Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-07-12
CAMEL HI\TTNG

Gentleman familiar with the facts has furnished
us with some interesting particulars connected with
the expedition Of Mr.. Waterman, who dispatched
to the Eastern Continent in search OF novelties for the
mammoth equestrian establishment Of AIessrs Howes
q Cos tircus. CamelS not wild beasts, but the
pursuit Ofthem in strange aud singular countries may
be called hunting and it is often raught with rom
antc and extraordinary adventures. Until within a
month two there have not been in this country
rhan three or four specimens of the camel and
those are Of the most inferior kinds indeed scarcely
deserving the They have only been seen in some
menageries, and their size may therefore be ina
glned. The specimens of which we shall. speak are
some nine feet high and, can, with their necks ex-
tended, reach to the height Of sixteen feet
The attention Of Mr.. W. directed to the pro
curement Of caravan Of camels of the best possible
breed. For this purpose he embarked on the Medi-
terranean, and visited the whole northern shore OF
Turkey and even Arabia proper. lie was on this
whole route unsuccessful, and he next visited
Egypt, landing at the city of Alexandria. Here Mr..
W. spent several weeks in fruess efforts so averse
were the inhabitants to part with the best of their ami
mails, and Introduction of the government was in
terposed. At length, by the American Consul, and
certain merchants Influence an application was made
to the government direct. Mehemet Ali the Nceroy,
was lying dangerously ILL., and the government was in
the Aands of his sons, of whom Said ALL being chief
was in power. From this parsonage firman or per
nit, granted for Mr.. W. to visit the upper country
and purchase some camels.
An interpreter and the local camel inspector were
also required to accompany him. The presence of
these dgnltaries adyenurer found very convenient
but for them his life would have been forfeited to the
rowing Arabs and the hordes of dogs with which the
banks Of the Nile abounded. The party visited Grand
Cairo and the grand bazaars or markets near the great
pyramids Of Cheops, where the caravans arrive from
across the desert. Several weeks spent here land
thousands OF camels were examined before a sufficient
number Of the finest specimens could be purchased
At length, by purchasing at time, caravan Of
twelve was made up of most noble quality and among
the number were two tic kind known as the aJinl
or sacred white camel
None Of the latter species were ever before sold to
foreigner but the authority Of royalty prevailed over
the superstition of the Arabs and these specimens
the gift Of Allah to the true apostles ofMahomethal
to be surrendered. After visiting Cairothe pyramids
the famous Sphynx, and obtaining therefrom many
curiosites, Mr. W. accompanied his valuable prizes
Alexandria.
Here new trouble awaited him. Said Ali, seeing
that Mr.. W. had purchased twelve camees instead Of
as he supposedsom two three, reponted his permit
and refused to allow them to be embarked for America
But Yankee skill prevailed The tirman permitted the
purchase of some cdmeiS, and the plumber was not
specified. The contract, it urged, had been made
for their transportation home. and tile money paid
And again, there were specimens Of Egyptian cam
els in the royal gardens Of England and of France and
should not the soyereigns Of America be entitled to an
equal privilege Argument preyaed,and the great po-
tentate Submitted, though with tears in his eyes, VOW
ing that no more of the royal Syrian camels should
leave his domnions. The cames were safely embar
ked board the oriental steamer RIbon and in seven
teen days were landed at Southampton. Here re-em
barked board the steamer Herman and arrived al
New York on the 22d Of May last. They are now in
excellent health and condition and are considered the
rarest curioslties on exhibition in America.-Bufdt1
Express.