Quadrupeds, What They Are and Where Found: A Book of Zoology for BoysReid, Mayne
Science
Quadrupeds, What They Are and Where Found: A Book of Zoology for Boys
Reid, Mayne
Mammals
Conspicuous as is the giraffe, it is not so easy to distinguish it in
the haunts where it inhabits. Seen from a distance, it has the
appearance of a decayed tree, and, remaining motionless, it is often
passed by the hunter or traveller without being observed. It is itself
very keen-sighted; and the manner in which its large beautiful eye is
set gives it a decided advantage for seeing around it, even without the
necessity of turning its head. On this account it is approached with
great difficulty, and usually contrives to escape from the most ardent
pursuer.
The _Camels_ come next in turn. Of these there exist two distinct
species--the Camel, or Bactrian camel; and the Dromedary, or Arabian
camel. Both are found only in a domesticated state. Both are "beasts
of burthen," and of both there are several varieties.
First, then, of the Bactrian camel--that is, the species with two humps.
This animal differs very much from the Arabian camel, and is altogether
more rare. It is about ten feet in length of body, and covered
generally with a thick shaggy coat of hair of a dark brown colour; but
there is no difficulty in distinguishing it from its Arabian congener.
The two huge humps or hunches upon its back form a sufficient token by
which to identify the species.
It is found in Persia and the adjoining countries; but in no part in
such numbers as in the middle zone of Asia--in the Taurus, and to the
north of the Himalaya Mountains. It is also seen occasionally in Arabia
and other countries; but in these it is rare, the dromedary taking its
place for all purposes required by man. It is, nevertheless, of a
stouter build than the latter, and stronger in proportion to its size.
As already stated, there are several varieties, produced by a difference
in stature, colour, and swiftness.
The Dromedary, or Arabian camel, is altogether more widely distributed,
and better known to the world. It is propagated in Arabia, Persia, the
south of Tartary, some parts of India, in Africa from Egypt to Morocco,
and from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Senegal. It is also
numerous in the Canary Islands, and has been introduced into Italy,
especially at Pisa, in Tuscany. It is not generally known that it has
also been transported into the Island of Cuba, and employed at the mines
of El Cobre, near Santiago; and later still--in fact, at the present
hour--an attempt is being made to naturalise it upon the central plains
of Texas and California.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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