RErORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1906 17 



moving off on the appearance of strangers, and taking 

 advantage in their flight of the irregularities of the ground. 

 In form they are beautifully shaped — short legs, straight 

 back, horns of a very fine texture, thin skin, so that some 

 of the bulls appear of a cream colour ; and they have a 

 peculiar cry, more like that of a wild beast than that of 

 ordinary cattle. They are bad breeders, and are much 

 subject to the rush, a complaint common to animals bred 

 in and in. The ears are reddish brown, and the horns 

 white with black tips. The hoofs and nose are black, and 

 the eyes fringed with long eye-lashes which give them depth 

 and character. Such an examination as would verify these 

 minute details was impossible for strangers, who stood at 

 a respectful distance, and were the while subject to a feeling 

 of temerity, which counselled prudence as the better part 

 of valour ; nevertheless the privilege so graciously granted 

 of inspecting the denizens of the primeval Northumbrian 

 wilds was greatly appreciated by all, not a little of their 

 pleasure accruing from the intelligent guidance of the official 

 who conducted them to such a favourable position from 

 which to view his charge. 



So discreet was the behaviour of the party, that the Cattle 

 appeared to be unaware of their reconnoitring ; and indeed the 

 section of them that elected to traverse the Park and ascend Eos 

 Castle had to make a considerable detour in order to occasion 

 no disturbance. As they reached the limits of the pasture- 

 land they passed through a belt of Beech, where is located 

 the Chillingham Heronry — one of the very few remaining 

 in the Northern part of the county. One or two fledglings 

 were seen on the nests, and a large number of full-grown 

 birds were flushed on the moor some distance beyond. By 

 this time the mist which had settled down upon the surround- 

 ing hills had assumed an out and out "Scotch" character, 

 rendering tramping amongst thick- heather trying and dis- 

 agreeable. Besides, the object of the ascent was wholly 

 stultified, as nothing could be discerned from the summit. 

 Lingering for a space sufficient only to note the peculiar 

 formation of the Celtic hill-fort which crowns Eos Castle, 

 the party began a speedy descent by the other side ; and 

 entering by a private gate into the Castle Park at its South- 



