Page 331 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

294 TRAVELS IN OMAN. [CH.

Thus accustomed from its earliest age to
long and toilsome journeys, little training is

necessary, beyond proportioning the weight
to its tender age, to inure them to the carry­

ing of burthens; and they voluntarily kneel
when about to be loaded for a journey, a

position which their great height renders
necessary. Kneeling is their natural state of

rest ; but when heavily laden on flinty or
stony ground, it cannot be accomplished with­
out pain. They then drop at once on both

front knees, and in order to establish room for
their hinder legs, are compelled in that con­

dition, and whilst encumbered with the whole
weight of the burthen, to plough them for­

ward. The callosities on their joints, although
nearly of a horny nature in the aged camels,

seem insufficient to defend them, and it is
impossible for the European to view the act
without commiseration.

In consequence of this the Bedowins never
make them kneel to mount themselves, but

either cause the animal to droop his neck to
receive their foot, and on their raising it the

rider is enabled to gain his seat, or they
climb up behind: it pleases them much