THE EUMINANT OEDER. 



233 



slacken their pace. When the guide's voice ceases, the whole troop 

 of animals halt, and kneel to be unloaded ; after which they are 

 turned loose to gather the scanty herbage that is usually to be 

 found in their habitat, except the vicinity should be suspected of 

 harbouring dangerovis characters. 



Dromedaries are used in the Sahara, also in other provinces in 

 Africa. Certain stages are performed on them in the journey from 

 Phillippeville to Constantine or to Setif. 



The Camel, also, serves the African as a useful auxiliary in war 



Fig. 75. — Camel Drivers ol Sahara. 



and predatory excursions. The Touaregs, especially, make use 

 of it for those purposes. Fig. 76 represents one of that tribe 

 mounted and equipped. We have already said that nature 

 seems to have made every provision to enable these enduring and 

 patient servants to cope with the privations to which they are 

 exposed, indeed, it is believed that a certain quantity of the solid 

 matter placed on their bodies, is an alimentary reserve, which 

 they are enabled to use when in want. This reserve forms 

 the fat excrescences which project on their backs. After a 

 long and fatiguing journey these humps coUapse like empty 

 bags, and the whole body immediately afterwards grows thin. 



