XXVII 
CONCLUSION 
3 73 
immensely in its favour as a beast of burden, where 
long tedious marches are necessary at all hours, either 
of day or night. This should be carefully con¬ 
sidered, as supporting my view that the march should 
as much as possible be confined to daylight. 
All ruminants are quick feeders. An ox or camel 
will make a snatch at a bunch of grass without 
halting, but quickly as it passes it upon the march. 
In this way they are always feeding, even while they 
are moving, if either bushes or grass are present ; 
they lose no time or opportunity ; and the fact of 
this food excitement in looking out for something to 
eat, whiles away the time, and lessens the weariness 
of the journey. 
When night arrives, they have not only the 
enjoyment of rest from the day’s labour, but the 
intense happiness of ruminating. Should the camel 
have had no supper, he can nevertheless munch up 
his morning meals by ruminating until he sleeps. 
I sincerely trust that upon our next Oriental 
expedition, whenever the services of camels may be 
required, some special and most stringent arrange¬ 
ments will be made, that will throw the entire 
responsibility for the transport service upon the 
shoulders of officers who have not only knowledge, 
but a personal pride in the condition of their 
animals. 
With native owners the loss is a mere nothing, as 
they are sure to take the ordinary care to which these 
beasts have been accustomed ; but if camels are left 
to the tender mercies of inexperienced young officers 
