100 WILD WHITE CATTLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



father, in the year 1808, from the heirs of Lady Nor- 

 ton; but two years previously, in 1806, the wild cattle 

 had " become so savage that the owner was obliged to 

 have them all shot." * This park anciently belonged to 

 the Augustinian canons of Bristol ; it was formerly 

 magnificently wooded with ancient timber, which was 

 cut down before the late Mr. Miles purchased it. The 

 following is Sir William's description of its cattle : — 



" My recollection of the wild cattle is from hearsay. 

 My father concluded the purchase of Leigh in 1808. 

 At the time the cattle were destroyed Lady Norton 

 lived at the Old House, then existing; and left Mr. 

 Trenchard executor. 



" I think I must have seen them myself — my re- 

 collection of their deportment is so vivid. Their colour 

 fawn, tending to yellow ; very red towards the flanks ; 

 horns tipped with black; hoofs black; inside of the ear 

 red. They were constantly fighting, and ready to attack 

 anything which came across them." f 



It is very probable that Sir William Miles did see 

 and recollect them, for he was nine years old at least, 

 perhaps half a year older, when these cattle were extir- 

 pated. He lived in the neighbourhood at the time, 

 and at Leigh Court itself soon afterwards, so that his 

 own boyish recollections must have been constantly 

 refreshed by the memory of others ; and his account is so 

 circumstantial that it bears the strongest impress of 

 reality. Still, it is right to add that the old bailiff at 

 Leigh Court says "that his mother-in-law, he remembers, 



* Shirley's " Deer Parks," chap, iv., p. 99 ; this information being de- 

 rived from Sir W. Miles, Bart. 



f The account of Sir William Miles was obtained for me by Mrs. 

 Robert Miles, of Bingham, who also sent me the bailiff's statement made 

 to Mr. John Miles. 



