Flying Snake - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: Flying Snake
Issue: Volume 3, Issue 8
Date: December 2014
Price: £3.99
Publisher: Richard Muirhead (a.k.a. Dr.Devo)

This issue of Flying Snake magazine, a journal dedicated to cryptozoology, folklore, and forteana, presents a diverse collection of articles and reports on unexplained phenomena and unusual creatures. The cover prominently features a headline about "Strange Weather Waterspouts Seen Off Malta," referencing an "Illustrated London News" report from April 5th, 1856. It also lists a variety of other intriguing topics covered within the issue, such as "The Giant Trinidad Anaconda of 1889," "Kangaroos in America," "Odd Water - Lizard in Dorset 1833," "Rabbit - Cat Hybrid of 1901," "British Chameleons," "Hail stones that emit light," "Trees Growing out of Chimneys," "Ice Worm," "Flying 'Monsters' in Spain," "Ball Lightning in Hong Kong," "Coyote in Wales," and "Giraffes."

Editorial and Contact Information

Flying Snake magazine is available from Richard Muirhead, also known as Dr.Devo, located in Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. His website is provided for cryptozoology-related content. Mike Hardcastle serves as the Sub-Editor from NSW, Australia, with Zvi Ron as the Israel correspondent and Carl P. Marshall as the Warwickshire correspondent and Zoological Consultant. The magazine encourages readers to contact them for reproduction of content, with the disclaimer that authors' opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Blank authorship indicates material from various sources or unknown authors.

Back issues are available on request. Subscriptions are priced at £3.99 per issue or £12 per annum for a full-colour PDF delivered via e-mail. Payments can be made via PayPal on the website, or by check/postal order within the UK made out to Richard Muirhead. International checks are not accepted. Copyright for provided images must be cleared.

Dr Devo's Diary

Dr. Devo's diary in this issue shifts from personal anecdotes to a summary of his recent cryptozoological activities. He mentions plans for a new printer for the magazine, which have faced delays, comparing the situation to the extinction of the Dodo. Thanks to researcher Kay Massingill, he now has access to an American family history newspaper database covering 1690-2010, which has uncovered numerous stories, including a giant snake in Trinidad, a horned rabbit, a white jackal in Africa, a 1901 cabbit, and a tree growing out of a chimney in Trinidad. Dr. Devo also notes he is collecting data on British crocodiles with Bob Skinner, and that Bob found stories of British chameleon sightings. Javier Resines is contributing an account of flying creatures in Spain, and Richard George is reporting on feral cats in Kerguelen. Dr. Devo himself is reporting on strange weather. He humorously mentions trying to get information from the band Devo about their song "Pink Pussycat" via their archivist.

Contents Breakdown

Kangaroos in the United States: The Milwaukee Flap of 1978-79 (Part One)

This section details a series of kangaroo sightings near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1978, as reported in local newspapers. The Milwaukee Journal reported on April 13th, 1978, about the Haeselich family's sighting of what they believed to be a kangaroo in their backyard. The Humane Society was skeptical, and the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department officials were reportedly laughing. The Haeselichs, however, were adamant, describing the animal as hopping and about three to five feet tall. This was reportedly the second sighting in the area in a week. The Waukesha Freeman, on April 14th, 1978, reported another potential sighting by William J. Busch, who described an unidentified scampering animal on Highway 83 that was not a typical dog or cat, noting its odd-shaped head and long feet, estimating it to be about 3 feet tall. The article highlights the growing local interest and the establishment of a "kangaroo editor" to handle such reports. Officials from the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Milwaukee County Zoo expressed skepticism, noting no kangaroos were missing and questioning the survival of a kangaroo in a Wisconsin winter.

Coypus in Norfolk

This article by J.J. Buxton, from The Countryman Summer 1959, discusses the coypu, a South American rodent introduced to Britain for its fur (nutria). The coypu is described as a pest with an unattractive appearance, featuring large, bright orange front teeth and coarse brown outer fur with a dark chocolate inner fur. When swimming, they resemble otters but have thinner tails and webbed hind feet. They are vegetarian and damage farm crops like sugar-beet and mangolds, as well as kale and corn. Their tracks can cause hay crops to lodge, making them difficult to cut. Commonest foods include water dock, bulrush, sedge, and reed shoots. In Britain, coypus have few natural enemies, though young ones have been found in marsh harrier nests. They are prolific breeders, with females raising three families a year, averaging four to eight young. Coypus possess the remarkable ability to hold their breath underwater for extended periods, up to twenty minutes, and can restrict blood flow to the brain to slow metabolism. They are larger in Britain than in Brazil, reaching up to 26 lb in the wild and 40 lb in captivity. In cold weather, they struggle to dive through ice and appear miserable on the ice. Their cry is described as similar to a lost sheep. They typically inhabit marshes with thick reed or sedge, making platforms to stay dry, or dig large holes in banks near farm crops. While easily caught in open country, they are difficult to exterminate in reed beds and may negatively impact nesting birds, such as water rails. Full-grown coypus are fierce and can inflict nasty bites.

Other Articles and Features

• A Collection of Siamese Cryptozoological Curiosities: This article (page 11) likely explores unusual creatures or phenomena from Siam (Thailand).
• "And did those feet?” Were St Paul and St Peter ever in England?: This article (pages 12-15) investigates historical or folkloric claims about the presence of St. Paul and St. Peter in England.
• Flying Snake Drawing: A drawing by Mark Raines (page 16).
• Strange Weather: A report on unusual weather phenomena (pages 17-20).
• Ball Lightning in Hong Kong: An account of ball lightning incidents in Hong Kong (pages 21-22).
• Mystery Big Bird and other Strange Fowl (Part Two): Continues the exploration of unidentified avian creatures (pages 23-24).
• Flying Monsters in Spain: An article by Javier Resines detailing reports of flying creatures in Spain (pages 25-32).
• British Chameleons: A report on chameleon sightings or occurrences in Britain (pages 33-38).
• The Hideous Ice Worm: An article by Chris Woodyard about the phenomenon of ice worms (pages 39-44).
• Letters: A section for reader correspondence (pages 45-46).
• Notes and Queries: A section for reader questions and discussions (pages 47-70).
• Book Review: A review of a relevant book (page 71).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Flying Snake magazine are the exploration of the unexplained, the unusual, and the cryptid. The magazine consistently features reports of strange creatures, anomalous weather events, and historical accounts of fortean phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by Dr. Devo's diary and the content selection, is one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting information from various sources, including newspaper clippings and personal accounts, without necessarily endorsing them as fact but rather as subjects worthy of investigation and discussion within the cryptozoological and fortean communities. There is a clear interest in documenting and sharing these often-marginalized accounts.

This issue, identified by page number '11', presents a collection of diverse and often unusual topics, ranging from cryptozoology in Siam to historical debates about early Christian missions in Britain and reports of strange weather phenomena. The content appears to be a compilation of articles and excerpts from various sources, indicated by the different publication dates and styles.

Siamese Cryptozoological Curiosities

The first article, sourced from 'The `American` newspaper of March 29th 1833', provides a summary of 'unusual animals in Siam (Thailand)'. It describes several creatures, including:

• The Challin: A small lizard that uses wings or webs to accelerate its speed.
• The Tacoun: A serpent of the same species as the Challin, reaching eight to ten feet in length, which feeds on the blood of cows and goats. It is described as hideous, with a blackish-brown skin speckled with white spots and an upright, comb-like protuberance along its back.
• The Ngu-Hon or barking serpent: A highly dangerous species, likened to a rattlesnake, whose bite can cause excruciating death.
• The Ngu Sing: A non-venomous reptile that coils itself up and rolls towards its target, striking with its tail, similar to the lashing serpent of Ceylon.
• Tigers in Siam: Three kinds are mentioned: the Sun Crong (largest and wildest, with a red, white, yellow, and black striped skin), the Sun Dong (dog-sized, shuns human society, with black, white, and yellow spots), and the Sun Plang (resembling a grey cat in form and colour, but the size of a house dog).
• The Nocarim: A remarkable bird, standing seven feet high and proportionally broad, ash grey in colour with red feathers on the neck and back. It has a man-sized head, a conical bill nearly two feet long, feeds on grain and vegetables, and lays eggs similar to an ostrich's. It is noted for roaming in solitary places.

"And did those feet?" Were St Paul and St Peter ever in England?

This section, spread across pages 2-5, delves into the folklore and historical arguments concerning the potential visits of St. Paul and St. Peter to England, particularly Somerset. It begins with a query from 'ALPHA' in the 'Notes and Queries' column of the 'Somerset Herald' (1898), asking for evidence of St. Paul's visit.

Subsequent responses and discussions explore various historical accounts:

• Early Accounts: References are made to Clement of Rome, Theodoret (450 A.D.), Venantius Fortunatus (660 A.D.), and Eusebius, who suggest apostles reached 'the limits of the West' or 'the British Isles'. However, the interpretation of 'limits of the West' is debated, potentially including Spain or the Mediterranean.
• The Family of Caractacus: Welsh historians are cited as stating that Christianity was brought to their countrymen by the family of Caractacus upon his return from captivity in Rome, with the suggestion that St. Paul might have accompanied him.
• Arguments Against St. Paul's Visit: One correspondent ('W.C.H.') argues that the Acts of the Apostles, along with the Epistles of Timothy and Titus, account for St. Paul's life, leaving little time for a journey to Britain. This view suggests that Clement's mention of reaching 'the bound of the West' might refer to Spain.
• Arguments For St. Paul's Visit: Conversely, it is argued that St. Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea followed by two years in Rome (60-62 A.D.) and his subsequent release before Nero's reign (death in 67 or 68 A.D.) leaves a window of three to five years for travel. The possibility of him visiting Spain is supported by various authorities, and Clement's statement is interpreted as potentially including Britain.
• The Role of St. Peter: The discussion notes that the Acts of the Apostles provides a connected account of St. Peter's life, making a visit to Britain less likely given the known timeline of his missionary work.
• Lack of Definitive Proof: The consensus seems to be that while the possibility exists and the question is interesting, a definitive statement about St. Paul preaching in Britain cannot be made with certainty based on the available evidence from authors prior to 1000 A.D.

A map illustrating Paul's possible journey to Spain (62-68 AD) is included, detailing potential routes after his release from Roman prison.

Strange Weather

This section compiles several reports of unusual meteorological events:

• Extraordinary Waterspout: A correspondent, Harry Caiger, describes witnessing ten waterspouts of enormous size forming rapidly from a single cloud in the Mediterranean on March 2nd, visible for a quarter of an hour before passing towards the south-west.
• Showers of Organic Matter:
• A report from the 'MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW' (May 1894) mentions a gopher turtle, 6 by 8 inches, falling encased in ice during a hailstorm at Boving, Mississippi.
• An account from 'TADPOLE RAINS FORTEAN TIMES' (no 40) references a recollection by Leonard Burrough (told in the Maidenhead Advertiser, Dec 4, 1981) of thousands of tiny frogs and tadpoles falling from the sky during a violent storm in Maidenhead around 1910.
• A report from the 'WASHINGTON BEE' (August 23rd 1902) details a thunderstorm at Casville, West Virginia, during which thousands of small snakes, resembling garter snakes and measuring ten to fifteen inches in length, fell from the clouds.
• Bolts of Fire Strike Fear: An abbreviated report from the 'MACCLESFIELD EXPRESS' (January 26th 1984) describes 'freak bolts of lightning and thunder' hitting villages in Gawsworth and North Rode, causing power outages and miraculous escapes. Local people described balls of blue and white flame.
• Phosphorescent Flashes of Light in Hail: An excerpt from the 'Q. JNL ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.' (1920) by J.E. Clark, referencing notes from the TORRO database, describes a devastating hailstorm on the Surrey/London border on July 16th, 1918. It notes that when hailstones struck windows, there was a phosphorescent flash of light.
• Strange Raindrops and Hailstones: A quote from John Brocklesby's 'Elements of Meteorology' (1855) recounts the Abbé Bertholdon observing raindrops and hailstones during a heavy storm between Brignai and Lyon, France, on October 28th, 1772.

An image is included showing a high snow-drift in front of a monk's conduit in Sherborne, Dorset, February 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in the unexplained, the unusual, and the historical. The 'Siamese Cryptozoological Curiosities' section highlights a fascination with exotic and potentially mythical creatures. The extensive discussion on St. Paul's potential visit to Britain reflects an engagement with historical mysteries and theological debates. The 'Strange Weather' section showcases a consistent interest in anomalous natural phenomena, often drawing from historical records and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting intriguing reports and historical inquiries, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary, without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, particularly in the case of St. Paul's travels. The inclusion of various sources and dates suggests a compilation of material that appeals to a readership interested in folklore, history, and the unexplained aspects of the natural world.

Title: Flying Monsters in Spain
Issue Date: July 31st, 1982 (for the Ball Lightning article, other articles span various dates)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Flying Monsters in Spain" presents a collection of intriguing accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and cryptids, spanning from meteorological events to sightings of large, unusual flying creatures.

Ball Lightning in Hong Kong

The issue begins with an account of a ball lightning event that occurred in Hideaway, Hong Kong, on July 31st, 1982, during a thunderstorm. The document is presented as being found at the Royal Observatory Library in Hong Kong. The entire family was present, and their individual statements detail the experience. William, in the bedroom, saw a flash of white light fill the doorway. Jane, in the kitchen, heard a crack and saw the kitchen light flash off for about a minute, but did not see a flash of light. Alexander, sitting by the window, heard a crack like a fire-cracker, saw a yellow light above his mother's head, and noted the kitchen light went off for about 15 seconds. Mummy heard an almighty crack similar to a gunshot or fire-cracker. Dad, who was outside, saw a star-like flash approximately 5 feet high and heard a crack simultaneously, initially thinking lightning had struck the electric circuits. He noted the flash was white and about 5 feet off the ground. The conclusion suggests an electric explosion in the sitting room, possibly conducted by the telephone cable. Later, approximately one hour after the main event, a double crack was heard, and Alexander saw flashes travelling along the telephone cable inside the room, though the telephone itself was unaffected.

Mystery Big Bird and Other Strange Fowl (Part Two)

This section, authored by Richard Colborne, continues an investigation into a mysterious large bird sighting. The author initially mistook the bird's neck curve for its head and struggled to see its beak or eyes. He later realized the bird was carrying its head over its back on a long neck, with a short, rounded tail and trailing legs, unlike any raptors seen in Britain. He discovered a nearby body of water and speculated the bird was a diving bird that eats fish. After examining pictures of Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns, he found the Great White Egret to be a potential match, though he couldn't find photos of an Egret with its head positioned as described. He notes the wing shape seen matches that of gliding Egrets. However, Colborne concludes it was definitely NOT a Great White Egret due to differences in wing feather shape (straighter, squarer, broader, fewer), leg trailing appearance, and crucially, the tail, which was even shorter and more rounded than an Egret's. He emphasizes the tail's distinct curve and the fact the bird never fanned its tail feathers.

Flying Monsters in Spain

This section, by Javier Resines, explores several accounts of large, unusual flying creatures.

Kongamato

From 1923, in Zambia, writer Frank H. Melland was alerted to a strange flying animal described as a reptile with bat wings, a long notched tip, and a wing-spread of over two meters. Natives identified it as a pterodactyl, a flying reptile extinct for 65 million years, calling it 'kongamato'.

Gigantic Bird in Atacama Desert

In July 1868, the magazine *The Zoologist* published an article about miners in the Chilean desert of Atacama who saw a gigantic bird with immense grey feathered wings, a monstrous head like a lobster, and great shining eyes. Its body was described as serpent-like with shining scales that created a metallic sound during flight.

North American Thunderbird

The Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles displays a dissected dark bird with a wing-spread of almost eight meters, believed by some to be a thunderbird from North American tribal legends, particularly the Ojibwa of Illinois. These aerial monsters are thought to have originated from the United States and Canada.

Ropen of New Guinea

In New Guinea, natives of the Siassi islands coexist with 'Ropen', described as an enormous flying fox with a long tail, crocodile snout, frightful teeth, and sharp claws.

Aerial Attack in the Heat of a Race

Investigator Richard Muirhead's research uncovered an event from 1911 during an aerial race between Paris and Madrid. Over 1200 kilometers, several participants were attacked by tremendous birds resembling gigantic eagles. Near Vitoria, two aviators were attacked within hours of each other. Pilot Gilbert Ilegó shot at one of these animals with his revolver, hurting it. The identity of these birds remains unexplained.

The Gigantic Bird of Barcelona

In June 1990, a gigantic bird with an imposing presence and disagreeable cries frightened inhabitants of Barcelona. The event was reported through letters to the editor of *The Vanguard* newspaper. Pere Carbó described a black silhouette of a bird between 3 and 5 meters in size. Jose Garcia reported hearing horrible cries over three or four days, and saw a giant bird, estimated at 8 meters wing-span, black, with a silhouette similar to a dove. The article also notes the mysterious disappearance of cats observed before the bird's appearance. Over 53 letters were published, with sightings reported in various parts of Barcelona. The birds were described as varied in color (black or grey), with wing-spreads of 3 to 15 meters, emitting shrieks and having membranous wings resembling pterodactyls. Scientists could not explain the sightings, suggesting possibilities like an albatross or vulture. Similar sightings occurred in Italy and France. Biologist Miguel Seguí I follow published an article in *Year Zero* (April 1992) suggesting the animals were similar to pterodactyls.

And in Andorra...A Phoenix!

On April 13th, 2001, between 21:30 and 23:30 hours, in Escaldes Engordany (Andorra), Jesus Serrano and other witnesses saw a light in the sky shaped like a boomerang making strange movements. Using binoculars, they observed a "giant bird" with shaking wings emitting a brilliant light with reddish tones. The body was seen perfectly, resembling an eagle, and was immense. The sighting lasted nearly two hours before the animal disappeared at great speed. It was described as a "Phoenix". This event was later published by Argentine investigator Gustavo Fernandez in the e-magazine 'To the edge of reality' in September 2002.

The Incredible Gargoyle of Valencia

Investigator Francisco J. Máñez, president of the Valencian Association of Investigation in Parapsychology and OVNIS, shared a story from 2004 about a child in Valencia who saw a strange bird perched on a rooftop. The child described it as large as an eagle, with bat-like wings and no feathers. The bird's face was observed to be almost human. The being had a body similar to a person and legs ending in great claws. It flew away with a slow, harmonious movement. The witness speculated it might be a gargoyle from a nearby building that had come to life.

The Ropen in concert

This section briefly mentions a case from the summer of 2007 involving an English citizen's experience during a music festival in Benicassim, Castellón, related to crypto fauna of flying Spanish monsters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly strange or gigantic flying creatures, and anomalous atmospheric events like ball lightning. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting documented accounts and witness testimonies for investigation, without necessarily offering definitive explanations, but rather exploring possibilities and historical precedents for these mysterious occurrences. The magazine seems to focus on cryptozoology and ufology, drawing from various historical and contemporary reports from different parts of the world, with a particular emphasis on Spain.

This document appears to be a collection of articles and reports, likely from a magazine or journal, focusing on unusual animal sightings and historical curiosities. The content spans various dates, with a particular emphasis on the 19th and early 20th centuries, and includes reports from different publications.

Article: Mysterious Creatures in Spanish Skies This section, accompanied by an image of a gargoyle from the Lonja de la Seda building in Valencia, Spain, details a reported sighting of an unusual flying creature. The research is attributed to editor Richard Muirhead and published by Jonathan David Whitcomb in his work "Searching for Ropens and Finding God." A witness describes seeing a small creature, less than a meter in size, with a beak and an extended tail, flying at a low height. The creature is compared to a pterodactyl and a 'Ropen.' The section concludes by posing questions about the mystery of Spanish skies, new species, and undiscovered prehistoric animals.

Article: British Chameleons This extensive section compiles several historical newspaper reports about chameleons found in Britain.

Berkshire Chronicle, December 7th 1844 This report details a letter from Mr. Emerson Tennent, who sent a living chameleon to the Natural History Society in Belfast. He describes catching chameleons in Jerusalem and bringing two to London. One died, but the survivor was sent to Belfast. Tennent notes the chameleon's incessant color changes, varying through shades of green, white, olive, dark green, brown, and black, with lighter colors predominating when at rest or asleep.

Hereford Times, April 28th 1849 This report mentions a live chameleon imported into Liverpool, described as greyish green with no observed tint changes. It had reportedly survived for eight weeks without food or water.

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal, August 30th 1862 This article describes the third annual summer fete of the 3rd London Rifle Volunteers. A popular attraction was an Irish chameleon, captured in Connemara, which had the singular property of changing color every 25 minutes. The image associated with this section is of a Chameleon Africanus.

Dundee Advertiser, August 12th 1867 This report details the capture of a chameleon on Snow Hill, London, after it was nearly run over by a cab. The chameleon, identified as Chameleo Africanus, was injured but nursed back to health with glycerine and green caterpillars. It is speculated to have escaped from a package being transported within London or from a ship.

Alnwick Mercury, August 31st 1867 This report follows up on the Snow Hill chameleon, stating that twenty-seven chameleons and 145 tortoises had been transported by cab. As only twenty-six chameleons arrived at their destination, it is believed the twenty-seventh escaped on Snow Hill.

Hereford Times, September 7th 1867 This report states that the Snow Hill chameleon died a few days after its rescue, despite appearing to recover. The article explains the chameleon's prehensile tail, used for climbing, and suggests that the injury to this vital organ likely proved fatal. It confirms the earlier surmise that the chameleon escaped during transport through London.

Newcastle Courant, May 22nd 1885 An excellent specimen of a chameleon was found on board a steamer that arrived at Leith from Oran. It was taken to the Custom House officers' quarters.

Chelmsford Chronicle, September 8th 1893 A chameleon was caught on a signal post on the Great Eastern Railway but was killed before it could be secured. It is believed to have escaped from a private collection.

Falkirk Herald, April 29th 1903 This report describes the discovery of the dead and dried body of a chameleon grasping a hedge-row stem at Winchmore Hill, North London. The chameleon measured 9 ½ inches from nose to tail. It notes that while chameleons are found in North Africa, they rarely survive long after introduction to England.

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, November 4th 1908 A remarkable find was made by Mr. James Macmunn in Urmston, where he discovered a large lizard, about eight or nine inches long, in his garden. This was identified as a chameleon and sent to the Manchester Museum. The origin of the chameleon, typically found in Syria, Asia Minor, and North Africa, is a mystery, with a possible explanation being transport via the Ship Canal.

Western Gazette, September 17th 1909 A chameleon was found alive and well in a load of hay taken from the Croydon Sewage Farm at Beddington, its presence there being a mystery.

Western Gazette, January 27th 1931 A live chameleon was discovered during the unloading of grass for paper making at Silverton Mills. The grass had been transported from abroad, and the chameleon was likely a stowaway.

Bristol Post Website, September 12th 2014 This report describes a chameleon found wandering near the river in Bristol, described as a scaly green creature. It was handed to the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, where staff noted it seemed unwell and may have had metabolic bone disease, requiring specialist treatment. The report also mentions other animals at the home, including four stray snakes.

Article: The Hideous Ice Worm This article, reproduced with permission from Chris Woodyard of Haunted Ohio, presents a sensationalized 19th-century journalistic account of an event on Lake Williams. Men cutting ice experienced a series of alarming phenomena: the lake water grew warm and reached boiling point, causing immense steam and triggering fire alarms. Horses ran away, tools burned, and men fainted. This was followed by a seething, hissing sound, mud being flung skyward, and the appearance of a "Most Horrible Looking Creature" approximately 70 feet long, with scales about a foot square. The article describes the creature's appearance in vivid, hyperbolic terms, comparing its shining scales to the steel trousers of Margaret Mather in her role as the maid of Orleans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of unusual animal sightings and encounters, often with a historical bent, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The magazine seems to present these accounts as factual reports, drawing from various historical newspapers and publications. There is a clear interest in cryptozoology (Ropen, pterodactyls, ice worms) and the natural world (chameleons). The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing and sometimes bizarre historical accounts, inviting readers to consider the possibilities of undiscovered species or unusual events, without necessarily offering definitive explanations. The inclusion of detailed historical newspaper clippings suggests an archival approach to collecting such stories.

This issue of "Flying Snake" magazine, spanning pages 41-50, covers a diverse range of unusual phenomena, cryptids, and anecdotal reports. While a specific publication date for the entire issue is not provided, one article is dated December 24, 1890, suggesting a historical compilation or a magazine with a long publication history.

The Sea Serpent of Marblehead

The issue opens with a vivid, albeit fantastical, description of a sea serpent encountered near Marblehead. This creature is depicted with a wide, flat head, eight-inch long teeth, and a whale-like tail. It possessed three eyes and eight legs, and its presence generated significant heat, capable of baking hillsides and thinning molasses. The description is presented with a humorous tone, comparing it to a creature seeking employment in a dime museum.

Lake Williams Encounter

Another account details a strange entity observed at Lake Williams. This 'half-fish, half-beast' emitted sounds and moved rapidly towards Westboro. The creature was followed by reporters in a balloon and was observed to tie itself into a knot on the ice. The report suggests the entity generated enough heat to melt ice and eventually disappeared into a hole in the lake. The origin of this creature is posed as a paramount question.

Scientific and Historical Perspectives

A section titled "Has No Bottom" explores the possibility of sea serpents in inland lakes, referencing a belief that a particular lake is an outlet of the China Sea. It also touches upon the concept of an "ice worm" and its potential connection to McKinley prices and scarcity. The article references a life-saving crew being called to rescue individuals who were stuck to the ice of a reservoir.

Boston Daily Globe Article

A reprint from the Boston Daily Globe dated December 24, 1890, provides context for some of the figures mentioned. It introduces Margaret Mather, a Canadian actress, Senator Henry Blair, known for his wit, and the term "McKinley" referring to lowering prices. It also explains the founding of the Sea Serpent Club by a Marblehead man as an association of newspaper men and lawyers who gathered for convivial dinners and observed the sea serpent offshore.

Unusual Feral Cats on Kerguelen

Under the "Letter to Flying Snake" section, an interesting report details the unusual feral cats found on Kerguelen, a sub-Antarctic French archipelago. These cats, descendants of abandoned pets, have experienced a shrinkage in their cranial size, contrary to the expected increase in cerebral capacity for surviving domestic animals. As apex predators on the island, they prey on young petrels and rabbits, leading to a regression in their intelligence due to the lack of natural threats.

E.T. Type Entity from Australia

Another segment discusses an "E.T." type entity reportedly seen in Western Australia in 1930. The witness, Beryl Hickey, described it as having big ears, a wide slit mouth, bulging eyes, and perfectly formed hands and feet, standing about half a metre tall and being pink like a baby. The article notes that similar alleged E.Ts have been demonstrated to be misidentifications of terrestrial species, such as a marmoset or a decomposing raccoon.

Thunderbird Sighting Near Santa Fe

A "Notes & Queries" section includes a report of a "Thunderbird" sighting near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1986. The witness heard it flapping its wings and saw its back as it flew over their house. The phenomenon was linked to strong winds and a thunderstorm, leading to the American Indian name "Thunderbirds."

Peculiar Species of Mouse

Also in "Notes & Queries," an excerpt from a "Magazine of natural history and journal of zoology, botany, minerology, geology... vol 7 (1834)" describes peculiar mice found in Inverness-shire and Ross-shire. These mice were noted for their brown color, a white ring around the neck, a white-tipped tail, and a light stripe down the nose and back. Foxes reportedly fed on them instead of lambs.

Other Brief Mentions

The issue concludes with brief visual entries: a photograph of a tree growing out of a chimney in Macclesfield, a query about mystery big cats in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, a photograph of a baby with a python on a beach in West Palm Beach from 1947, and a photograph of a large ant (1 inch long) taken in Gibraltar around 1992.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, cryptids, and unusual animal behavior. The magazine appears to present these accounts with a blend of serious inquiry and a touch of skepticism or humor, encouraging reader participation and thought, as indicated by the concluding question, "So what creature might Beryl Hickey have seen? Over to you..." The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring the unexplained without necessarily endorsing every claim as fact, often providing context or alternative explanations where available.

This issue of 'The Latest Flying Machine' presents a compilation of diverse and often bizarre reports from various historical publications, spanning from the late 18th century to the mid-1990s. The content focuses on unexplained phenomena, unusual animal sightings, and strange occurrences, drawing from sources like The Cincinnati Enquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, The Times of London, and local newspapers.

Lantau Dugong of September 29th 1940

This section reports on the capture of a creature off Lantau Island, Hong Kong, which Europeans called a "Du Gong" and was described as a "sea cow." The animal was approximately 6 to 7 feet long, shaped like a torpedo, dark in color, with a pointed head and round tail. It was noted that this type of creature is known to live in the Pacific Ocean, and there was a rumor of a similar sighting in Hong Kong 50 years prior. The source is noted as 'Possibly Facebook.'

A REMARKABLE SNAKE

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on May 3rd, 1889, this article details a series of mysterious disappearances of domestic animals and children on the island of Trinidad. Initially attributed to thieves, the cause was later identified as a "monstrous animal." The creature left no trace of blood and was too large to be carried away by any known animal on the island. Traces of its passage were observed to stop at streams. The mystery deepened with the disappearance of children, culminating in a grief-stricken mother witnessing a "colossal snake" carrying off her three-year-old son. A pursuit by armed residents proved fruitless. Based on descriptions of its color, rings, and spots, it was surmised to be a survivor of an extinct race of gigantic huilliar or local anacondas. The snake was eventually located in the Guacharo caves near the Blue Mountain. A party of residents, armed, confronted the snake, which emerged from a pool. After being shot with multiple volleys of bullets, the colossal snake, measuring forty-seven feet long and two and a half feet thick, was killed. Its carcass was dragged to Arima for preservation. The incident was reported to the American Consul in Washington.

A WHITE JACKAL

This section includes two accounts of white jackals. The first, a letter to The Times of London dated November 29th, 1901, from Eldama Ravine, Uganda, reports that Francis W. Isaac killed a cream-colored jackal with brown markings, differing from the ordinary jackal. He questioned if it was a new species or a freak of nature. A follow-up letter in The Times on December 3rd, 1901, from Mr. C.W. Marshall of Wiltshire, mentions that about thirty-five years prior, Mr. J.G. Malcolm of Ramnugga, Bengal, killed a white jackal which he saw and described as creamy white. The second account is from the Greensboro Record (North Carolina) on July 13th, 1956, detailing a white jackal killed near Van Reenan's Pass, South Africa, noted for its "albino purity."

OUT OF PLACE ALLIGATOR IN CALIFORNIA

An article from the Petersburg Alaska Newspaper dated November 25th, 1932, reports that George Laurtisan of Monteca, California, captured a 22-inch alligator in a creek.

A FELINE FREAK

This piece, from the Los Angeles Herald on September 29th, 1901, describes a black kitten named 'Jerry' living on Hope Street. The kitten exhibited unusual characteristics, appearing to be a mix between a house cat and a jackrabbit. Its hind legs were longer and angled like a jackrabbit's, and it had a small tuft for a tail. The kitten's mother, a house cat, had been lost for some weeks. 'Jerry' did not like milk, preferring fish, meat, and bread. It also did not mind being bathed and preferred sleeping on tree branches. The article notes its intelligence and its nearly full-grown size relative to its mother.

Peculiar "boar"

A brief mention of a peculiar "boar" or other unknown quadruped from Ireland, sourced from Walker's Hibernian Magazine in February 1781. An accompanying image depicts what appears to be a wild boar.

BERMUDA FLY-ANGLE

Published in the Daily Mirror on August 23rd, 1994, this article discusses the vanishing of hundreds of racing pigeons. Bird fanciers, like Graham Chupka, suggest that the comet Shoemaker-Levy-9's impact on Jupiter may have disturbed the Earth's magnetic field, affecting the pigeons' homing instinct. Some pigeons that returned were described as "jittery." Other theories suggest pollution is blocking the birds' sense of smell. Breeders are reporting losses of up to 50 percent, with overall losses being greater than in the last 20 years. The Royal Pigeon Racing association is mentioned.

FRENCH "DRAGON" OF 1912

This report, from the Winston-Salem Journal on June 23rd, 1912, details a strange animal causing terror in La Turbie, France. Described as about two meters long with enormous jaws, the "wild beast" attacked a boy who was carrying food to his father at a quarry. An automobile's approach frightened the animal, causing it to flee. A search was organized, and a laborer later found the creature stretched across a road. Residents speculated it might be a crocodile escaped from a menagerie. The article also includes a postcard image from July 5th, 1911, showing elephants bathing at Aberystwyth, Wales.

Crypto-alcohol

A photograph shows a bottle of "Yeti ale" on sale in Macclesfield a few years prior to the publication date.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the monstrous, and the unusual in the natural world and beyond. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, presenting them as curiosities and mysteries from various historical accounts. The collection suggests a fascination with cryptids, unexplained animal behavior, and potentially anomalous events.

This issue, titled "ODD SEA CREATURE," presents a collection of curious and unexplained phenomena from natural history and anecdotal reports spanning several centuries. The magazine draws from various historical publications and journals, featuring a mix of zoological curiosities, alleged sightings, and speculative accounts.

Odd Sea Creature

The cover story, referencing "The San Francisco call" from June 28, 1896, features an illustration identified as a photograph of a "SEA SERPENT CAPTURED NEAR TACOMA." The accompanying text suggests this is an "ODD SEA CREATURE."

Strange Water Lizard in Dorset

An entry from "Magazine of natural history and journal of zoology, etc. Vol 6 (1833)" reports on a "Water Lizard, Or Newt" found in Maiden Newton, Dorset. The account is based on hearsay from two individuals.

Snakes Eggs Found in Devon Stalagmite

This section cites "The Natural History of South Devon" by John C Bellamy (1839), detailing how the Rev Mr Hannah obtained snake eggs embedded in a stalagmite in the Oreston caves. The entry notes "Probably modern."

Hummingbird in Devon

From "Magazine of natural history, journal of zoology, botany...vol 2" (1829), this piece mentions a bird in western Devonshire so small it was reputed to be a hummingbird, building nests on tree branches. The author seeks information on what bird this might be.

Black Bird Crowing Like a Common Cock

An entry from "Magazine of natural history, journal of zoology, botany...Vol 4. 1831" describes a black bird with this unusual vocal characteristic, noted at Wold Rectory near Northampton.

Creationist Standpoint on the Giraffe

This article references an issue of "Creation vol 18 no 5 2014." It discusses the extraordinary design features of the giraffe's anatomy, particularly its ability to stand despite spindly limb bones. The research, involving studies at the Royal Veterinary College of London, highlights the role of suspensory ligaments in providing stiffness. The author uses this as evidence for a Designer, questioning who designed the creature from which robotic designs might be inspired.

Toad with Wings

An account from the "Grantham Journal August 28th 1869" reports on the capture of a flying toad at Cape Henry, Virginia. The toad is described as having singular conformation, variegated hues, measuring about six inches, with a flat, bony back, wide-set eyes, a capacious mouth, and fins large as wings.

Dog Finds Its Way From Liverpool to New York

This story, e-mailed by Bob Skinner from the "London Dispatch, August 4th 1839," recounts a dog lost in Oswestry, England, which was later found to have arrived at a friend's house in New York. The dog immediately recognized the friend.

Strange, If True (Dog Story Continuation)

This section elaborates on the dog story, detailing the reward offered for its recovery and its subsequent arrival and recognition in New York.

Location of 1869 "toad with wings"

An image from Google Earth shows Cape Henry, Virginia Beach, VA, USA, identified as the location related to the 1869 "toad with wings" report.

Flying Creatures Illustration

An illustration from "PICTURES OF FLYING CREATURES OF MANY KINDS" by Nicolaas de Bruyn (1594), provided by Kay Massingill, depicts a winged, dragon-like creature.

Emperor Moth

A photograph taken on May 14th, 2009, in Aggtelek National Park, Hungary, shows an Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia).

Plate XI (Butterflies and Thistle)

This page features a detailed illustration of various butterflies, caterpillars, and a thistle plant, dedicated to "Lady Charlott" and "Townshend Baroness Ferrers" by "Moses Harris J.Gretton."

Chough in Grosvenor Museum

A photograph shows a taxidermied Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) in the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. The bird was shot at Head of Great Orme, Llandudno, Wales, and entered the museum in 1906.

Mid - Nineteenth Century Account of a Himalayan Wild Man Tribe

An entry from "Kidd's Own Journal c. 1856" mentions a tribe called the "Harrum-tao" living in the Himalayas. They are described as shunning habitation, speaking an unintelligible language, wearing their hair in a knot, using bows and arrows, and eating snakes and vermin. Dr. Hooker is cited.

Very Strange Rabbit

This section includes a newspaper clipping from "United Press" about a "HORNED RABBIT" shot in Mifflin Co., Pennsylvania. The cottontail bore five horns, varying from half an inch to an inch and a half long. Game protectors and hunters had not seen anything like it.

Seal or Dugong?

An account from the "BOSTON POST-BOY, February 17th 1746" describes a fish found dead near Horimus, New Jersey. It had a head resembling a man's with hair, but its tail end was fish-like. Initially speculated to be a strange phenomenon, it was later thought to be a porpoise with its snout damaged.

Strange Animals in the Dordogne, France

An anecdote from a man met in Macclesfield recounts his father's sighting of pine martens in the New Forest and his mother or grandmother's sightings of very large cats and a pink praying-mantis in the Dordogne.

Coyote in North Wales?

An account from "about October 2014" details a co-worker at Oxfam mentioning his grandmother had seen and photographed a coyote in North Wales a few years prior. The photo could not be obtained.

Reference

One reference is listed: "Creation Vol 18 No 5 August 2014. Journal of the Creation Science Movement."

Image: Protected Species of Hungary

A section with images and Hungarian text displays two types of lamprey: "Kővi csik" (Carpathian brook lamprey) and "Dunai ingola" (Ukrainian brook lamprey), with conservation status and value noted in Forint. The caption identifies the left as Carpathian brook lamprey and the right as Ukrainian brook lamprey in Northern Hungary, with credit to Richard Muirhead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unusual, the unexplained, and the potentially anomalous in the natural world. There's a consistent interest in creatures and phenomena that defy conventional understanding, often drawing from historical accounts and folklore. The "Creationist Standpoint on the Giraffe" article explicitly promotes a creationist perspective, using biological observations as evidence for intelligent design. This suggests an editorial stance that favors interpretations of nature that align with creationist beliefs, often questioning evolutionary explanations and highlighting mysteries or design features as proof of a creator. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a willingness to explore fringe or less-accepted accounts of natural history.

Title: Flying Snake
Issue: 1
Issue Date: 2014
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Flying Snake' primarily features a review of Matt Bille's novel, 'The Dolmen'. The magazine also includes illustrative content by Hunt Emerson and a short factual piece.

Book Review: The Dolmen by Matt Bille

The review, written by an individual with limited experience in the fantasy/thriller genre, expresses pleasant surprise at Matt Bille's novel, 'The Dolmen'. The reviewer quotes Kathy Brandt, who states, "Matt Bille makes the fantastic entirely too real and terrifying in this fast-paced novel about the instinct to survive." This sentiment is deemed apt.

Bille is credited with skillfully weaving his cryptozoology interests into a modern urban setting, specifically Los Angeles and its Police Department. The novel's villains are identified as "korrigans," an ancient clan of short, dwarf, or ape-like alien types who are said to dwell beneath Celtic dolmens (megalithic tombs). The review notes the inclusion of crime, technology, and urban myths, such as the bogus story of alligators in sewers used to hinder alarm. The reviewer mentions that alligators are known to have inhabited sewers in the U.S., citing an instance in Rockford, Illinois, in 1946.

The plot of Bille's novel is described as a fast-moving story where an author, Greg Preston, travels to Los Angeles to assist an old friend, Julie Sperling, in solving the murder of her fiancé, Walt Revis. Revis's murder is revealed to be no ordinary one, and as more murders occur, the highly violent korrigans, displaced in time and distance from their dolmens, are identified as the culprits. An Anglophile millionaire, Mr. Windsor, acquires a dolmen under murky circumstances for his museum near Los Angeles, inadvertently unleashing many korrigans upon the city's residents. After initially gaining the upper hand, the korrigans are eventually cornered in a gym by police and scientists (who are initially skeptical) and destroyed, with only two escaping.

The reviewer humorously suggests that if the novel were made into a film, Matt Bille should play Greg, and the reviewer would play the eccentric Mr. Windsor.

Illustrations by Hunt Emerson

Two pages feature illustrations by Hunt Emerson, accompanied by the title "The Victorian Ethos Of Discovery" and the website address "www.cosmicpolymath.com". The first illustration depicts a Victorian-era gentleman with a large mustache and top hat, peering through a telescope in an observatory. The second illustration shows a similar character, dressed in safari attire, with a large mustache and a snake wrapped around him, holding a staff.

Freak of Nature: Tree Grows Up Through Chimney in Trinidad

A short article accompanied by a photograph describes a curious natural phenomenon on the island of Trinidad. A brick chimney, which was part of an old, abandoned sugar mill, remains standing. Through its center, a quick-growing tropical tree has sprung up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue appear to be cryptozoology, speculative fiction, and unusual natural phenomena. The book review adopts a positive stance towards the novel, highlighting its blend of the fantastical and the real. The inclusion of Hunt Emerson's illustrations and the piece on the Trinidad tree suggest an interest in the unusual and the visually striking.