CHAPTER XVIII.
THE CAMEL TRIBE AND THE CHEVROTAINS.
BY W. P. PYCRAFT, A.L.S., F.Z.S.
The Camels and Llamas, constituting the present group, form a very distinct section of the great assemblage of animals known as the Ruminants, or Cud-chewers. The Camel Tribe are peculiar amongst the Ruminants in that they never possess horns, and in that the stomach is only divided into three instead of four compartments—this division into compartments being intimately connected with the ruminating habit. Furthermore, the upper jaw bears cutting-teeth, or "front teeth," as they are popularly called: though the full set (three pairs) is only complete in the young, in the adult but one pair remains, the others being shed. The canine or "eye" teeth are also peculiar in their position, those of the lower jaw being separated from the cutting-teeth by a very considerable gap.
Photo by E. Landor] [Ealing.
A WHITE CAMEL.
A light sandy is the common colour, though white, grey, brown, and black occur; but black camels are held by the Arabs to be worthless.
In the structure of the feet the Camel Tribe are no less peculiar; indeed, it is on this character that the scientific name of the group is founded. Only two toes are present; these are of equal size, and, instead of being protected by hoofs, are provided with a hardened skin, covering a cushion-like pad, which expands when the weight of the body is thrown upon the foot, as in walking. This is an admirable adaptation for walking on soft and yielding sands. Hoofs are represented only by a pair of broad nails.
