'Mesopotamia' [‎47v] (94/152)

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ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ^0.92
The camel may be said in general to be characteristic
of the dry, uncultivated plains (desert or steppe). The
nomad tribes who breed camels depend on them lor
travel in the desert, for milk (the basis of the nomad's
diet), and hair for cloth-weaving. Different types
of camel are bred, suitable respectively for riding and
for transport purposes.
Good breeds of Arab horses are found both in
northern and southern Mesopotamia, though they are
said not to be up to the standard of the best breeds ot
the Nejd and Syria. The Kurdish horses are small,
but are said to be strong and serviceable.
Sheep are kept in immense numbers by the Arabs.
In Irak the most common breed is the arabi or sheffal,
yielding a fine wool. The awassi breed, a cross between
the arabi and the coarse-fleeced karadi sheep of the hill
country, is found in the plains of Upper Mesopotamia.
Goats are chiefly kept by the hill tribes. The common
type is the mohair, which yields a fine silky wool of
considerable commercial value.
Cattle are found in the plains, chiefly in the better-
watered grazing grounds near the rivers. They are
used for ploughing, irrigation, and draught work, as
well as for their milk and hides. The hill cattle are
generally small. Buffaloes are characteristic of the
marshes', where they are kept in great numbers, and
form the main wealth of the inhabitants. In parts of
Mosul buffaloes are used for agricultural work.
Donkeys are very common in Irak. The ordinary
breed (black or dark brown) is much used for trans
port and other labour. A large white riding donkey is
also bred.
There is very little mule breeding among the Arabs,
the mules found in the plains coming for the most part
from the hill country of Persia and Kurdistan. In
some districts mules are used for work in the fields.
The supply of fodder for cattle in Mesopotamia pre
sents considerable difficulties, as the grass which is
found in early spring soon dries up in the hot weather.
The problem 'of feeding their flocks nnd herds is at the