docility is extreme, and it is only in cases of unreasonable oppression that it expresses a sense
of injustice by loud cries of complaint. When
an overloaded Camel, exhausted with hunger or
thirst, sinks down in the desert, it seldom rises
again, but must be left to its fate, which is sure
and speedy. The vultures quickly begin to collect
and wheel round above their victim, impatient to
begin their repast; and the skeleton soon adds
another to the many, which, bleached by the sun
to a dazzling whiteness, are scattered over every
part of the tawny wilderness.
There is probably as much difference between the various breeds of Camels, as between those of Horses with us; strength, capacity of endurance, and fleetness, being found in diverse proportions. The Dromedary (the Heirie of the Arabs) is a very light and swift breed, used for carrying a rider a long distance in very short periods of time. Though a fleet horse would quickly leave the heirie behind, the power of sustaining exertion would enable the latter to regain his lost ground, and to continue his unabated course long after his rival. had become exhausted. Wellsted says that it can maintain a speed of six or eight miles an hour, for twenty-four successive hours.
The flesh and milk of the Camel are important parts of an Arab’s diet: its long hair, somewhat woolly in texture, is woven into garments and tents; and the finer hair is imported into Europe for the manufacture of artists’ pencils.. The best is obtained from Persia.
