Page 338 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XIX.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 299

being afforded by the abundant vegetation
there found at every stage.

Notwithstanding its patience and other ad­
mirable qualities, the camel is gifted with
but little sagacity, nor does it appear to be

capable of forming any strong attachment to
its master, although they frequently do so to

one of their own kind with which they have
long been accustomed to travel. In protracted

desert journeys the camel appears fully sen­
sible that his safety consists in keeping close
to the caravan; for, if detained behind, he

never ceases making strenuous efforts to re­
gain it. A recent traveller represents the
*
camel as a peaceful, quiet animal. He says
that “ they eat with a sort of regularity and

order, a little at a time ; and that, if either of
them left his place, his companion appeared

gently to reprove him, which made the other
to feel his fault, and return to it again.” On
the contrary, I should say, they are the most

quarrelsome brutes in existence. After the
hardest day’s journey, no sooner is the bag­

gage removed than the attention of the driver
is constantly required to keep them from

* Ali Bey. Badhea.