Wild Cattle of Chillingham Park.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 170, 18 September 1886, Page 1

Wild Cattle of Chillingham Park.

In the Chillingham wild cattle it is probable that we see the descendants of the wild bulls which in the reign of Henry 11. roamed in the wide forests then extending far around London. They are cream coloured, but have black muzzles, and ears of a reddish tint. The horns are short, black on the tips, and have a slight curve upwards. Some of the bulls have a .short mane, Those who have seen them for the first time in the tolitudes of Chillingham have been struck by their peculiarly wild habits. No sooner does the nerd behold a strange visitor than the whole body dash away, as if in fright. After running for about a hundred yaids they stop, turn round, and advance, as if to charge the intruder, then suddenly pause at some distance, scrutinising the object before them. Should the man wave his arms, off they dart again, but to a shorter distance; theo turning, dash forwards as before, coming nearer than at fifbfc. .Thus, by a succession of retreats and advances, the animals at last come so near that the visitor receives warning to retire, lest the wild < herd should finish by a fatal charge. Here is indeed a splendid zoological study for all who can gain admission to such a collection. Once or twice tho herd lias been on the point of perishing from disease, but the care now taken will, it is hoped, long preserve these few remnins of the wild forms of nature. Readers who have qten Tand&eer's famous picture of the Chillingham A\ild bull are able to foim some notion of the fo;co and beauty of the living animal. — " Cnseell's Popular Educator."