THE CAMEL, 
101 
of the males is swollen during the rutting season, 
and protrudes from the mouth like a bag or bladder. 
The Camels of the Old World, if we consider all 
the circumstances of their native country, may be 
perhaps considered as among the most useful of the 
ruminants. They are in fact the only animals which 
could perform the journey in the desert, and support 
for sufficient length of time, the heat of the burning 
sands, and the deprivation of sustenance, to which 
they are exposed ; and while thus fitted for life and 
labour in countries of this description, they are of 
necessity, from organization, prevented from living 
in those which possess much humidity of climate, 
moisture producing inflammation of the feet and legs, 
and becoming as insupportable to the camel, as the 
seas of scorching sands would be to the horse or 
oxen. 
Arabia with its deserts is the countiy most con- 
stantly associated with the Camel, but at the present 
day they are used most e.xtensively in north and 
western Africa, in Syria and Persia, Chinese Tar- 
tary, and in some parts of India; in the former coun- 
tries, being the only beast used for burden, and by 
Its powers, rendering the most barren districts in the 
World habitable, and keeping up an intercourse across 
a barrier, which, without it, would have remained im- 
passable. The Arabs are dependent on this animal for 
every necessary; like the rein-deer to the Laplander, 
it affords them food and raiment, and a carriage for 
their burdens. The milk in its various forms nou- 
