THE KUMINANT OKDER, 
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 
1 turned loose to gather the scanty herbage that is usually to be 
i found in their habitat, except the vicinity should be suspected of 
! harbouring dangerous 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 ot 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 collapse like empty 
bags, and the whole body immediately afterwards grows thin. 
