoofs hke those of the 

 horse, it has large, broad feet, with cushion-like pads beneath 

 them. These feet do not sink into the sand like the hoofs of a 

 horse, but allow the camel to walk along as easily as if it were 

 upon firm ground. It cannot run or gallop as fast as a horse, it is 

 true; but it can travel nearly all day long for several weeks at 

 a time, when there is the necessity to so use it. 



Although grass does not grow in the desert — except in the 

 small fertile spots which we call "oases", and which are generally 

 many miles apart — a kind of dwarf thorn-bush is sometimes 

 found. This is quite sufficient for the camel, which browses upon 

 it as it walks along. 



It does not live entirely upon this dry food, however, and on 

 the handful or two of dates which its master gives to it at the end 

 of the day. 



For the camel often lives throughout its long journeys princi- 

 pally upon its own hump! For the hump of the camel consists 

 almost wholly of fat. And, although it may be large and firm at 

 the beginning of a desert journey, the hump is found to have 

 almost disappeared at the end. But this hump of fat is renewed 

 again when the camel is able to indulge in plenty of food and 

 water. 



It is quite natural for the hump of fat to be absorbed into the 

 body, and to serve the purpose of food. Just in the same way 

 as you, if you went without food for several days, would feed, so 

 to speak, upon the fat of your own body. 



The camel can go for several days without water, which is 

 a great natural provision, as, in the desert, wells are often three 

 or four days' journey apart. 



For the camel, like all animals which chew the cud, has no less 

 than four stomachs, into each of which the food passes in turn. 

 One of these stomachs is lined with cells, which can be opened 

 or closed as the camel wishes. And each of these cells is large 

 enough to hold a small quantity of water. 



These cells serve the following purpose. When a camel drinks, 

 it swallows much more water than it really requires at the time. 



