120 
THE STORY OF THE CAMEL. 
visions. Others bear canopies of linen or brilliant colored stuffs, on light 
frameworks made of wood or palm branches. Under these dais repose the 
women, children, invalids, and oftentimes the young camels which are unable 
to endure the fatigue of the journey. The men ride barebacked upon the 
rear ranks of the non-laden camels, and many enjoy tranquil slumber, undis¬ 
turbed by fear of falling from their perilous position. The chiefs, on horse¬ 
back, follow or escort the caravan, and men, on foot or mounted on asses, 
are scattered here and there the whole length of the file, according as occu¬ 
pation or inclination leads them. 
During winter the caravan pursues its way from morning till night with¬ 
out stopping; but in summer a few hours, during the hottest portion of the 
day, is consecrated to repose. In any case the average number of hours in 
the day’s journey does not exceed ten. 
During the journey, the camel looks around for the pasturage he likes, 
and, by elongating his neck, browses upon it without discontinuing his 
march. At the evening halt, a locality as rich in pasturage as can be found is 
selected, the bags and all the luggage of the caravan are deposited in order, 
and piled around in a circle; the camels separate in search of pasturage, but 
are kept in sight by the drivers, who' fasten their forefeet as a security against 
their wandering too far away. While the camels are browsing, their driver 
goes to fill the leathern bottles at the well or spring, if there be one in the 
locality; if not, the poor animals’ only resource is patience. 
The camel pays no heed to his rider, pays no attention whether he be 
on his back or not, walks straight on when once set agoing, merely because 
he is too stupid to turn aside. Should some tempting thorn or green branch 
allure him out of the path, he continues to walk on in the new direction, 
simply because he is too dull to turn back into the right road. He is from 
first to last an undomesticated and savage animal, rendered serviceable by 
stupidity alone. 
In addition to its value as a beast of burden, the camel is also esteemed 
by the natives of many countries on account of its milk and flesh, while its 
hair is woven into ropes and cloth, and in some parts of India its bones are 
used instead of ivory for inlaying and decorative purposes. 
The Bactrian camel of Central Asia is distinguished from the Arabian 
species, not only by its double hump, but likewise by its inferior height, 
stouter and more clumsy build, shorter legs, and harder and shorter feet, as 
well as by the greater length and abundance of the hair. This animal is, in¬ 
deed, in all respects, better adapted for a rocky and hilly country than its 
