North American BioFortean Review - Issue 13

Magazine Overview

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: Volume 5, No. 4, Issue #13
Date: December 2003
Editor: Chad Arment
Publisher: StrangeArk.com

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review delves into a variety of intriguing topics, ranging from cryptozoology and historical curiosities to scientific phenomena and practical jokes. The cover features a quote from Gilbert White's "Natural History of Selborne" (1789) emphasizing the importance of local observation for historical records, accompanied by an illustration of a camel.

Contents

The issue presents a diverse table of contents, including:

• Notes from Science News Letter, 1935-1936:
• "Measure your giant carefully and his size will shrink"
• "Worm eats small enemy merely to get its weapons"
• "Scientists like their jokes"
• "Fall of blood” in Chatham County. (North Carolina) [reprint] by F. P. Venable
• Video Review: Squatching
• A 1934 German Account of a Lake Tanganyika Cryptid by Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra
• CryptoClassic—The Waitoteke [reprint] by Alfred Russel Wallace
• African Cryptid vs. American Mysterious Fireballs by Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra
• The Dutch Henry Monster by R. D. Bedwell
• What the Readers Wrote In: Secondary Bigfoot Sources as Given in the Letters-to-the-Editor Column of the 1960s-1970s Men's Adventure Magazines by Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra
• The Camel Brigade [reprint] by Hobart E. Stocking

Articles and Features

Measure Your Giant Carefully and His Size will Shrink

This article, drawn from Science News Letter (February 24, 1934), addresses the persistent belief in giants. It explains that the Smithsonian Institution's anthropologists, particularly Dr. Ales Hrdlicka, find that alleged giant bones are often misidentified. Estimates of stature based on thigh bones are frequently inaccurate due to a lack of understanding of anatomical proportions. Jawbones are often found to fit over a person's own jaw, leading to inflated size perceptions. The article also notes that some supposed giant bones are actually from extinct mammoths, particularly in Mexico. While acknowledging the existence of rare abnormally large humans due to glandular disorders, the Smithsonian maintains there was no prehistoric race of giants in America.

Worm Eats Small Enemy Merely to Get Its Weapons

This piece from Science News Letter (November 30, 1935) details a fascinating predatory behavior in the animal kingdom. The small freshwater worm, *Microstomum*, attacks and consumes *Hydra*, a creature possessing stinging cells used for defense and prey capture. *Microstomum* is protected from the *Hydra*'s sting by a secreted substance. After consuming the *Hydra*, *Microstomum* incorporates the *Hydra*'s stinging cells into its own defensive system. Remarkably, these borrowed weapons can be passed down to offspring for several generations.

Scientists Like Their Jokes

Authored by Dr. Frank Thone, this article explores the lighter side of scientific pursuits, highlighting that scientists, like others, enjoy playing practical jokes. The article presents several anecdotes:

• The Psychology Professor's Trick: A professor tricks his students into believing a foul-smelling substance in a beaker is safe to taste by stirring it with his finger and then licking it. He later reveals he used his middle finger, not the one that touched the substance, to lick his mouth, teaching the students the importance of close observation.
• Dr. R. W. Wood's Metallic Sodium Joke: Professor R. W. Wood of Johns Hopkins University demonstrated the properties of metallic sodium by spitting a small piece into a puddle after rain. The sodium reacted with water, igniting the released hydrogen and causing a brief flame, mystifying onlookers.
• Dr. Wood and Naval Censors: In a joke with a purpose, Dr. Wood convinced naval censors of the need for better security by using vaseline on a rubber stamp reading "NO SECRET WRITING HERE." When exposed to an ultraviolet lamp, the vaseline revealed the message in glowing letters, demonstrating a method of secret writing they had overlooked.
• The Trick Handle: An invention for bank messengers' satchels was a handle that released chemical smoke if the grip was lost, intended to deter thieves. However, it was not adopted, possibly due to fear of false alarms.
• The Gyroscope Handbag: A physicist created a handbag with a gyroscope and motor. When activated, the spinning gyroscope made the bag resist turning, giving the impression of being pulled by unseen forces, amusingly convincing porters of "ha'nts."

Play That Paid

This section discusses how jokes can sometimes lead to significant scientific discoveries. It features:

• Dr. A. L. Fox and Taste-Blindness: Dr. A. L. Fox, working at du Pont laboratories, discovered the phenomenon of "taste-blindness" when he found he could not taste p-phenyl-thio-carbamide, while his colleagues could. This discovery challenged the long-held belief that all substances tasted alike to everyone and opened up new avenues of research in physiology and psychology.
• The Egyptian Tomb Wheat Hoax: The article briefly mentions a perennial yarn about wheat from Egyptian tombs being planted and yielding a crop, noting that such wheat is often placed there by guides for financial gain, and a professor was embarrassed by planting it without proper verification.
• Yellowstone National Park Fluorescein Incident: A scientist, as a deliberate joke, poured a pint of fluorescein dye into the Morning-Glory Pool in Yellowstone National Park. The intensely blue dye dissolved, causing the pool to turn a vibrant blue, surprising tourists and their guide.

"Fall of Blood" in Chatham County. (North Carolina)

This article by F. P. Venable, reprinted from the Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society (1884), details a peculiar event on February 25th, 1884. A shower of red liquid, believed to be blood, fell in Chatham County, North Carolina. Although initially dismissed as a joke, Dr. Sidney Atwater examined a sample of sand soaked with the liquid. Analysis revealed characteristics consistent with decomposed blood, including a red coagulum soluble in caustic alkalis and a specific spectral signature. The article discusses possible explanations, such as a bird of prey carrying a bleeding animal, but ultimately deems the event worthy of record due to its unusual nature and the lack of a definitive explanation. The analysis involved tests with mercury nitrate and ferrous sulphate, and microscopic examination revealed altered corpuscles and bacteria.

Video Review: Squatching

Reviewed by Chad Arment, this section covers Scott Herriott's documentary "Squatching." The film explores the cultural impact of Bigfoot, interviewing researchers and the public. It includes footage of the Patterson-Gimlin film and a personal encounter by Herriott and another man in the Pacific Northwest in 1992. The review notes the film's insights into the Bigfoot research community and its exploration of potential primate habitats. The reviewer suggests including music details for the soundtrack in future editions. The documentary is available on DVD or VHS from Scott's website.

From the Past: Mastodons in Alaska

This piece, reprinted from The Western Star (December 27, 1888), recounts a report from a band of Northern Indians about encountering a mastodon in Alaska. While mastodon skeletons are common, living specimens were considered unlikely until this report. Two Indians described enormous tracks and a prodigious animal, described as large as a white man's house, with teeth as long as a man's leg and seal-skin-sized ears. The animal was dark brown and scratched its side against a dead tree-stub. Other native hunters corroborated similar experiences, though some attributed such sightings to the effects of "hoochinoo," a strong whisky, while others argued the Indians did not drink while hunting. The article expresses hope that the sighting is genuine and that the mastodon might become a celebrated figure.

Publication Policy

The magazine's publication policy states that all original articles are copyrighted by their authors and cannot be reprinted without permission. The issue itself is copyrighted for its format and editorial changes. The publication strives to honor U.S. and International copyright laws, using material for criticism, comment, education, and research as permitted by Title 17 of the U.S. Code.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North American BioFortean Review consistently explores phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, often drawing from historical accounts, anecdotal evidence, and fringe scientific research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events and creatures, while also critically examining the evidence and potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the articles on giants and the "fall of blood." The inclusion of scientific jokes highlights the human element in research and the potential for serendipitous discovery. The publication also encourages reader contributions and submissions, as indicated by the "Seeking publication?" notice.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, titled "Rescued from the Past! #1: Forgotten and Neglected Cryptozoological Articles Published in Foreign Countries: A 1934 German Account of a Lake Tanganyika Cryptid," focuses on unearthing and translating historical accounts of unknown animals from various international sources. The issue is co-authored by Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra.

Article 1: A 1934 German Account of a Lake Tanganyika Cryptid

The introduction highlights the difficulty cryptozoological investigators face in accessing and translating foreign-language reports. This article presents a German letter-to-the-editor from the "Neue Mannheimer Zeitung" dated January 6, 1934, which was a response to reports of the Loch Ness Monster. The letter describes a potential aquatic cryptid in Lake Tanganyika, Africa. The creature was sighted from a distance and appeared like an island that would suddenly submerge. Footprints found on the shore were described as having three claws, like those of a gigantic bird, and there was evidence of a thick tail. The account mentions that Sir Edward Grey was actively researching this creature at Lake Tanganyika.

The English translation of the German account is provided, confirming the details of the sighting and the evidence found. The article emphasizes the value of such "buried" information found in foreign newspapers and journals, suggesting that increased digitization may make more of this data accessible.

Article 2: From the Past: Snake in a Sewer

This short piece, reprinted from "The Western Star" on July 30, 1891, recounts an incident in Washington, Iowa, where a large boa constrictor escaped from a circus. The nine-foot snake was reported to be living in a sewer and was seen seeking food. A reward of $100 was offered for its capture.

Article 3: CryptoClassic—The Waitoteke

This section, attributed to Alfred Russel Wallace and referencing "Island Life" (1895), discusses the reported existence of a small, otter-like animal in the mountains of New Zealand's South Island. Dr. Haast observed tracks resembling those of a European otter at a high altitude. The animal itself was seen near Lake Heron and described as dark brown, the size of a large rabbit. It emitted a shrill yelping sound when startled and disappeared into the water. The creature reportedly has a native name, "Waitoteke," suggesting its actual existence. The article also references Captain Cook's account of a four-footed animal seen in Dusky Bay, New Zealand, which, despite varied descriptions, shared similarities in size and color.

Article 4: Rescued From The Past! - #2: African Cryptid vs. American Mysterious Fireballs

This article, also by Smith and Mangiacopra, contrasts two mysteries published in the same February 1952 "Parade" magazine issue: American "giant green fireball meteors" investigated by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, and an expedition in South West Africa by Quentin Keynes searching for living quaggas.

The article details the fireball sightings, which received significant media attention and were reprinted in "Science Digest." In contrast, Keynes' expedition to find quaggas, described in an article titled "You Might Think I'm Crazy, But I'm Looking For A Tiny Horse That 'Doesn't Exist,'" has been largely forgotten.

Keynes' article describes the quagga as a horse-zebra cross, about four feet tall, striped on the neck and shoulders, with a greyish-brown hindquarters and white belly, tail, and legs. He notes that only three photographs, seven drawings, and 18 stuffed carcasses remained. Keynes' expedition was motivated by clues suggesting quaggas might still exist, including reports from white hunters and a 1930 newspaper clipping about a mine manager seeing 14 quaggas in the Namib Desert. Despite showing a photograph to natives and encountering a herd of mountain zebras, he did not find definitive proof of living quaggas.

Article 5: From the Past: That Adams County "Albatross"

This piece, reprinted from "The Western Star" on March 9, 1893, clarifies a report about an "albatross" found in Adams County, Ohio. Investigations revealed the bird was not an albatross but a large gull, likely a ring-billed or herring gull, with a tip-to-tip measurement of 42-54 inches. The article corrects the initial misstatement and notes the bird was being mounted by a taxidermist.

Article 6: The Dutch Henry Monster

Authored by R. D. Bedwell, this article recounts a series of events near Lewistown, Illinois, in October 1968, involving a creature dubbed the "Dutch Henry Monster." The first sighting occurred on October 18, 1968, when teenagers encountered an animal lying in the road that stood up and exhibited aggressive behavior, including throwing dirt and striking one of the witnesses. A police report was filed, but nothing was found.

The second sighting involved a Fulton County police officer who saw a "wild-ape" run in front of his patrol car on October 19, 1968. Sightings continued for about three weeks before stopping. The creature was described as 4-5 feet tall, stocky, with dark brown hair or fur, long arms, a human-like face, and animal-like movements. It made grunts but had no discernible smell.

Bedwell's theories suggest the creature might be a type of North American Ape that travels by water and uses obsolete railroad tracks or mine shafts. He also interviews Rhonda Bybee, who reported a similar sighting in September 1991 near St. David, Illinois, describing a black or dark brown, five-foot-tall, dirty-looking creature.

Article 7: What the Readers Wrote In: Secondary Bigfoot Sources as Given in the Letters-to-the-Editor Column of the 1960s-1970s Men's Adventure Magazines

This article by Smith and Mangiacopra discusses the importance of overlooked historical sources for Bigfoot research, specifically letters-to-the-editor columns in 1960s-1970s men's adventure magazines like TRUE, ARGOSY, and SAGA. These magazines had high monthly circulations and published articles on Bigfoot and other cryptids. The authors argue that many of these articles and reader contributions are now forgotten and inaccessible due to the difficulty of obtaining old issues.

They highlight that co-author Mangiacopra has collected these magazines and found valuable, un-reprinted information in the letters-to-the-editor sections. This information, often personal experiences from readers, provides insights into the controversy that are not found elsewhere. The article emphasizes the need to bring this forgotten data to the attention of current researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the recovery and analysis of forgotten or neglected historical cryptozoological accounts from international sources and older publications. The editorial stance is one of archival diligence, emphasizing the importance of preserving and translating such data to enrich the field of cryptozoology. The publication aims to bring to light obscure reports and personal testimonies that might otherwise be lost to time, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of unexplained phenomena.

This document, titled "North American BioFortean Review," appears to be an excerpt or article discussing the historical coverage of the Bigfoot and Yeti phenomena in three prominent men's adventure magazines: TRUE, ARGOSY, and SAGA. The article traces the evolution of these publications and their significant contributions to popularizing these mysteries from the 1950s through the late 1970s.

TRUE Magazine's Role

TRUE magazine, which ran from May 1937 to 1978, is highlighted as a premier men's adventure magazine that featured articles by renowned writers like Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway. Its significant contribution to the Bigfoot discourse began in the 1940s when Ivan T. Sanderson started writing cryptozoological articles. Sanderson's September 1950 article, "The Abominable Snowman," summarized Tibetan Yeti lore, and a subsequent December 1959 article, "The Strange Story Of America's Abominable Snowman," discussed his investigation into North American sightings. This generated a flood of reader letters, leading to a regular "TRUELY YOURS" column dedicated to the American Abominable Snowman controversy. Sanderson continued to publish on the topic, including "More Snowmen" (January 1960) and "A New Look at America's Mystery Giant" (March 1960). Other articles in TRUE included "The Hellzapoppin' Hunt For The Michigan Monster" (June 1966) and "The Man Who Tracks 'Bigfoot'" (May 1975).

ARGOSY Magazine's Contributions

ARGOSY magazine, a close rival to TRUE, began in circa 1888 and ceased publication around 1978/79. It transitioned from fictional stories to factual adventures, becoming similar in format to TRUE by the 1940s. ARGOSY featured many articles on the Yeti and Bigfoot, starting with "I Know Monsters Live on Everest!" in February 1954. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, coinciding with Sanderson's TRUE articles, ARGOSY published "Canada's Abominable Snowman" (December 1959) and "The Abominable Snow Job" (December 1960). A landmark issue in February 1968 featured the Roger Patterson-Bob Gimlin Bigfoot film on its cover, with an article by Ivan Sanderson titled "First Photos of 'Bigfoot.'" The magazine also published "More Evidence That Bigfoot Exists" (April 1968) and "Abominable Snowman of Malaysia" (August 1971). ARGOSY's "ARGO NOTES" section often provided updates and responses to reader letters. The magazine also featured John Napier's "Bigfoot—The Yeti And Sasquatch In Myth And Reality" in August 1973. Its later years included articles like "Tracking Bigfoot!" (April 1975) and "Bigfoot: Man, Beast Or Myth?" (December/January 1977), concluding with "A Bigfoot Sighting In South Dakota" (March 1978).

SAGA Magazine's Sensational Approach

SAGA magazine, which started in September 1950 and outlasted both TRUE and ARGOSY, is described as publishing more Bigfoot articles than its rivals combined, though often with a more sensational and "pulpish" quality. Its articles included titles such as "Abominable Spacemen" (February 1968), "Terrifying Woodland Monster-Men" (July 1969), and "The Strange Link Between UFOs and Bigfoot" (August 1974). SAGA had surprisingly few letters-to-the-editor responses compared to the other magazines, with most containing brief personal information.

Reader Contributions and Key Incidents

The article emphasizes the importance of reader letters published in the "letters-to-the-editor" columns of these magazines. These letters provided personal anecdotes, historical family accounts, and sometimes critical commentary on the Bigfoot phenomenon. Notable reader contributions included John M. Weekes' account of his grandfather's sightings near Mount Shasta, which suggested a family history of Bigfoot encounters spanning over a century. Other letters offered humorous takes or expressed skepticism. The article also details specific incidents mentioned, such as the investigation near Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, involving torn bark on a tree, and a reader's feeling of being watched in Olympic National Park. A significant incident recounted is the discovery of enormous footprints in the Harrison Hot Springs area, following an old Indian's directional pointer.

Specific Case Details and Descriptions

The article delves into specific accounts, such as the "Riskshi Bumpoo" sighting in Tibet, described as a whistling, child-like creature. It also details the "Capelobo" from Brazil, an erect, hairy, ape-like creature that emits piercing screams. The "Ice Man" exhibit, a purported primitive hominoid encased in ice, was also discussed. The article notes the controversy surrounding the Ivan Marx photographs, which were later recognized as hoaxes. Reader L. L. Orburn's plea to preserve the creature rather than exterminate it is also mentioned.

Conclusion and Legacy

The article concludes by stating that these three magazines played a pivotal role in establishing the Bigfoot controversy and making it widely known to the general public. They served as an outlet for individuals who had personal experiences with the phenomena. The authors express hope that by presenting these secondary Bigfoot sources, they contribute to the ongoing debate. The article also acknowledges the contributions of George W. Earley and Mark A. Hall for providing archival materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the article are the historical coverage of Bigfoot and Yeti phenomena in men's adventure magazines, the role of Ivan Sanderson as a key figure in popularizing the topic, and the significance of reader contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of archival and historical reporting, aiming to present the information from these magazines as valuable secondary sources for contemporary Bigfoot investigators. The article acknowledges the different styles of coverage, from TRUE's more investigative approach to SAGA's sensationalism, while recognizing the collective impact of all three in shaping public perception of the Bigfoot phenomenon.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review features a historical account of a sea serpent sighting and an in-depth exploration of the US Army's camel experiment in the American West. It also includes a preview of a book on cryptozoology.

From the Past: The Sea Serpent

This section recounts a sighting of a sea serpent that occurred on September 26, 1878, near Georgetown, South Carolina. Captain A. A. Spring of the steam tug H. L. Buck, while towing the schooner Jessie Rosaline, was alerted by a young boy to something in the water. Initially dismissed as a bird, closer examination revealed a large, dark, serpent-like creature. The captain described its head as oval and its body as resembling a flour-barrel, lying in the water in curves typical of a swimming snake. When startled, the creature exposed fifteen feet of its tail, which was estimated to be eight to ten inches in diameter. The captain estimated the monster's length at thirty feet, while the schooner's captain estimated it at fifty feet. The creature swam towards Muddy Bay and the Mud Flats, where the tug could not follow. Captain Spring speculated that the creature, found in fresh water, might be sick and that its life was in danger if it did not return to salt water soon.

The Camel Brigade

This extensive article, authored by Hobart E. Stocking, details the US Army's ambitious and ultimately discontinued experiment with camels as beasts of burden in the American West during the 1850s. The initiative was driven by President Jefferson's interest in the West's potential and the need for better transcontinental communication. Major G. H. Crosman and Major H. C. Wayne advocated for camel use, citing their effectiveness in the Near East. The experiment officially began when Jefferson Davis became Secretary of War. The Navy vessel U.S.S. Supply, under Lieutenant D. D. Porter, was tasked with procuring camels from the Mediterranean. In February 1856, the U.S.S. Supply left Smyrna with a cargo of camels, including a booghdee (hybrid), Bactrians, and Arabians. They arrived in Texas in April, and by the second voyage, 74 camels were landed. The Army employed 15 Arabs and Turks to instruct personnel in camel care and handling.

The article describes the challenges of transporting camels by sea, including managing their size and preventing seasickness. It highlights the role of Major Wayne as a camel enthusiast and his efforts to gather information on camel lore, biology, and ailments. Lieutenant Porter's practical approach is also noted, particularly his rejection of substandard animals offered as a gift.

The camels were initially settled at Val Verde (Camp Verde), Texas, to acclimate. Their presence was a source of wonder and apprehension for Texans, but their strength and endurance impressed freighting men who observed them carrying heavy loads. The camels were described as patient and efficient, requiring little attention once accustomed to work.

The article traces the camel brigade's journey westward, including a significant expedition in September 1875 from Camp Verde, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory, and eventually to Fort Tejon, California. This journey traversed challenging desert terrains, where the camels' ability to withstand drought and forage for themselves proved invaluable. The expedition faced difficulties, including losing their way in western Arizona, but the camels' resilience in finding water and carrying provisions was crucial for survival.

The narrative also touches upon the historical context of camels in the Americas, mentioning earlier introductions in Virginia and Peru. It details the camels' adaptation to the desert and their role in facilitating overland travel, indirectly influencing westward migration. The article recounts an incident where Lieutenant Beale, leading an expedition, mistook vigilant guards for a sleeping camp and fired his pistol, leading to a chaotic reaction.

The experiment faced numerous challenges, including the camels' perceived strangeness, the lack of support after Jefferson Davis left the War Department, and the eventual outbreak of the Civil War. Despite their proven utility, the camels were neglected and eventually sold off. Some were sold to circuses, while others were lost to the desert. The article notes that only one camel's skeleton remains as a government exhibit in the National Museum.

It also mentions the notable individuals involved, including Jefferson Davis, Lieutenant Porter (who became an Admiral), Lieutenant Beale (who became a Brigadier-General and Minister to Austria-Hungary), and M. H. Stacey. A significant figure highlighted is Hadji Ali, an Arab tender who served faithfully with the camels and later became a prospector, fondly remembered as 'Hi Jolly.'

Cryptozoology: Science & Speculation (Book Preview)

The final section previews an upcoming book, 'Cryptozoology: Science & Speculation' by Chad Arment, scheduled for January/February 2004. It lists the book's chapters, which cover the definition, scientific and ethnozoological foundations, methodology, and feasibility of cryptozoology. Specific cryptids discussed include Long-tailed Bobcats, the West Virginia Roc, Giant Orangutans, the Pennsylvania "Gorilla," the Great Naked Bear, Stone Giants, Giant Snakes in the Everglades, the Broad Top Serpent, Dwarf Seals, and Merfolk and Sea Monkeys. The preview also mentions that several chapters update previously published articles in NABR and includes a reprint of an expert discussion on hunting ABSMs (Abominable Snowmen) by Ivan T. Sanderson. Book details such as its trade paperback format (approximately 350 pages) and publisher (Coachwhip Publications) are provided, along with instructions to subscribe to the StrangeArk mailing list for updates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review demonstrates a strong interest in historical accounts of unexplained phenomena, particularly those involving large, unidentified creatures like sea serpents. The detailed exploration of the US Army's camel experiment highlights a fascination with unusual historical projects and the intersection of military endeavors with the natural world. The inclusion of a cryptozoology book preview signals an ongoing commitment to exploring the scientific and speculative aspects of unknown animals. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough historical research and an open-minded approach to phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.