The Origin and Habits of the Bactrian Camel

Abstract

OF few of our larger domesticated animals is the origin so buried in mystery as is that of the camels. Till a few years ago, indeed, naturalists were in doubt whether the two-humped Bactrian species was really a native of the countries where it is now kept in a domesticated condition. The probability was, however, all in favour of such being the case; and the recent discovery of remains of fossil camels in several parts of Europe, as well as the occurrence of such remains in Asia, afford strong corroborative evidence that eastern Europe and northern Asia formed the original habitat of the wild Bactrian species.