Animals and Men - No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Subtitle: The Journal of The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Issue: Six
Price: £1.75

This issue of Animals & Men, published by The Centre for Fortean Zoology, presents a collection of articles and reports on a variety of fortean and cryptozoological subjects. The cover highlights key features including an expedition report on Nepalese Elephants, new evidence concerning the Owlman of Mawnan, and a look at Mystery Hominoids in Africa.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial, titled "THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY ARE NOT DONE......", reflects on recent events attended by the Centre, such as the Fortean Times "Unconvention '95" and the upcoming "Zoologica" event. The editor expresses gratitude to friends and contributors, including Mike and Liz for their hospitality, Graham for his hard work despite an injury, Tom Anderson for his dedication, and Steve Browning for airtime on Gemini Radio. The editor also mentions his own television appearances on "The James Whale Show" and a local series called "Mysterious West". A questionnaire is included for subscribers to help improve the magazine's content. Issue seven is announced for October.

The "CONTENTS AND CREDITS" section lists the editorial team, honorary consulting editor Dr Bernard Heuvelmans, and regional representatives from various locations across the UK and internationally. It also names the issue's contributors, including Col John Blashford-Snell, Neil Arnold, Tony 'Doc' Shiels, and Dr Karl P.N.Shuker. Subscription rates and payment methods are detailed. The contents page outlines articles such as "Editorial", "Apology", "Newsfile", "Blashford-Snell in Nepal", "Big cat sightings in Kent", "OWLMAN SPECIAL", "Sabre Toothed Tigers", "Crypto Rock", "Hominoids of Africa", "Bibliography of Books on Cryptozoology", "King Kellas", "Letters", "Errata", "The British Nandi Bear", "A-Z of Cryptozoology", "HELP", "Book and Video Reviews", "Periodical reviews", "Nervous Twitch", and "Cartoon". The magazine is noted as being typeset and assembled using an "antiquated AMIGA A500".

Apologies

Page 4 contains two apologies. The first, by Jan Kingshott, refers to a previous article titled "Witness reliability in Big Cat Sightings". Kingshott retracts a statement claiming a Bodmin Police Officer declared himself a big cat expert, admitting the officer had not made such a declaration and had only seen these animals four times, describing them as dark coloured. Kingshott apologises for any embarrassment caused and acknowledges reliance on press and documentary reports rather than personal contact.

The second is an "EDITORIAL APOLOGY" from the Editor, expressing regrets for any embarrassment caused to the officer mentioned in Jan Kingshott's article.

Newsfile and Mystery Cats

The "NEWSFILE" section, compiled by Jan Williams with occasional input from the Editor, reports on various animal-related news. In Hereford and Worcester, a cow was found with deep slashes, attributed by a local vet to a big cat attack, with evidence including large claw marks and a significant pawprint.

In Oxfordshire, a large black cat, described as four times the size of a normal cat, was sighted near Witney. Other recent sightings in the area are also mentioned.

Buckinghamshire reports include an "exotic cat" sighting in Milton Keynes, described as a brown "jungle cat". Residents in Dunsmore heard aggressive growls and saw an Alsation-sized black cat in a tree. A "Beast Hotline" was set up in Chalfont St. Giles following a police search for a "tiger", with one report of a creature scratching bark and defecating in a garden.

Lake Monsters and Other Strange Creatures

Yorkshire reports a sheep death blamed on a big cat seen the previous year.

Under the heading "SOMETHING ELSE FROM LAKE BALA!", two brothers fishing on Lake Bala encountered a creature described as towering 10 feet in the air with a small head and long neck, likened to the Loch Ness monster. This creature is referred to as 'Teggie', and a previous sighting from 20 years ago described a grey, crocodile-like creature about eight feet long.

"GREETINGS FROM ASTBURY PARK..." details a mysterious creature sighted at Astbury Mere Water Park. Park Director John Evans observed a "crocodile" enter the water, which was later seen as a lizard-like creature, 2'6-3 feet long, greenish-brown, with a long tail and lizard-like head. Attempts to capture it failed.

"CENTENARIAN CROC CROAKS" reports the death of Kolya, a crocodile kept in Russia for over 110 years.

"NEWS FROM NESS" discusses a Weekly World News claim that the Loch Ness monster became beached and "died in agony", which provoked protests. It also mentions a sonar contact with a "classic" Nessie type object in Loch Dochfour by a monster hunter using a pendulum and map, guided by an astrologer and clairvoyant.

"OTHER STRANGE CREATURES" includes reports of "WOMBLING FREE" (two wild boar captured on Wimbledon Common) and "LOOSE MOOSE" (a 400lb female moose running wild in Montreal).

New Species and Endangered Animals

"THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL OFFER..." mentions a four-foot-long iguana found in a Tesco car park in Gloucester and a rare Natterjack toad found in a lettuce in Tyne and Wear.

"RED AND YELLOW AND PINK AND GREEN" discusses numerous reports of unusually coloured frogs in Britain. Naturalists believe these are albino frogs, and debate whether they are more common than normal, with theories including warm weather allowing tadpoles lacking black pigment to survive, or intense ultra-violet light disrupting DNA due to the ozone layer hole. A reader, Darren Naish, reports yellow frogs in his garden and mentions a folkloric tradition suggesting the phenomenon is not new.

"ZOO NEWS" reports that Marwell Zoo released two Przewalski's Horses to aid re-introduction to Mongolia.

Page 9 covers "MAMMALS", including Sand Cats at London Zoo producing kittens, and an aviary opening at Woburn Safari Park. Six blonde hedgehogs with blue eyes were born at a rescue centre, with plans to release them on Alderney. A report estimates the British rat population at 60 million, an increase of 39% in 14 years, with the Eastern Counties most affected.

"AQUATICSLOTH" mentions fossilised remains of a five million-year-old sloth-like creature found on the Peruvian coast.

"DIRTY STINKIN' RAT..." reports two Chinese soldiers capturing an 8 lb rat with cat-like claws and a thick tail.

"IRISH HARES" notes the release of 28 wild hares onto Bull Island to restore a depleted population.

Page 10 features "PRIMATES", discussing the belief that Witch Doctors cut off baboon front paws in South Africa for muti. "SEXY APE" reports an enraged ape pacified by a banana in Kuwait.

"NEW SPECIES" describes a flesh-eating sponge found in the Mediterranean called Asbestopluma, which digests victims via cells but does not appear to like humans.

"DID WE MISS ONE?" mentions a black muntjac captured near the Vietnam-Lava border, with DNA samples pending.

"ENDANGERED SPECIES" questions why individuals are often hurt by captive carnivores of rare sub-species, citing examples of an Asiatic Lion, a Siberian Tiger, and Persian Leopards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and reports of unusual or unexplained animal sightings and events. The journal consistently presents anecdotal evidence, eyewitness accounts, and news clippings related to mystery animals, cryptids, and strange occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into these phenomena, encouraging reader participation through letters and questionnaires, and providing a platform for diverse reports, even those that might be considered fringe or speculative. There is a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information on subjects that fall outside mainstream zoology and scientific understanding.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Six
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Animals & Men' presents a collection of intriguing reports and investigations into various unexplained phenomena and unusual animal sightings.

Expedition Report: In Search of the Nepalese Humped Elephants

The lead article details an expedition to Western Nepal, following up on reports of 'giant elephants'. The expedition, led by Colonel John Blashford-Snell of 'Discovery Expeditions', discovered and photographed two adult bull elephants, named 'Raja Gaj' and 'Kuncha', in a remote valley in the Bardia region. These elephants were notable for their shoulder heights, estimated at eleven feet and three inches, exceeding the largest known Asiatic Elephant specimens. More significantly, they possessed two large domes on their foreheads and a distinctive nasal bridge, features not found in modern elephants but characteristic of the extinct Stegodon. This discovery raises the possibility of a surviving primitive elephant species.

Dr. Shuker is quoted as stating that the Stegodons were ancestors not only of elephants but also of mammoths. A subsequent expedition in early 1995 aimed to gather more information about these colossal beasts. The team faced challenges tracking them in a vast area of tropical forest and grassland. Footprints were found, but the search was likened to 'looking for a needle in a haystack'. A statement released in March 1995 reported the eventual sighting of the two elephants resting in the shade. Observations noted that Raja Gaj had lost part of his right tusk and lacked the long, thick lashes on his eyelids seen in Indian domestic elephants, and also had no hair on his tail.

Further zoological work was conducted, including sightings of new elephant groups with calves, and the compilation of a census to monitor population growth and migration. The team also encountered wild elephants and described their adventures, including an encounter with a charging tusker. Notably, the expedition managed to photograph a small school of the virtually extinct Gangetic Dolphin, whose habitat is threatened by river damming.

The issue concludes this section by posing the question of whether these two Nepalese giants are merely the largest elephants in Asia or indeed surviving Stegodons.

Big Cats in the Garden of England

This article by Neil Arnold investigates numerous reports of big cat sightings in Kent, England, particularly in the areas of Canterbury, Deal, and surrounding regions, with reports mounting by the end of 1994. Sightings included black creatures larger than feral dogs and smaller grey cats. Evidence of their presence included sheep slaughterings in Wingham, Eastry, and Dunkirk, characterized by clean kills with puncture marks and stripped skin, but no broken bones.

Pad marks were found, and investigations led to a family in Woodnesborough, Deal, where photographs were taken, though they were not entirely clear. While experts suggested the photos showed a big cat, the author remains unconvinced but believes large predators are roaming East Kent. The article explores theories about their origin, including escapees from Howletts Zoo in Canterbury, though checks confirmed no escapes. Other theories suggest they may have traveled from further afield or originated from a private collection owned by a wealthy family over fifty years ago.

Over thirty sightings of these 'East Kent creatures' have been reported, with paw prints suggesting more than one 'panther'. One account mentions a large black cat snatching a dog. The article criticizes local newspapers and 'experts' for sensationalizing the situation, potentially leading to dangerous encounters. Sightings have also occurred in the Deal and Dover areas, with a concentration in Canterbury more recently. The author speculates that these predators might inhabit the Deal area and venture out at night. The possibility of deliberate release from private collections is also considered.

The article discusses the potential for hybrid cats and the increasing population. It notes that sightings have occurred in other regions of the UK and even Australia. The author concludes that while some cats may be escapees, others may have come from far away, and advocates for leaving them alone. The article emphasizes that these cats are not human flesh-eaters and are likely as frightened of humans as humans are of them, urging people to accept the presence of big cats as part of nature.

Finally, the article touches upon the possibility of these cats being spiritual entities, similar to Celtic Black Dogs or Mothman, suggesting that the mystery remains unsolved.

The Doctor and the Owlman

This section, written by Jonathan Downes, investigates the phenomenon of the 'Owlman' of Mawnan, Cornwall, described as one of the strangest zooform manifestations. Sightings occurred between 1976 and 1978, described variously as a feathered 'bird man' and a giant owl. Fortean researcher Tony 'Doc' Shiels admits to being baffled by the episode, and the author questions Shiels' own veracity due to his self-proclaimed status as a 'cheat' and 'charlatan'.

An investigation by Mark Chorvinsky in 'Strange' magazine cast doubt on the authenticity of Shiels' evidence, particularly the 'Mary F' photographs of the Falmouth Bay Sea Serpent, and raised similar questions about his Loch Ness and Irish Lake Monster photographs. Shiels' responses to queries about these matters were described as oblique.

The author characterizes 'Doc' Shiels as a 'magical wolf amongst fortean sheep', whose work blends art and science. Shiels admits his evidence is prejudiced but argues it is no more so than any other monster hunter's. The article also discusses Shiels' relationship with a Scottish Witch named Psyche, and his suggestion of how to 'invent' a witch to create publicity around Loch Ness.

Concerns are raised about the 'Mary F' and 'Patrick Kelly' photographs potentially being faked by Shiels using a plasticene model. However, the article notes that there are witnesses to the Falmouth Bay beastie who cannot be traced back to Shiels.

My Sighting of Owlman by 'Gavin'

This section presents a personal account from a witness identified as 'Gavin', who claims to have seen the Owlman. Initially hesitant to share his experience, he provides details based on a letter from his ex-girlfriend, 'S', who also witnessed the event. Gavin describes the creature as being seen in the late 1980s, possibly in '88 or '89, during a camping trip near Mawnan. He recalls seeing the animal at approximately 9:30 PM, standing on a thick branch in a conifer tree. The creature was described as grey with brown, with glowing eyes, about five feet tall, with legs having high ankles and large black feet with two 'toes'. Upon seeing them, its head jerked forward, its wings lifted, and it jumped backwards, folding its legs.

Gavin expresses anger at having seen the creature, calling the Owlman a 'ridiculous thing' associated with attention-seekers. However, he is prepared to discuss the event intelligently. He emphasizes that he is anxious to remain anonymous to protect his future involvement in science. He also mentions having read literature on similar creatures, including 'Alien Animals' by Bord and Bord, and notes that most witnesses to similar phenomena were teenage girls.

He questions the nature of the Owlman, suggesting it might be more related to the human mind than zoology. He shares his own 'nasty' dreams featuring similar creatures and includes a drawing he made based on his interpretation of the sighting. He discusses the discrepancy in size and the differing descriptions of the creature's feet between himself and 'S', and considers the possibility that it might have been an unusually large owl, though he concludes it was definitely not a typical owl.

The Case.... For Owlperson by Tony 'Doc' Shiels

This piece by Tony 'Doc' Shiels delves into the historical and surrealist context surrounding the Owlman phenomenon. He links early 20th-century surrealist artists like Andre Breton, Max Ernst, and Salvador Dali to themes of owls and bird-like figures. He references a poem by Richard Hughes about 'Owl-eyes' and mentions the fame of the Loch Ness Monster and King Kong in 1933, the same year Max Ernst created his collage novel 'Une Semaine de Bonte' and Breton met Victor Braunder.

Shiels recounts peculiar events in Cornwall, including 'Loplop, Bird Superior' and sightings of Morgawr the sea-serpent. He notes the death of H.P. Lovecraft and the chirring of 'Fern-Owls' in Mawnan woods in 1937.

He then returns to 1976, the year of the first widely reported Owlman sighting over Mawnan Old Church. He describes his own involvement, including performing 'prestidigitations' and meeting young girls who had seen the Owlman. He details his ten-year attempt (1976-1986) to invoke the Owlman using Shamanic surrealchemy, suggesting that strange occurrences during this period might have been successful. His experiments ceased around Halloween 1986.

In 1994, 'The Case' captured his attention, involving a crossword clue, pears, a Picasso exhibition, and the initials G.S. He mentions the 'Great Strigiform' and a dream involving Max Ernst. He recalls Barbara Perry, one of the girls who saw the Owlman in 1976, and the Greenwood Sisters (G.S.). He connects this to 'Hen's Teeth' and 'Mr Punch'.

The article concludes with Shiels writing from Ireland on May 1st, 1995, reflecting on a recent 'Eve of Bealtaine' night. He connects 'Owl-eyed Dingle' to the famous Giant Squid sighted in Dingle, Co. Kerry, in 1673, suggesting an 'owl-eyed' entity might have invoked it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and the paranormal, featuring reports on cryptids like the Nepalese Humped Elephant and the Owlman, as well as unexplained animal sightings such as big cats. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and witness accounts while also acknowledging skepticism and the potential for hoaxes or misidentification. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology and fortean phenomena, with a willingness to delve into historical accounts and surrealist influences.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Six
Content Focus: Cryptozoology, paleontology, mystery animals, and related literature.

Packed Sabres

This article by Eric Sorensen challenges the common perception of sabre-toothed cats as solitary hunters. The author posits that given the large amount of meat from megaherbivore prey, pack hunting would have been a more logical and efficient strategy, similar to lions and wolves. This would have minimized risk and optimized prey utilization for an entire pack. The article also touches upon the survival of sabre-toothed cats as a cryptozoological phenomenon, suggesting that the last fossil or sub-fossil may not be the last evidence of their existence.

Now That's What I Call Crypto!

This section briefly introduces 'crypto-rock' and mentions Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers' song 'Abominable Snowman in the Market.' The song is described as having an underground attitude and dealing with cryptozoology and UFOs, with lyrics about an Abominable Snowman appearing in a supermarket. The musical style is characterized as basic fifties rock and roll. The availability of Richman's music is also noted.

The Mysterious Hominoids of Africa

Authored by Francois de Sarre, this article explores the possibility of surviving hairy hominoids in Africa, linking them with recent fossil discoveries. The discovery of *Australopithecus ramidus* in Aramis, Ethiopia, dated to 4.5 million years ago, is discussed as a potential 'missing link' due to its bipedal characteristics, such as the occipital hole being near the base of the skull. The article contrasts this with chimpanzees and suggests *A. ramidus* could climb trees. The author also discusses the fossil evidence for *Homo habilis* and *Homo erectus*, noting that *Homo erectus* appears to be the only species with modern human morphology for bipedal gait, while *Australopithecus* skulls show similarities to extant great apes. The article also touches upon reports of 'small men' or 'cryptids' in Africa, like the Agogwe of Tanganijka, and suggests they might be 'Infra-Pygmies.'

Was 'Homo' Habilis a Quadruped?

This subsection details the examination of *Australopithecus africanus*, *Homo habilis*, and *Homo erectus* skulls using Computer Tomography Scanning. The morphology of the ear labyrinth indicates that only *Homo erectus* possessed the ability for bipedal gait. *A. africanus* is described as having a locomotor repertoire combining facultative bipedalism and arboreal climbing. The specimen of *Homo habilis* examined relied less on bipedal behaviour than common australopithecines, suggesting *Homo habilis* might be a combination of different creatures.

Dwarfs or Little Furry Men?

This section discusses the legends of 'small men' in Africa, such as the Agogwe, who are described as bipedal, about three feet tall, and often having long hair. The author speculates these could be 'Infra-Pygmies,' tiny human creatures living in Equatorial forests.

The Big Hairy 'Ape Men'

This article discusses reports of large, hairy, muscular hominoids in Africa, identified as 'Nanauner' or 'Kikomba.' These beings are described as walking with an erect bipedal gait and are potentially surviving forms of *Pithecanthropus erectus*. The author suggests that the generic name *Homo* should be reserved for *sapiens*-type humans, and *Pithecanthropus* should replace it for these ape-men. The lack of hair in fossils is noted as a reason why living specimens might differ from fossil descriptions.

References

A list of cited works is provided, including publications from NATURE, 'Les Betes humaines d'Afrique' by Bernard Heuvelmans, and various other books and articles on hominoids and paleontology.

A Bibliography of Cryptozoological and Zoomythological Books

This extensive bibliography, compiled by Dr Karl P.N. Shuker and Stephen Shipp, lists books on cryptozoology (undiscovered animals) and zoomythology (mythological animals). The introduction clarifies that the list focuses on works with a minimum length of 32 pages and excludes 'general mysteries' books with only chapters on cryptozoology. It prioritizes first UK editions and recent UK editions. The bibliography is divided into sections, starting with 'General Cryptozoology' and then 'Mystery Cats and Other Mammalian Carnivores.' Numerous titles and authors are listed, covering a wide range of cryptids and mythological creatures.

King Kellas?

This article by Tom Anderson reports on sightings of a large, melanistic cat in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The animal, described as five feet from muzzle to tail and two feet high, with long fur and slender legs, was initially mistaken for a laboratory escapee. The author notes that the cows on whose land it was seen showed no fear, suggesting familiarity. The article also includes an editorial note from Tom Anderson, who identifies the creature as the 'Kellas Cat' based on photographs and background information provided to the witness. He notes three 'King Kellas' sightings within a sixty-mile triangle, questioning if a wildcat could be the progenitor.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from readers. Alan Pringle writes about a black and white Ruffed Lemur from a private collection and a fatal shark attack in San Diego. Eric Sorensen contributes a poem titled 'A Crypto Carol,' referencing 'Alice in Wonderland.'

Editorial Message

The editor welcomes letters for publication, noting that they may be edited for space. The editorial stresses that opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the magazine's. It emphasizes free speech and the exchange of views, with a caveat that content will not be censored unless it could lead to legal action.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and natural history, focusing on cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and controversial theories in paleontology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives and the sharing of reader experiences, while maintaining a degree of journalistic responsibility regarding potential legal implications. The recurring theme is the investigation of the unknown and the unexplained in the animal kingdom and beyond.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Six
Date: Not specified
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Not specified
Language: English

This issue of "Animals & Men" is a diverse collection of articles, letters, and reviews focusing on cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and natural history. It includes personal accounts, historical references, and reviews of related media and publications.

A Caledonian Collection

The issue opens with excerpts from a letter dated May 5th by Tom Anderson of Aberdeen. He discusses several topics:

• Shark Specimen: A curator at Millburies Loch in Elgin reported a jawbone specimen that was modern and not 'fortean'.
• Loch Ness: Anderson suggests the 'Cambell factor' (referring to Water Bailiff Alec Cambell, described as superstitious and a local stringer) was instrumental in reviving interest in the Loch Ness Monster, leading to a tourist influx. He quotes a citizen of Inverness saying, "Forget Columba, its Alec Cambell who should have been beatified."
• Other Mysteries: He anticipates further discussion of 'A Crowley esq.' and mentions 'things' seen at Boleskine fifteen years prior, suggesting that old beliefs persist in northern Scotland.
• Cautionary Tale: Anderson shares a story about the Macallan-Glenlivet distillery at Craigellachie. Chinese carp were introduced to clear a concrete tank, bred furiously, and grew large. The venture became profitable until an otter ate all the carp, ending the 'Christmas Fund'.

Errata

An errata section corrects a statement in Jan Kingshott's article 'Witness Identification in Big Cat sightings'. The original statement affirmed that 'experts' from zoos and wildlife parks categorically identified a large melanistic cat on Bodmin Moor as a 'female black puma'. The correction emphasizes that while a black puma might be unlikely, experts should be able to identify species. It argues that for non-experts, the potential for error, intentional or not, is higher, and the manner of questioning witnesses is crucial.

The British Nandi Bear?

This feature by C.H. Keeling, a zoologist and zoo historian, explores the mystery of the Nandi Bear. Keeling quotes extensively from his own books:

• 'Where the Crane Danced': He discusses a creature from the 1730s that might be proof of an animal relegated to the 'Loch Ness Monster bin'. He links it to the Nandi Bear of the Uasin Gishu Plateau in Kenya, suggesting it could be a belated Chalicotherium, a primitive ungulate. He notes that those who claim to have seen it describe a Hyena-like creature with a bear's head.
• 'Animal and Zoo Magazine' (February 1938): Keeling cites a reader's report of a bill from Halifax dating back two hundred years, advertising a "curious collection of living wild creatures." Among the attractions was a "young Half and Half; the head like a Hyena, the hind part like a Frieseland (Polar?) Bear."
• 'Where the Macaw Preened' (1993): He references Mander's travelling Menagerie, which closed in 1872. In 1869, Mander's animals included what appeared to be Nandi Bears, though Mander listed his Jaguars as from India and the Anaconda from North America.
• 'Indian Prairie Fiends': Descriptions of creatures listed as 'Indian Prairie Fiends' are compared to the Nandi Bear, noting features like a Hippopotamus head, Bear body, Tiger claws, and horse-like ears. Keeling dismisses any North American connection.
• Chalicotherium Connection: Keeling posits that the Nandi Bear is the one mystery animal that scientific sceptics come closest to accepting, due to paleontological findings about the Chalicotherium, an equine-related creature with large claws that preyed on animals. He suggests a relict population of Chalicotheria existed on the Uasin Gishu Plateau until the late 19th century, wiped out by the Rinderpest epidemic of 1899.
• Mander's Specimen: Keeling finds it significant that Mander had an animal he could identify, suggesting it was a unique specimen given an outlandish name, unlike the rest of his collection which was named accurately.

The A - Z of Cryptozoology. Part 5

This section, by Jan Williams, continues the alphabetical exploration of cryptozoological subjects:

• Cabyll-uisge: 'Water-horse' of the Isle of Man.
• Cadborosaurus (Caddy): A sea-monster reported around Vancouver Island since the 19th century, described as up to 18 meters long with a horse or camel-like head, large cow-like eyes, and a swimming body. Variations include horns or a mane. It was seen to gulp a duck in 1933 and appeared on shore in 1991. A 1995 paper by E.Y.Bousfield and Paul leBlond named it *Cadborosaurus willsi*.
• Cait Sith: A fairy cat of Scottish Highland legend, described as dog-sized, black with a white spot on its breast, arched back, erect bristles, and 'sparks' over its fur.
• Camahueto: A Chilean 'water horse' said to be born in fresh water and migrate to the sea.
• Camoodi: A legendary giant snake of Guyana.
• Challicum Bunyip: A beast speared on the banks of Fiery Creek, Victoria (Australia). Its outline was traced, and Aborigines returned annually to the spot. A sketch from 1867 remains.
• Champ: Monster of Lake Champlain (New York State, USA). Descriptions vary, but vertical humps and a long neck are common features, as seen in the 1977 Sandra Mansi photo. An 1899 sighting described it as dark laterally and paler ventrally. The belief that it was first recorded by Samuel de Champlain in 1609 is likely based on misinterpreting his description of a garfish. A video broadcast on BBC TV's 'Blue Peter' in 1993 or 1994 is described as a "wobbly and unsatisfactory piece of footage."
• Chessie: Sea-monster of Chesapeake Bay (Maryland/Virginia, USA). One of four seen in 1978 was 25-30 feet long, dark grey, and swimming with an undulating motion.

Help: Bigfoot Videos

Neil Arnold from Kent writes seeking help to find specific Bigfoot documentary films from the 1970s. He recalls seeing films like 'Boggy Creek', 'Return to Boggy Creek', 'Barbaric Beast of Boggy Creek', and 'Legend of Boggy Creek', directed by Charles B. Pierce. These films have since disappeared, and he is desperate to obtain copies or original versions. He provides his contact details for anyone who can assist.

Neil also notes his search for pub signs with a cryptozoological theme and comic books. He mentions 'The Unicorn Inn' and 'The Flying Saucer' pubs in Kent. For comic books, he recalls a strip in 'Gore Shriek' depicting a psychotic sasquatch, described as untitled, wordless, and gory.

He suggests an article on cryptozoological films, offering a list of films he has compiled.

The editor acknowledges Neil's idea and mobilizes readers for action.

Book and Video Reviews

• 'BIGFOOT' (Labyrinth Video): This 50-minute video is Labyrinth Video's first cryptozoological title. It features appearances by Peter Byrne, the Patterson film, the Daryl Owen video, and explanations by Grover Krantz. It is described as well-financed, aimed at the popular market, and supports the view that "Bigfoot is Real/Scientists are narrow minded." A 'redskin mystic' argues Bigfoot can dematerialize. Reviewed by Neil Nixon as "more entertaining than a wet night on Exmoor with a bag of mutton and a camera."
• 'SOMETHING LOST BEHIND THE RANGES' by John Blashford-Snell: This is the second volume of autobiography from the explorer. The reviewer laments the lack of unexplored territories. Blashford-Snell's book is full of snippets for cryptozoologists, including descriptions of big cat noises in Ethiopia, hunts for the yeti, and the mysterious Artrellia of Papua New Guinea. It serves as a reminder that the world is not fully civilized. The reviewer found it so engrossing they hummed the 'Indiana Jones' theme tune loudly while reading.
• 'OUT OF CONTROL - The New Biology of Machines' by Kevin Kelly: This book is highly recommended as "quite possibly the most important book that I have read in many years." It explores parallel vivisystems of computer networks, natural ecosystems, and global economics, covering virtual reality, mathematics of gambling, genetics, evolution, and software development. The reviewer states it is a distillation of ideas that will formulate a revolution in Biological Sciences and "cannot be ignored."

Periodical Reviews

This section reviews various magazines and newsletters related to cryptozoology and fortean topics:

• Cryptozoology and Zoomythology:
• *Dragon Chronicle:* Focuses on draconian subjects, published quarterly.
• *Nessletter:* Appears regularly and is highly recommended.
• *The British Columbia Cryptozoology Club Newsletter:* Excellent and well-produced, also available online.
• *Creature Research Journal:* Explores the correlation between mystery animals and UFO reports.
• *Bipedia:* A scholarly and concise magazine about Initial Bipedalism.
• *Cryptozoologia:* A French language magazine published by the Belgian society for Cryptozoology.
• Fringe Science:
• *Nexus:* An intelligent and well-produced look at the fringes of science.
• Fortean and Allied:
• *Dead of Night:* An amusing Fortean magazine, featuring articles on 'black dogs' and absurd fortean zoology.
• *Enigmas:* A 'mysteries' magazine with a UFO bias, including an article on animal mutilation.
• *Promises and Disappointments:* Focuses on 'non human intelligence', with an article drawing parallels between alien abduction and 'pixy lead' folklore.
• *Delve:* A collection of forteana and UFO reports.
• *Touchstone:* A highly recommended UFO magazine, well-written and concise.

Earth Mysteries

• Annals 2: A Fortean magazine covering UFO abductions, Roswell, and near-death experiences.
• Tems News: A collection of quasi fortean odds and ends from veteran UFO buff Lionel Beer.
• Third Stone: The magazine of the Gloucester Earth Mysteries group, described as witty and stylish, covering earth mysteries, particularly those in Gloucestershire. It includes an article on the Turin Shroud.
• Pendragon: An Arthurian journal described as excellent, scholarly, witty, and avoiding 'new agedrivel'.

Zoology/Natural History

• The Reptilian: An excellent full-colour magazine for reptile enthusiasts.
• Kingsbridge and District Natural History Society: Publishes newssheets and is involved in research projects.
• South West Herpetological Society Newsletter: An informative newsletter from a thriving organisation.
• The South and West Tarantula Society: An informative and educational organisation.
• Portsmouth Reptile and Amphibian Society Newsletter: A professional publication from a thriving regional organisation.
• Milton Keynes Herpetological Society: An excellent magazine with hints, articles, and news.
• Mainly About Animals: Edited by veteran zoologist Clinton Keeling, this magazine is highly recommended for its focus on animals.

The magazine also notes exchanges with 'The Cereaologist', 'The Bigfoot Record', and 'Track Record'.

Nervous Twitch

This section presents brief, odd news items:

• What's Your Grouse?: Conservation efforts for the Capercaillie in Scotland have slowed its decline. A successful breeding season occurred, but an adult male attacked a young couple asserting dominance. The RSPB advises people to run if approached by these birds.
• Pink Flamingoes: At Slimbridge Wildlife Trust, mirrors are used to encourage flamingoes to breed by creating the illusion of larger crowds.
• Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane?: In Eastbourne, a 'superduck' laid strange eggs, each containing another egg. The large eggs weighed over seven ounces.
• The Eagle Has Landed: An American Bald Eagle named 'Cochise' vanished from a Falconry Centre in North East England after a demonstration. A Sea Eagle also disappeared but returned later.
• Woody Has a Lot to Answer For: Woodpeckers have caused problems for the NASA Space Programme by hammering 71 holes in the insulating foam of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Preventative measures are being considered.

Cartoon by 'Mort'

A cartoon by 'Mort' depicts a worm-like creature in surgical attire holding a drill, with the caption: "GIVE ME STRENGTH! A STURGEON! I SAID THAT YOU COULD BE A STURGEON!"

Typeset by The Artist formerly known as "HEN". ISSN1354-0637.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and natural history. The magazine consistently reviews publications and media related to these subjects, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also providing factual accounts and reviews of related literature and media. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and anecdotal evidence, alongside scientific perspectives where available. The magazine actively solicits reader contributions and aims to foster a community of enthusiasts.