XXVII 
CONCLUSION 
375 
slightest sign of intelligence under any circumstances. 
The only time that it appears contented is when 
the Arab arranges a pile of dhurra, carefully 
measured in double handfuls according to the 
number of his beasts ; this is placed in the centre of 
a mat, upon which the Arab sits, while perhaps 
eight camels kneel upon the ground with their 
heads converging in a centre, all intent upon the 
heap of corn, each endeavouring to swallow more 
than its due proportion. The Arab continues to 
rearrange the heap while it is growing less, 
occasionally pushing an extra mouthful towards 
a weaker animal that is bullied by a greedy 
neighbour. 
I never lose my interest in camels, as they have 
carried me faithfully during many years over some 
thousands of miles ; but the time will arrive when 
light narrow-gauge railways across the deserts will 
relegate this animal to a different duty, in conduct¬ 
ing the traffic for short distances to stations upon 
the main line, instead of being, as at present, the 
tedious and only means of conducting the commerce 
of an enormous area. 
I conclude my reminiscences of wild beasts and 
their ways with the hope that the pleasure the 
study of natural history has afforded me through 
life will be enjoyed by others whose tastes are 
similar, and who may accompany my own 
experiences as I have narrated them. Although 
an ardent admirer of nature and her mysterious 
