Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 13.pdf/110

 A Century of EnglisJi Judicature. realized as nearly as possible the ideal of an infallible oracle of the law. In complete con trast to Brougham, who knew a little of everything, St. Leonards knew a great deal of one thing and little besides. In compre hensive and accurate knowledge of the law

more competent than any of his contempo raries to reform the law of real property, but he seems to have been quite contented with it as it was. He literally lived in the law during his lifetime and bequeathed to it a leading case upon his death. His will could

LORD TRURO.

of real property he stood for forty years without a rival. His judgments were always delivered promptly, without notes, and were seldom reversed. Yet it must be admitted that from the technical character of the subject and his apparent lack of general culture they are dry reading.1 St. Leonards was 1 Egerton v. Brownlow, 4 H. L. Cas. 203; Maunsell v. White, 4 do. 1037; Jeffreys v. Boosey, 4 do. 842; Lumley v. Wagner, 5 De G. & S. 485: Grey

not be found, and its contents were, estab lished by oral evidence. Lord Cranworth (1852-58), whose profes sional training had been in chancery, came to the woolsack after his long experience as. a baron of the exchequer, and thus comp. Pearson, 6 H. L. Cas. 61; Brook г: Brook. 9 do. 195: Colyer r. Finch, 5 do. 905; Savery v. King, 5 do. 627; Bargate v. Shortridge, 5 do. 297; Jordan r. Money, 5 do. 185.