The Bactrian Camel in California

"The Bactrian camels, fifteen in number, which reached San Francisco in July last per schooner Caroline E. Foote, from the Amoor river, and which still remain in our neighborhood, deserve much more attention than they have as yet received. Not so much because they come from the far interior of Asia, and are curiosities in themselves, are they entitled to consideration; but we think that the animal will yet be acclimated in America, and that the present importation is only the first of a series of private ventures, which will eventually result in giving the United States a domestic animal of great value and importance.

"It was supposed by Mr. Otto Esche, the importer of the present herd, that they were well adapted for the transportation of goods from point to point in the mining regions, or, if not there, certainly on the sandy plains which are found between the Sierra Nevada and Salt Lake, and on the desert wastes which make up the southern portions of the United States territories from San Bernardino across to El Paso.

"It seems, indeed, to have been the intention of establishing a Camel Express from California to Salt Lake, and, if the animals were found well adapted to the country, to extend it as far east as Missouri. Hitherto, however, no trial has been made of the animals, and with the exception of a few days of exhibition for the benefit of the German Benevolent Society, they have attracted but little public attention."

(From Hutchings' California Magazine, Vol.5, No.5, November 1860.)

P.S.: This is our weblog's 200th post!

One Hump or Five?

While we're on the subject of animal miniatures, I want to show you the surprise that my staff gave me for my birthday a few weeks back -- my own train of camels, each one decorated to remind me of a different Castle crew member!

If you think you know the people who work here well enough, try your hand at guessing who made which one!

Tell it like it is.

My family name, Cammell, originates in old Scotland. The name Campbell is a modern version of Cammell (it seems my ancestors didn't get the memo). Although the extra letters make the name look longer and more elegant, it is in fact pronounced "camel," just like the animal. Some people with the name Cammell might feel like changing it to something that doesn't remind people of a cantankerous, spitting pack animal, but it suits me just fine!

The Bactrian pictured here is about as pleasant as they come. It's from our beloved illustration and crafts teacher Caron Dunn. Caron made it for my collection from wool felt and stuffing. It is sewn with the tiniest, tidiest stitches and the tail has a tuft! It's got a darling blue and pink bridle and is just perfect.