Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/108

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THE BABYHOOD OF WILD BEASTS

cold of its Arctic winter. It tramps over the plains heavy laden or hauling wagons or sledges from Peking, China, to Lake Baikal, over dizzy passes of the Hindu Kush, the rocky wastes of Afghanistan, onward to Persia.

Camels bred for the saddle are lighter and swifter than the baggage animals. These fast travelling creatures who can cover 100 miles a day are called Dromedaries, whether they have one hump or two. Their training begins at four years of age. They are taught to kneel, then to carry small loads, which are gradually increased.

The loads vary from 500 to 1,000 pounds. If too heavy, the Camel will not rise. It is very patient under its burden, yielding only to die.

The Dromedary proper is common in northeast India, Afghanistan, throughout Arabia to the Red Sea, and Somaliland on the south. The peculiar characteristics of this desert dwelling ruminant, are its long neck, and remarkable hump of fat which helps to nourish the animal. When tired, or in poor health, the hump becomes flaccid. Its feet are cloven, possessing two toes each covered with a hoof-like nail. The toes are united