1839.] On Camel Litters for the Wounded. 703 



insufficient ; they were moreover, to be placed out of the reach of the Arabs, 

 and to be saved from the horrors of hunger and thirst, to which they would 

 have been exposed if not promptly carried off. We had to employ for 

 this purpose the camel — the only beasts of burden in the country; and 

 to render the means of carriage easy for the wounded, as well as 

 light for the animals, I had a hundred baskets* made cradle-wise, 

 two for each camel, which were carried, one on each side, suspended by 

 elastic straps. They were so made that they did not in the least 

 impede his paces, or his movements, and yet were long enough, by means 

 of a lengthening flap on hinges at one* end, to carry a wounded man 

 lying down at full length." 



In adopting this plan, the simplest methods seem to be those most 

 likely to succeed, and to be least subject to get out of order; and I should 

 suggest that a few be made of basket-work — nothing is so durable 

 as the entire ratan if it can be procured, — as well as some of the 

 frame-work kind shewn in the drawing. 



For the simplest sort a cradle-like basket, higher at one end to raise the 

 head comfortably, and a tarpaulin for rainy weather, seem to be all that is 

 necessary. The straps or slings for this, should, I think, be fastened to 

 bent iron bars going round the cradle, (not fastened to the sides of it,) 

 and turned into a ring at the inner, upper side, sufficiently strong and 

 properly placed. A spare ring or two may be added when necessary for 

 steadying the whole, and a short plank should be placed outside 

 across the bottom, where the iron bars take, that they may not cut in 

 upon the basket. 



A frame of light wood, with a corded net-work bottom, should be 

 placed inside, and a quilted mattrass and covering; the last pretty wide, 

 so as to be doubled if required, will be sufficient for the inside. There 

 should also be two pillows, one for the head, and another to lay at the 

 side, if required by the patient to steady himself against the motion of 

 the animal. 



Any intelligent officer accustomed to Camel-carriage will be able to 

 arrange the lesser details of the necessary ropes, spare slings, &c. as 

 well as the fitting of the curtain and tarpaulin, and a medical officer 

 will easily add those necessary for the safety and comfort of the 

 wounded and sick. jj # PIDDINGTON. 



Calcutta, \2th February, 1839. 



* " Paniers disposes en forme de berceau" are the words used ; though the Baron's 

 plate represents frames with curtains, which would have been expressed by the words 

 " Cadres avec des rideaucc." Probably the plate may represent a better sort for the 

 officers, and the Baron has forgotten to mention this ? 



