THE CADZOW HERD OF WHITE CATTLE. 225 



shooters approached they, as usual, scampered off 

 in a body, then stood still, tossed their heads on 

 high, and seemed to snuff the wind. This man- 

 oeuvre was often repeated, till they got so hard 

 pressed (and seemingly having a sort of half -idea 

 of the tragedy which was to be performed), they at 

 length ran furiously in a mass, always preferring 

 the sides of the fences and sheltered situations, and 

 dexterously taking advantage of any inequality in 

 the ground, or other circumstances, to conceal 

 themselves from the assailing foe, In their flight 

 the bulls or stronger of the flock always took the 

 lead. A smoke ascended from them which could be 

 seen at a great distance, and they were often so 

 close together like sheep that a carpet would have 

 covered them. The cows, which had young, on the 

 first *tug of war,' all retreated to the thickets 

 where their calves were concealed, where, from 

 prudential motives, they are never, if possible, 

 molested. These and other wild habits I can testify 

 to be inherent in the race, and are well known to 

 all who have an opportunity of acquainting them- 

 selves with them." 



In this instance I do not think there has really 

 been any wild habit shown. Gregariousness from 

 fear of impending fate impels man as well as white 

 cattle, and there is huddling together in panic and 

 when serious danger is imminent. This stampede in 

 which the most powerful animals are not seeking to 

 defend the herd but are in the front of the flight ; 

 this flocking together like sheep, with the smoke of 

 terror rising from them ; this retreat of the cows to 

 their calves — what peculiarly wild habits are there ? 

 I see only frightened animals, maternal instinct, and 

 human savagery. 



Beyond shyness and watchfulness, none of the 

 habits of the cattle strikes me as in any way other 

 than to be expected in animals not thoroughly do- 

 mesticated. Can we not catch a glimmer in Patrick's 

 description that may help to enlighten us as to the 



