In 'Camels and the Outback' H.M. Barker gives a fascinating account of the years that he spent s a camel driver in remote areas of Australia. In his lively anecdotes he introduces the reader to a number of unforgettable characters such as W.C. Snell, who was known as 'the roughest camel driver in the country', and the eccentric 'Dobson of Australia', who used to shave by burning off his beard with lighted sticks.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the book is the detailed description of camels used as draught and pack animals in the bush. The author's commentary on the behaviour, capabilities, and limitations of camels shows how well he knew and understood them. His vivid recollections remind the reader that camels were used extensively throughout the continent for more than a generation.
Contents:
Preface
Prologue "Good-bye, My Camel"
1. My First Camels
2. I Take to the Carting Business
3. Contract Carting as a Full-Time Occupation
4. Gold, Rabbits and Sandalwood
5. Driving a Camel Team
6. The Afghans
7. Aboriginals
8. "Dobson of Australia"
9. Through the Eye of a Camel
10. The Camel's Critics
11. Camel Drays and Buggires
12. The Station Donkey Teams
13. The Coming of the Motor Lorry
14. Over the Desert to Alice Springs?
15. "Good-bye, My Camel, Too"
Index
