CAMELS WITH SOUTH AFGHAN EXPEDITION, 1878-9. 715 
the animals at first; a well-considered code of directions 
might be drawn up for his use, and a very little practice would 
make him an adept at detecting a failing one, or a negligent 
Serwan. (4.) If suggestions from those whose business 
it was to make the preservation of the health and consequent 
efficiency of transport animals, their study met with a little 
more consideration from authority, possibly they might he an 
additional means of obviating loss. I did not deserve a rude 
rebuff by a general officer when, doing my duty , on the 23rd 
of March last at Bula Zai, by respectfully suggesting that the 
debilitated horses of the 15th Hussars should not be robbed 
of a portion of their gram for the use of camels, but rather 
that the grass cutters should be employed in gathering her¬ 
bage for the latter. I endeavoured to explain that the gram 
would remain useless in the insufficiently distended rumen, 
while the herbage would really promote digestion, and those 
■who have read this paper will know my suggestion was 
founded on scientific grounds. (5.) Some regulations as to 
feeding might be carried out. Deficiency of bulk of food 
appeared to be too little noticed. I have advocated feeding 
frequently; this might be done when opportunities occurred 
for repose, and a bait might be given at a halt when on the 
march, a provision that was totally neglected. It is acknow¬ 
ledged that grain is better given in the dry state, especially 
if gram be split and barley bruised; a certain admixture of 
some bulky material, such as bhoorah r is an advantage. 
Browsing should be allowed on every available opportunity. 
Feeding after a long exhaustive march, or after unavoid¬ 
ably prolonged abstinence, would require special regulations. 
It must be remembered that the stomach is principally mus¬ 
cular in its constitution, and shares in the general weariness ; 
it must therefore be given time to regain its energy, and a 
little distension with satisfying food would induce the re¬ 
pose necessary for a return of the vigour required for the 
more active operation of propelling a highly nutritious sup¬ 
ply forward; the latter, even if sent to the mouth for ru¬ 
mination, would there be premature, for the remaining two 
stomachs are, during exhaustion, deficient in digestive 
power, and the partially prepared aliment would irritate the 
bowels. With regard to water, it should not be given after 
a full feed, but is grateful even to the wearied organ, rapidly 
restores the normal fluidity of the blood which has been 
partially destroyed by abstinence, and, with the above ex¬ 
ception, may be given whenever the animal feels inclined to 
drink it. (6.) Cruelty in forcing camels to march on when 
obviously unfit has been alluded to; it was a fertile source 
