The Camel - Its Uses and Management

Book excerpt: This classic book contains a wealth of information on the uses and management of camels, and will be an excellent addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the subject. Preface: 'The following pages are principally the result of sixteen years' practical observation and experience of Camels in India, Afghanistan, Egypt, and the Soudan, and the elaboration and expansion of diaries kept by me on different campaigns under every variety and extreme of condition and circumstance. My object in offering them for publication is manifold and obvious, as a perusal of the work will show. In a few words- 1 To awaken and to stimulate an interest in, as well as to encourage the proper treatment of, Camels, under all phases and conditions. 2 To explain the various uses to which both the riding and the baggage Camel can be put. 3 To act as a guide to every soldier in the above, and also in the most useful and most practical doctrines of transport. 4 To promote and improve the breeding of the animal, so as to ensure the production of a superior class of riding and baggage Camel. 5 To urge a more universal use of both riding and baggage Camels, especially in Australia, and in the southern and central portions of Africa. 6 To advocate the establishment of a system by which Nos. 1, 3, 4, and 5 can be effected, and by which No. 2 can be utilised with the soundest and most practical results....'