Animals and Men - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Fifteen
Volume: 15
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: UK
Price: Two Pounds Sterling

This issue of 'Animals & Men' presents a diverse collection of articles and news items focusing on cryptozoology, Fortean phenomena, and unusual animal reports. The cover highlights several key features, including 'The Bigfoot Murders', 'Wolverines in Wales', a 'Visit to Loch Ness', 'The Migo Re-Examined', and 'The "Waspman of Lancashire"'.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Jonathan Downes, reflects on the past year at the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ), describing it as 'very strange' but ultimately looking forward. Downes announces upcoming expeditions to Puerto Rico and Mexico in search of the Chupacabras, which are expected to be featured on Channel Four's 'To the Ends of the Earth'. He also highlights the launch of the CFZ's website, created by David Symons, and the republication of Tony Shiels's books, 'The Cantrip Codex' and '13'. The editorial expresses sadness over the passing of Clinton Keeling's Zoologica Exhibition and the death of 'Harley', the Chinese Blue Magpie. The editorial concludes with Christmas and New Year wishes to the readers and supporters.

Newsfile

The 'Newsfile' section, compiled by Graham Inglis with interjections from the Editor, provides a series of short reports on various anomalous and scientific findings:

Fossils

• Shake Rattle and Roll: Research suggests *Tymosaurus Rex* used a 'shake feeding' technique similar to killer whales, sharks, and crocodiles, rather than skull battering.
• Only for the Birds?: The discovery of a 'wishbone' (furcula) in dinosaur skeletons supports the theory that birds are descended from dinosaurs. An upcoming article by Darren Naish will explore this further.
• NO, THEY DIDN'T...: Biologists in the US argue that comparisons of dinosaur claws with bird wings and feet contradict the theory of birds evolving from small, flesh-eating dinosaurs, citing differences in digit retention.

Snake 'Missing Link'

• Researchers are investigating the theory that snakes evolved from giant sea monsters. A 97-million-year-old marine fossil from Israel, a metre-long snake with tiny hind legs, suggests a transition from sea lizards (mosasaurs) to snakes.

Old Croc

• The skeleton of what is believed to be the world's largest marine crocodile, dating back to the Jurassic era (165 million years ago), has been pieced together and will be displayed at Birmingham Museum. The skeleton bears scars and bite marks, with an imbedded tooth from a pliosaur.

Man Beasts and BHM

• Orang Pendek 'Missing Link'?: Reports from Sumatra describe an orange-coloured primate known as the Orang Pendek, which walks on two legs. Hair and droppings samples have been collected, but the Institute of Zoology requires £15,000 for analysis. The CFZ's editor notes that while aware of the photographs, they have only seen a poor photocopy and consider the evidence inconclusive.

New and Rediscovered Species

• Blind White Crab: A protected nature reserve is planned for caves in Majorca, home to blind white crabs and other unique aquatic species. However, the habitat is threatened by water extraction for tourism.
• Tasmanian Wolf: There is renewed belief that the Tasmanian wolf (*Thylacinus cynocephalus*) may have survived in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, with farmers reporting attacks on pigs and goats.
• New Species of Deer: Scientists have discovered a new species of deer in Vietnam, estimated to be about 0.5 meters tall. Information is based on hunted skulls.
• Four Frogs for Christine: An amateur naturalist discovered four new species of reed frog in Africa.

More Monkey Business

• A Dutch scientist discovered a new, tiny species of monkey (10 cm tall, 160 grams) in Brazil, belonging to the Sagui family.

Out of Place: Unidentified Hopping Objects

• Red-necked wallabies, originally introduced to Britain as a curiosity, have established colonies across the UK, with numbers up to 120. Their success is attributed to changes in the British climate. Reports of larger marsupials, like the Red Kangaroo, have also surfaced.

Tougher Than Tyson

• Two kangaroos, trained to box, escaped from a circus in Poland and were warned to be approached with caution.

White Power

• An albino starling in Chester has been accepted by its flock.

Rare Birds Sanctuary

• A garden in Devon has the richest collection of native wild birds in Britain, with 117 species recorded over 25 years.

Goat Rustlers

• Dozens of goats have disappeared from a wild herd in Exmoor, with claims that rustlers are selling them for the Muslim 'halal' meat trade.

Shark Attack?

• A swimmer in a Surrey reservoir reported being savaged by what she believes was a shark. Experts suggested it might have been a pet shark dumped in the water.

Here Kitty Kitty

• A six-month-old kitten was rescued from a high peak in the Lake District.

Super Wasp

• The aggressive European wasp, *Dolichovespula media*, is spreading across Britain, potentially paving the way for other exotic species. A poisonous spider, *Steatoda noblis*, has also adapted to British conditions.

Mystery Cats

• A report of a large, panther-like creature sighted in Scotland is mentioned, with police searching the area.

Iguana Rescue 1 & 2

• Two separate incidents involved firefighters rescuing iguanas that had escaped and become trapped, one in a wall in Sussex and another up a chimney in Nuneaton.

Lake and Sea Monsters

• Sonar equipment and divers are searching Loch Lochy, Scotland, for its resident monster, nicknamed 'Lizzie'.

Other Stories

• Come On Punk Make My Day: A squirrel in Camden exhibited aggressive behavior, biting six people.
• Kings of Speed: A squirrel was caught on a roadside camera trap in Fife, Scotland, apparently travelling at high speeds.
• Funky Dung: A pile of elephant dung caught fire at a zoo in Canterbury.
• Sexy Elephants: Female elephants use low-frequency rumbles to attract males during their receptive period, which occurs only once every four years.
• Glow Worms: Urban light pollution is blamed for the decline of British glow-worms, as males are unable to find females.
• Pension Rights for Elephants: Elephants working in West Bengal forest reserves are to be given pension rights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Animals & Men' strongly emphasizes cryptozoology and unexplained animal phenomena, as indicated by the cover stories and the breadth of the 'Newsfile' section. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jonathan Downes, is one of engagement with the unusual and a commitment to investigating the unknown, even in the face of budget cuts and logistical challenges. The magazine appears to have a particular interest in 'clusters' of anomalous stories, as noted in the editorial comments on the iguana rescues and the squirrel incidents. The publication also highlights scientific research that touches upon the fringes of established knowledge, such as the dinosaur-bird link and the potential survival of the Tasmanian wolf. The inclusion of regional representatives and international news sources suggests a global scope for their investigations.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (Issue #15) is a compilation of news items and feature articles covering a wide range of topics, from cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena to animal behavior, genetics, and conservation. The magazine presents a mix of reported sightings, scientific findings, and critical analysis, often with a skeptical yet intrigued tone.

Newsfile Extra: The Waspman Cometh

This section details a fascinating report from Preston local radio about a 'man-sized yellow and black flying insect' with humanoid characteristics, allegedly abducting pets and terrorizing residents of Walton-le-dale. The author, James Lister, investigates and suggests the creature was likely a large specimen of the British Woodwasp (Horntail), noting the DJ's use of artistic license. However, he leaves open the possibility of a separate, unknown entity, prompting interest from 'Owlman and Mothman hunters'.

Newsfile: I'm a King Bee

Scientists may have solved the mystery of honey bee communication. It's believed bees use antennae and hairs to detect tiny air movements caused by a 'dancing' bee. Experiments with a robotic bee and miniature microphones in a hive suggest bees can be directed by these air waves, flying specific distances and directions.

Newsfile: Clone Alone

Dolly the cloned sheep is to be put through a breeding program to assess her fertility and any potential effects on her descendants. Polly, another cloned sheep, will also be bred to study the transmission of human genetic material.

Newsfile: Marine Tool Use

US researchers believe dolphins have been observed using tools. Five female bottle-nosed dolphins were seen carrying sponges on their snouts while searching for food, possibly for protection against spines and stings of animals like stingrays and stonefish.

Newsfile: Seahorse Breeding

Scottish marine experts have successfully bred the world's biggest seahorses in Britain. The captive breeding program aims to return these seahorses to the wild, where they are threatened by over-exploitation for medicinal use in China and Japan.

Newsfile: High-Jump Contest

An animal behavior study in New Zealand arranged a high-jump competition to determine the height of a bird sanctuary barrier. Stoats, ships' rats, and feral cats participated, with stoats jumping the highest.

Feature: The Bigfoot Murders

Richard Freeman examines accounts of Bigfoot and Yeti attacks on humans. He discusses the famous 'Wilderness Hunter' account of a trapper named Bauman, whose partner was allegedly killed by a creature with fang marks. Freeman critically analyzes this and other cases, including those of Albert Petka and John Mire in Alaska, suggesting that many such stories might be misinterpretations of bear attacks or fabricated tales.

Feature: South and Central America

This section explores reports of giant man-beasts in Central and South America. It recounts the story of naturalist Frank Blaucaneaux's servant, Miguel, who was killed by a creature described as a 'black devil'. The article questions the primate identification, suggesting it might be a surviving Mylodont (a giant ground sloth) or another unknown animal. It also mentions an account from Venezuela of 'huge lumbering beasts' attacking men.

Feature: Asia

The article discusses the Yeti in the Himalayas, noting that while some tribes fear it, others consider it unaggressive. It mentions a report of a Sherpa being torn apart by a Yeti, but suggests a Himalayan Black Bear as a possible culprit. The author also recalls a story of soldiers being killed by a Yeti and questions its plausibility, comparing it to the 'Grendel' monster from Beowulf.

Feature: Africa

This section notes the scarcity of man-beast reports from Africa, with the Chemosit (Nandi Bear) being a notable exception. Described as a creature that can claw through mud huts and relishes human brains, theories about its identity range from giant baboons to surviving chalicotheres or a sub-Saharan bear. An encounter by Angus McDonald in Kenya describes a large, ape-like creature with a red mouth, which the author believes was a large, male Chimpanzee, highlighting their savage nature.

Feature: Australia

Australia, lacking native primates, has numerous reports of giant man-beasts known as Yowies, Poolagarls, Kalkadons, Narragums, and Kraitbulls. The article recounts a 1910 incident where a three-meter tall, upright, gorilla-like creature attacked two men, killing one with a rock. The author suggests the Yowie is likely a zooform phenomenon rather than a bona fide animal.

Conclusion

The author reflects on the morbid fascination with murder and savage killings, suggesting that creatures resembling humans evoke a particular appeal. He argues that despite their potential strength, creatures like gorillas and Yetis have never demonstrated a tendency to harm humans without provocation, attributing negative perceptions to the human tendency to associate 'ugly' with 'evil'.

Beaver Patrol

This section focuses on the potential reintroduction of the European Beaver (Castor fiber) to Scotland. It outlines the EC Habitats Directive requirements and the ongoing study by Scottish National Heritage. The article discusses the potential benefits, such as improving wetland ecosystems, and disadvantages, including impact on fish stocks and bank erosion. It notes that the Scandinavian sub-species was chosen for its reduced dam-building tendencies. The challenges of public consultation and potential lobbying by vested interests are also highlighted.

Giant Beavers

Bill Petrovic discusses Dr. Karl Shuker's findings on giant beaver species from the Pleistocene epoch. He explores the possibility that some Native American folklore about 'giant squirrels' might actually refer to a relict population of these enormous beavers. The article also touches upon the world's largest flea species found on the 'Mountain Beaver', a misnomer for a rodent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the natural world with the unexplained and the cryptozoological. There's a clear editorial stance favoring critical analysis and scientific explanation, even when discussing seemingly fantastical subjects like Bigfoot and Yetis. The authors often debunk sensationalized accounts by offering more plausible explanations, such as misidentification of known animals or fabricated stories. However, the magazine maintains an open-mindedness towards genuine mysteries and ongoing scientific research, particularly in areas of animal behavior and conservation. The recurring theme is the human fascination with the unknown and the monstrous, and the attempt to reconcile these with scientific understanding.

Animals & Men #15 is an issue dedicated to exploring unexplained animal phenomena, cryptozoological mysteries, and personal encounters with the unusual across the British Isles. The magazine features articles on the surprising presence of beavers in the UK, a perplexing animal sighting in Wales, a debunked nocturnal mystery, and a personal quest for the Loch Ness Monster.

More British Beavers by Jonathan Downes

This article challenges the notion that beavers are absent from Britain, suggesting that a population has been living and breeding in a secluded part of the River Axe on the Dorset/Somerset border for nearly thirty years. The author notes that two or more beavers escaped from Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park in 1969, though the park could not verify the species or provide records. Evidence of beaver activity was photographed by Exeter University zoologists in the early 1990s, and a newspaper report in autumn 1995 claimed a healthy population. The article also references older Mammal Reports from the mid-1950s mentioning large aquatic rodents in East Devon, though these are more likely attributed to muskrats or coypus. It highlights that while coypus are not known to colonize western waterways, their presence in Cornwall and Exeter suggests westcountry waterways can support large aquatic rodents. The article also touches upon historical accounts of beavers in Britain and reprints images of sub-fossil beaver skulls.

The Llangurig Mystery and Other Sightings

This section, primarily written by Terry Hooper, delves into reports of unusual animals in the British countryside, focusing on a peculiar incident in Llangurig, Powys, Wales. Farmer Micheal Nash reported a loud snoring noise and large pawprints near his barn in October 1980, followed by the deaths of five sheep. Police were called, and armed reinforcements were brought in. Despite efforts to drive the animal out, it was not seen. Investigations found wet straw, droppings, and owl pellets, but the droppings were not saved for analysis. The animal was gone by the next day. The article discusses the possibility of the animal being a wolverine, noting its solitary nature and territorial habits. It also mentions that experts consulted by the police believed the pawprints were those of a large dog. The article also briefly touches upon reports of 'big cats' in Wales and the difficulties in getting official bodies like the RSPCA to investigate such claims.

The Tale of the Weird, Warbling Whatsit of the Westcountry by Jan Scarff

This article recounts an investigation into a strange nocturnal noise heard by a couple in Clyst St Mary, near Exeter. The sound, described as resembling an exotic bird call, occurred precisely at 02:04 AM for several weeks. An investigation team, including an ornithologist and a psychic, was assembled. Initial hypotheses ranged from wild pheasants and cockerels to electronic alarms. After recording the sound, the team was initially unable to capture it on their equipment. Further investigation, including the use of cassette tapes by the residents, revealed the sounds were consistent and occurred at the exact same time. The mystery was eventually solved when it was discovered that the sounds were emanating from a novelty talking watch with an alarm set for 02:04 AM, which had been placed on a dressing table.

Wherefore art thou Nessie? by Neil Arnold

This personal account details the author's journey to Loch Ness in Scotland with the goal of hunting for the Loch Ness Monster. The author describes the arduous journey and the tourist-oriented nature of Drumnadrochit, noting the abundance of 'Nessie' merchandise. Despite the commercialization, the author emphasizes the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Loch and its surroundings. He describes the atmosphere, the landscape, and the feeling of being immersed in the legend. While acknowledging the possibility of misinterpretations of natural phenomena like waves and shadows, the author recounts seeing a large shadow and a wake, which he did not definitively identify as the creature. He advises against filming anything if one is a serious monster hunter and suggests that the true experience is in the atmosphere and the place itself, rather than solely in seeking proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, unexplained animal sightings, and the investigation of purported paranormal phenomena. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet critical approach, presenting anecdotal evidence and personal accounts while also seeking rational explanations and acknowledging the role of misidentification and folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging investigation and reporting of unusual occurrences, while also grounding these in logical analysis and scientific inquiry where possible. The inclusion of the 'Editor's Note' in the Clyst St Mary article highlights the magazine's commitment to presenting the truth, even when it is prosaic, and to setting the record straight on reported events.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 15
Date: 1997

This issue of 'Animals & Men' is a feature-heavy publication delving into various mysteries and observations within the realms of cryptozoology and natural history. The central article, "'The Migo - Not yet explained?'" by Nick Molloy, investigates a reported water monster in Lake Dakataua, New Britain, examining photographic and video evidence and discussing potential explanations from known animals to hoaxes.

Loch Ness and Nessie Hunter Steve Feltham

The issue opens with a personal reflection on visiting Loch Ness, highlighting the enduring legend of Nessie and the dedication of Nessie hunter Steve Feltham. The author expresses disappointment with the local attitude towards the legend but recommends the visit, emphasizing the importance of an open mind. A recent school-children's sighting of an 'upturned boat' shape and frothing water is mentioned, though dismissed as fragile evidence.

The Migo - Not yet explained?

Nick Molloy's main article focuses on the 'Migo' of Lake Dakataua, New Britain. He analyzes two pieces of alleged footage: the first, initially thought to be an unknown animal, is later identified as three silhouetted dolphins. The second, longer piece of footage, shows a creature with crocodilian features, but its swimming behavior (vertical undulations of the tail) is inconsistent with known crocodiles. Theories discussed include a hoax, a known animal, or a cryptozoological anomaly. The article notes the difficulty in estimating the creature's size and the limitations of the footage, especially given it was presented in Japanese.

Editor's Notes and Further Analysis

Several editor's notes and reader contributions provide additional context and debate. The editor acknowledges issues with the quality of video copies provided to researchers. A hoax theory involving a towed dead crocodile is discussed and largely dismissed. The possibility of the Migo being an Indopacific Crocodile is raised, with one theory suggesting the footage shows two such crocodiles mating. The article concludes that while the case for an unknown animal is not definitively dismissed, further investigation is warranted, at worst to identify a new population of Indopacific Crocodiles.

Clinton's Cogitations

Clinton Keeling offers his 'cogitations' on previous issues, commenting on reports of a 'Mountain Lion' in West London and the 'mechanics of impaling a fish'. He also addresses the 'Beast of Le Gevaudan', proposing it was a Hyena, possibly a striped one, and suggests another predator might have been involved. He also touches on the Sparrow Hawk incident at Crystal Palace and the political correctness debate.

Other Articles and Observations

Other sections include:

• The Jungle Cat: Discussed as an adaptable species, with a note on the mention of 'Kellas Cat' and its classification as a large feral domestic cat.
• Bee Eaters: A mention of their nesting in the UK in 1953.
• The Dragons of Yorkshire: A critique of an article, suggesting it leans more towards mythology than cryptozoology.
• Political Correctness: A commentary on the perceived hypocrisy of 'political correctness'.
• Mungo Park: A brief mention of the explorer's travels in West Africa.
• Big Cat Reports from Scotland: Suggests a prevalence of big cats in the Galloway region.
• Albinism: Mentions museums with albino displays and poses a question about which English King was an albino (Edward the Confessor).
• Gerbils: A brief discussion on Mongolian Gerbils and the author's personal experience.
• Stan Freburg and the Abominable Snowman: A comedic radio interview is discussed as a cultural snapshot.
• North of the Border: An article on animal mutilations in Scotland, specifically cats being crucified.

Letters to the Editor

The 'Letters to the Editor' section features several contributions:

• Inconsistent Dragon: Brian J. Godwin questions the measurements of a sea serpent's neck described in an article about 'The Dragons of Yorkshire', citing discrepancies between different sources and confirming the eight-foot measurement from Bernard Heuvelmans's work.
• Stop Horsing About: Chris Moiser corrects the magazine's identification of a zebra/donkey hybrid as a Quagga, explaining the distinct features of the Quagga and the 'rebreeding' project.
• Feet of Clay?: Richard Freeman comments on the possibility of lake monster photos being faked with clay and expresses interest in dragons over vampires.
• Another Poem: A poem is presented, followed by a series of short, humorous observations and anecdotes from various contributors, including mentions of F. de Sarre, Garey Larsen, and a reference to Doc Shuker and a 'Russian ballerina'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and cryptozoology, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis, even when discussing popular legends like Nessie. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, but with a healthy skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a willingness to debunk hoaxes. There is a clear appreciation for detailed research, as seen in the letters addressing specific factual inaccuracies. The publication also seems to champion a form of 'political incorrectness', as indicated by the editorial team's self-description and their support for Clinton Keeling's views. The overall tone is engaging, often humorous, and dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena and natural history curiosities.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 15
Volume: 15
Date: 1997

This issue of Animals & Men is primarily a "Book Reviews" issue, featuring a comprehensive collection of reviews for books and periodicals related to cryptozoology, forteana, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine itself is published by CFZ Press and focuses on a wide range of mysterious subjects.

Book Reviews

The issue opens with a poem by Tom Anderson, followed by an editor's note clarifying the authorship of a previous poem. The main content consists of reviews of several books:

• FAIRIES - Real Encounters with Little People by Janet Bord: This book is reviewed as a soundly Fortean exploration of fairy lore, connecting it to reports of UFO entities and abduction experiences. It is recommended as a primer for those interested in mystery animals and mysterious little men.
• Borderlands - The Ultimate Exploration of the Unknown by Mike Dash: This is highly recommended as a superb and exhaustive work covering a wide range of fortean and paranormal phenomena, including UFOs, abductions, and cryptozoology. It is described as a concise and erudite overview of fortean research over the past 50 years.
• Remember Belle Vue by C.H. Keeling: This book, the third on Manchester's zoological gardens, is praised for its fascinating scraps of information and illustrations, and is highly recommended.
• Walks in Mysterious Devon by Trevor Beer: This book is highlighted for its twenty-eight different walks with links to folklore and forteana, including accounts of spectral black dogs, rogue wolverines, and the Beast of Exmoor.
• Beyond the Evidence by Martin Pickford: This book is reviewed, with a notable quote from Pickford criticizing the scientific world for speaking "garbage".
• The Unexplained - The Ultimate Gateway to the World of the Unknown edited by John and Anne Spencer: This large-format book is described as a broad overview of mysterious phenomena, covering a wide range of topics from underground lightning to Nessie and ghosts, intended as a "gateway" rather than a reference tool.

Periodical Reviews

This section reviews several other publications:

• Mystery Magazine: Described as a "new kid on the block," this magazine is well-presented and uncluttered, featuring a "weird news" section, an interview with astronaut Gordon Cooper on Roswell and UFOs, an investigation of Spring-heeled Jack, panther sightings, and a cryptozoology page by David Colman.
• COVER-UP: A Scottish Unexplained Phenomena Research magazine that reviews "The Bible Code" and discusses child abductions, noting that it is "not greatly troubled by any search for objective evidence to support its claims."
• CRYPTONEWS: A newsletter from the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, described as "professionally produced and well-thought out," covering topics like lake monsters, mystery cats, the Yeti, and the Thylacine.
• THE DRAGON CHRONICLE: A magazine dedicated to dragons, featuring articles on mythology, cultural influence, artwork, and services for dragon enthusiasts.
• SIGHTINGS (a.k.a. FRO BEYOND in the USA): This magazine includes an interview with Derrel Sims on alien implants and an article on recent UFO sightings in Devon.
• HERP LIFE: The newsletter of the South Western Herpetological Society, featuring a lecture on tortoises and member's ads.
• TORTOISE TRUST NEWSLETTER: Covers welfare, conservation, captive breeding, and research related to tortoises.
• MAINLY ABOUT ANIMALS: Edited by Clinton Keeling, this magazine features an article on mystery eagles by Darren Naish.
• CRYPTOZOOLOGIA: A French-language magazine from the Association for the Protection of Rare Animals, Brussels.

New Books Available

The magazine also promotes several upcoming and recently released books:

• The 1998 YEARBOOK OF THE CENTRE FOR FORTEAN ZOOLOGY: This yearbook features contributions on cryptozoological movies, brontosaurs, monster-haunted lakes, mystery kangaroos, strange snakes, ichthyosaurs, Nyaminyami, the fortean fauna of Percy Fawcett, Native American totem beasts, and giant crocodiles.
• THE CANTRIP CODEX by Tony 'Doc' Shiels: A reissue of a semi-autobiographical work about witches, magic, and the "little people."
• THIRTEEN! by Tony Shiels: A reissue of a 1967 guide to spooky and atmospheric tricks.
• FROM FLYING TOADS TO SNAKES WITH WINGS by Dr Karl Shuker: A new book published in the United States.

Our Own Publications

Animals & Men also lists its own back issues for sale, detailing the content of each issue, which covers a wide array of cryptozoological and fortean topics. It also promotes its sister magazine, THE GOBLIN UNIVERSE, which focuses on "the parish magazine of the outer edge."

Cartoon

A cartoon by Mark North titled "The Beast of Yorkshire Pays a Visit to Mr and Mrs Kettlewell" is included, depicting a humorous scene related to cryptozoology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and the review of literature within these fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena, often with a critical eye towards mainstream science and a willingness to explore fringe theories and anecdotal evidence. There is a strong emphasis on research and the sharing of information within the fortean community, as evidenced by the numerous reviews and the promotion of CFZ publications.