BRITISH PARK-CATTLE 
73 
belonged to the black-eared group. This bull was 
put to several white Highland cows, and in the course 
of a few years a small herd of white half-breeds was 
produced. The cows in this herd were subsequently- 
mated with a pure bull from Lord Breadalbane's 
(also of Blair Atholl stock), so that the progeny were 
three-quarter-bred Atholl cattle and one-quarter 
Highland. This herd was purchased in 1872 by Mr. 
Assheton-Smith, and removed to Vaynol. A bull 
from the Duke of Hamilton's herd at Cadzow was 
added to the stock in 1896. . . . 
"The only trace of Highland ancestry noticeable 
in the Vaynol cattle is a certain shagginess about the 
forehead, and a sturdy look about the limbs, especially 
the fore-legs." 
In spite of the long period they have been in the 
park, the Vaynol cattle are stated to retain to the 
present day many wild traits, so that they may be 
regarded as a revived park-breed. They become 
nervous at the approach of strangers,and, if approached, 
cease feeding, and arrange themselves in a compact 
body, with the bulls and steers in the van and the 
calves in the centre. After standing for some time 
to gaze, if the approach is continued, they gallop to 
a distance, wheel round into the same formation as 
before, and watch events. Old bulls driven from the 
herd are apt to be dangerous. Like those of the 
Chillingham herd, the cows drop their calves in thick 
covert ; and if the latter are disturbed they have no 
hesitation in charging the intruders. 
Before the sale of the Chartley herd — referred to 
above — some crosses had been effected between those 
cattle and the Vaynol herd ; and at the sale Mr. F. A. 
Brace, of Needwood House, Burton-on-Trent, pur- 
