The top of this mound
commands an extensive view, a most prominent feature of which is a part
of the forest of St. Leonard, called Mike Mills' Race, a beautiful
avenue, a mile and a quarter long, containing about 15,000 full-grown
trees. There is a legend connected with this "race," viz. that this
part of Horsham Forest was the haunt of Mike Mills, a noted smuggler,
whom his Satanic Majesty had often endeavoured to carry off in vain.
He therefore determined on attacking him in his strong hold; and
accordingly met Mike one night accompanied by other more congenial
spirits, when old Nick challenged Mike as his property. Mike, nothing
daunted, set down his tubs, took advantage of Nick's old age, and
challenged him to a race. "If you can catch me, Nick, before I get to
the end of the avenue, you shall have me; if not, you'll have nothing
more to do with me."--"Agreed," says Nick. Away ran Mike--away ran Nick.
Nick being of too hot a temperament was soon knocked up, and Mike won
the race by half a mile; from which circumstance the place was named,
and Mike Mills rendered immortal.
W. BERGER.
[1] The steeple of the church, which is 150 feet high, is shingled,
which is the prevailing mode of the village churches in Sussex.
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