North American BioFortean Review - Issue 15

Magazine Overview

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: Volume 6, No. 2, Issue #15
Date: October 2004
Publisher: Strangeark.com

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review delves into the intriguing reports and expeditions surrounding a mysterious creature sighted in Patagonia, primarily focusing on the events of 1922. It also includes a book review, notes on cryptofiction, and historical curiosities.

BioFortean History: The Patagonian “Plesiosaur” Expedition of 1922

The central narrative of this issue revolves around the sensational reports of a 'living plesiosaur' in Patagonia during early 1922. The story gained significant traction following an announcement by Professor Clementi Onelli, Director of the Buenos Aires Zoological Gardens, on March 6, 1922. Professor Onelli stated that he had received credible reports of such a monster in a lake in the Chubut territory, near the Andes.

These reports were bolstered by a letter from an Englishman named Sheffield, who claimed to have discovered a trail of flattened vegetation near a lake, indicating an animal of enormous weight. Sheffield also reported seeing an animal with a colossal, swan-like neck and a crocodile-like body in the lake, suggesting that harpoons would be needed for capture. Professor Onelli corroborated this with two previous reports from the same region within the last year, noting that scientific expeditions had already made significant finds of ancient animals there. He advocated for an expedition from Argentina or another country to capture the creature.

However, skepticism was immediate. Dr. F. A. Lucas, director of the Museum of Natural History, expressed doubt, stating it was "very unlikely that a plesiosaur has been seen." He suggested that while something might have been seen, it was probably not a plesiosaur. Dr. Lucas recalled a similar unfounded report of a glyptodon sighting in New Zealand and noted that while fossil remains of plesiosauri were not known in South America, they could potentially exist. He posited that the creature might be a large freshwater turtle or a crocodile, though Patagonia was considered too far south for the latter.

Other scientists, including Professor Gilmore of the National Museum and N. Hollister of the National Zoological Park, also dismissed the idea, stating that plesiosauri vanished from the earth about 10,000,000 years ago, with the last positive evidence dating back some 10,000,000 years. They advised dismissing the subject.

Despite the skepticism, Professor Onelli remained convinced and announced that an Argentine expedition would depart the following week to hunt the beast. The expedition was to be led by José Cinagi, Superintendent of the Zoological Gardens, and Emilio Frey, an Argentine engineer. Professor Onelli clarified that he did not believe the creature was a continuously living plesiosaur from the epoch, but rather a large amphibian descended from plesiosaurians, retaining fundamental characteristics but likely smaller. He estimated the animal seen might be around four meters in length.

Professor Onelli also mentioned that Martin Sheffield, the witness, was an American prospector, not an Englishman, and that he had received another report of a similar beast seen in 1913 by an Englishman in Santa Cruz. He cited earlier reports, including one from Norwegian scientist Waag in 1898 who found footprints of a huge animal in Santa Cruz, and another from settlers in Neuquen near the River Alumine. Professor Onelli even exhibited a herbivorous spoor found in Southern Patagonia by Francisco Mareno, which he attributed to a huge animal.

The expedition, planned to take ten days to reach its destination, was to be equipped with a gasoline engine for a launch. The Chicago Tribune reported on March 8 that while textbooks considered the plesiosaurus extinct, periodic reports of a gigantic amphibian had surfaced for thirty years, with scientific expeditions, including one from the Laplata Museum (which included Professors Nordeskjolk, Cavendish, and Pritchard), failing to find evidence.

Professor Onelli recounted hearing about the mysterious animal twenty-six years prior (around 1896) from natives who reported noises and saw a large black shadow swimming away. Prospectors had also found skeletons and remains of gigantic animals in the region around twenty years prior (circa 1902), but no live sightings in daylight had been reported, only "black shadow in the moonlit gloom of the lakes."

Professor F. B. Loomis of Amherst, who was in Patagonia in 1911, was also skeptical, attributing tales to the imaginative nature of locals, especially when inebriated, and suggested the reported creature might be a large anaconda. He also mentioned H. Hesketh Prichard's unsuccessful search for a live mylodon around 1910.

Further reports from March 11 and 12, 1922, continued the discussion. The eleventh edition of the Britannica was cited regarding the potential existence of arctotherium survivals. Lieutenant Commander O. Bevilaqua of the U.S. Steamship Kaweah claimed to have seen a similar creature in the Straits of Magellan in 1906, describing a horse-like head and a 30-foot neck, ruling out turtles and snakes.

On March 12, the "Sociedad Protectora de los Animales" (Buenos Aires Humane Society) protested the killing or capture of the creature, urging that if it existed, it should be allowed to roam freely. Dr. Albarracin, head of the society, argued that the creature might die if brought north due to climate change and suggested humane study in its habitat.

By March 15, Professor Onelli began to consider alternative explanations, suggesting the creature might be a descendant of the glyptodon or megatherium, both extinct Pleistocene animals. He noted that ancient remains of edentates, like the glyptodon, had been found in Patagonia, and cited an incident where explorer Ramon Lista fired upon such an animal in 1890 without injury.

Professor Onelli postponed the expedition due to a funding shortfall of 3,000 pesos out of a needed 7,000. A motion picture company offered to finance it in exchange for exclusive filming rights, but Onelli preferred popular subscription. He received over 100 letters from individuals eager to join.

Descriptions of the glyptodon and megatherium were provided: the glyptodon resembled an ox-sized armadillo with strong limbs and broad feet, while the megatherium was a gigantic sloth-like edentate, eighteen to twenty feet long, with a prehensile tongue.

The expedition, under the auspices of the Buenos Aires Zoological Garden, finally departed on March 23, equipped with elephant rifles, lassos, and explosives. The zoo's taxidermist was also present with embalming materials. The expedition's route involved rail, camion, and horseback travel to Chubut, fifty miles from a settlement called "18 de Octubre."

Professor Onelli shared that Theodore Roosevelt had been presented with a fragment of hide from Patagonia with long hair, half an inch thick and reinforced with bony rods, which he believed belonged to a recently deceased huge animal. This relic, along with bone and hair, was housed in the American Museum of Natural History.

By April 15, the "Plesiosaurus Hunt" faced logistical and bureaucratic hurdles, including uncertainty about an official edict prohibiting the hunt and debates within the national Cabinet. The expedition, described as comprising "scientists and near-scientists," was encamped in the "Argentine Switzerland" region, funded by donations from school teachers, letter carriers, and other wage earners.

Other Content

Book Review: The Locals

This section features a book review titled "The Locals."

Notes on modern short cryptofiction

This article, authored by Chad Arment, discusses modern short cryptofiction.

Rescue from the Past #4: Part I: Prelude to The Great Sea-Serpent.

This is the first part of a series titled "Rescue from the Past," focusing on "The Great Sea-Serpent."

Part 2: What the Book Critics Wrote: The Great Sea Serpent

This section analyzes what book critics wrote about "The Great Sea Serpent."

Part 3: Professor Othniel Charles Marsh — Silent Cryptozoologist!

This part of the series focuses on Professor Othniel Charles Marsh, described as a "Silent Cryptozoologist."

The Valley Without a Head

This is a standalone article titled "The Valley Without a Head."

From the Past: Deaf and Blind Girl uses Nose to "Read" and Wrist to "Hear"

This section presents a historical account titled "Deaf and Blind Girl uses Nose to 'Read' and Wrist to 'Hear'."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of cryptozoological mysteries, particularly the Patagonian "plesiosaur" reports of 1922. The magazine appears to present both the sensational claims and the scientific skepticism, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of diverse articles and the balanced reporting of the plesiosaur incident, seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, historical curiosities, and the intersection of folklore and science. The inclusion of a "Publication Policy" emphasizes adherence to copyright laws and the use of material for criticism, comment, education, and research.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, dated April 1922, focuses on cryptozoological investigations and literature. The cover story details a fruitless plesiosaur hunt in Patagonia, while later sections review a book on Bigfoot and survey various works of cryptofiction.

Plesiosaur Hunt in Patagonia

The issue opens with reports from April 1922 concerning a plesiosaur sighting in Cholila, Territory of Chubut, Argentina. An expedition led by Emilio Frey, sent from Buenos Aires, searched for the creature near Esquel but failed to find it after several nights of observation. As a final measure, Frey exploded eleven cartridges of dynamite in the lake, hoping to force the animal to the surface, but this effort yielded no results. The expedition returned empty-handed.

A subsequent report from Buenos Aires dated April 29, 1922, confirms the expedition's return, citing the approaching winter as the reason. Professor Clementi Onelli, Director of the Buenos Aires Zoological Gardens, stated that the search proved fruitless but that hope remains, with plans for another expedition in the summer of the following year.

Book Review: The Locals

The issue features a review by Ron Schaffner of Thom Powell's 2003 book, "The Locals: A Contemporary Investigation of the Bigfoot/Sasquatch Phenomenon." The reviewer notes that Bigfoot phenomena are cyclic and that books on the subject often repeat old reports. Powell's approach is described as different, incorporating recent information and reports from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) database, along with his own investigations. Powell, an ex-curator of the BFRO and a science teacher, is praised for his dedication and scientific methodology. The book covers fieldwork and high-profile BFRO cases, though the reviewer questions the merits of some cases, particularly in Chapter 4, and notes the lack of conclusive evidence.

Powell's personal experiences are discussed, including investigations in Clackamas County, Oregon, and a case in Washington involving frequent Bigfoot visits. The reviewer acknowledges Powell's credibility and his reporting of what he believes to be true encounters, but emphasizes the difficulty in producing hard evidence in this field. The book attempts to explain Bigfoot behavior and alludes to a possible paranormal connection, which the reviewer finds to be the weakest aspect. The reviewer concludes that despite the usual flaws, the book is a "must read" for enthusiasts and skeptics alike, offering a fresh perspective and new ideas in a field often characterized by repetitive reports. The book is modestly priced at $19.95 US / $24.95 Canada.

Notes on Modern Short Cryptofiction

Chad Arment provides an overview of modern short cryptofiction, defining it as short stories capable of illustrating man's reaction to the unknown and unfamiliar, encompassing humor, drama, mystery, adventure, and tragedy. He distinguishes between classic cryptofiction (pre-1920s) and modern cryptofiction, which he suggests began after the 1920s-1930s transitional period, featuring more thoughtful stories beyond action-adventure plots.

Arment then presents a selection of modern cryptofiction stories, categorized by era:

1920s-1930s: The Transitional Years

• 1925: The Ocean Leech by Frank Belknap Long: Described as a traditional adventure story with an interesting sea creature, similar to a cephalopod.
• 1932: Mive by Carl Jacobi: Features a short-cut through Carling's Marsh leading to an encounter with a strange lepidopteran, with a twist and a caution against touching the unknown.

1940s-Present: Modern Cryptofiction

• 1937: Fire in the Galley Stove by Captain William Outerson: A story suggesting an answer to the mystery of ghost ships.
• 1941: Incident on a Lake by John Collier: Influenced by the 1922 Patagonian plesiosaur expedition, this tale involves a lake monster search in the Amazon.
• 1942 or 1943: They Bite by Anthony Boucher: A war-time drama about a spy encountering strange desert creatures.
• 1948: Podolo by L. P. Hartley: Friends exploring an Italian island encounter a wild man.
• 1951: The Fog Horn by Ray Bradbury: Inspired the movie "Beast from 20,000 Fathoms," about a lighthouse foghorn calling to a creature from the deep.
• 1953: The Other Tiger by Arthur C. Clarke: Explores multiple-worlds theory leading to an encounter with a non-typical tiger.
• 1960: Creature of the Snows by William Sambrot: Considered one of the first modern yeti stories, involving a quest to capture a creature in the Himalayas.
• 1963: The Stone Monster by A. M. Lightner: A story from Tibet questioning the ethics of shooting unknown creatures for science.
• 1964: In the Footsteps of the Abominable Snowman by Josef Nesvadba: A translation of a Czech short story about the Abominable Snowman.
• 1967: The Quest for Blank Claveringi by Patricia Highsmith: A humorous horror tale about a zoologist searching for giant snails.
• 1969: Longtooth by Edgar Pangborn: Features a hairy man-like creature in the woods of Maine, bringing the "gorilla kidnaps woman" folklore to Bigfoot stories.
• 1969: An Adventure in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness by Vance Aandahl: Another Bigfoot story with a twist on the kidnap motif, presenting Bigfoot as a giant human considering humans as pygmies.
• 1975: They Only Come Out at Night by Randy Medoff: A Lovecraft Mythos story connecting the Yeti to Ithaqua.
• 1976: Children of the Forest by David Drake: A European wild man story exploring the definition of a beast.
• 1980: The Ugly Chickens by Howard Waldrop: A graduate student searches for evidence of "ugly chickens" raised by a Tennessee family.
• 1981: Waziah by Joe R. Landsdale: A Bigfoot kidnap tale from the Black Hills involving a trapper, an Indian girl, and a strange child.
• 1981: Barney's Bigfoot Museum by Richard Laymon: A story about a Bigfoot Museum exhibit.
• 1981: Survival Exercise by Talmage Powell: A military exercise in the Everglades has unexpected consequences, involving a Skunk Ape.
• 1983: Out of Africa by David Drake: An old hunter's story about his greatest hunt, involving "hippo-killers" in German East Africa.
• 1991: The Strange Creature by Spencer Rowe: A nostalgic piece about seeing a red-headed eel, inspired by childhood explorations.
• 1995: Sasquatch by Mel D. Ames: Another Bigfoot kidnap story, noted for its variation on the theme.
• 2002: The Thing in the Forest by A. S. Byatt: A literary piece on wyrm legends, incorporating modern elements and caddisfly-like behavior.

Rescue From The Past #4: Sea-Serpent Supporter

This section, "Rescue From The Past #4," focuses on the influential letters of Searles Valentine Wood, Junior, a 19th-century sea-serpent supporter. The article, by Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra, details Wood's investigative work, beginning with his interest sparked by a depiction of a marine animal in the Illustrated News in 1848, which was linked to the H.M.S. Daedalus encounter. Wood theorized this animal might be a descendent of Zeuglodon.

His interest was further invigorated in 1879 by a relative's account of a sea-serpent sighting. Wood published a lengthy letter in NATURE in November 1880, detailing his research. The article also presents newspaper accounts from 1875 regarding a sea-serpent gripping a sperm-whale off the coast of Brazil, and another sighting off the northern coast of Brazil where the creature was seen with its head and neck out of the water and elevated in the air. Wood's investigation into these accounts, and a sketch from the steamship Kiuskin maru, are discussed, though he initially hesitated to publish due to ridicule and lack of assurance regarding the authenticity of declarations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and the literature surrounding them. The magazine appears to take a serious, albeit critical, approach to these subjects, presenting factual reports alongside reviews and analyses of books and fictional works. There is an emphasis on historical accounts and the scientific investigation of anecdotal evidence, as seen in the plesiosaur hunt and the sea-serpent research. The review of "The Locals" highlights the importance of methodology and evidence in cryptozoological research, while the cryptofiction section explores how these themes are represented in literature. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore these mysteries while maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, spanning pages 21 through 30, focuses heavily on historical accounts and scientific discussions surrounding the phenomenon of the sea-serpent, with a particular emphasis on the theories connecting these sightings to the extinct creature Zeuglodon. The content is primarily composed of letters, articles, and critical reviews from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Zeuglodon Debate and Sea-Serpent Sightings

The central theme is explored through the writings of Searles V. Wood, Jr. In his correspondence, Wood addresses the skeletal remains of Zeuglodon cetoides, citing Sir Charles Lyell's estimation of its seventy-foot length and carnivorous nature. Wood speculates on the possibility of Zeuglodon descendants surviving to the present day, suggesting that reported sea-serpent sightings might be evidence of this. He analyzes figures from 'The Graphic' depicting an unknown animal attacking a whale, arguing that the representation is consistent with a cetacean, not a reptile.

Wood discusses various accounts, including one from the steamship 'City of Baltimore' in January 1879, where a long black object, described as a sea-serpent, was observed. He also references an account from Captain J. F. Cox of the ship 'Privateer' in September 1879, who described a snake-like creature rising from the water. Wood compares these accounts to earlier illustrations and notes the consistent description of a long neck and rapid movement.

Further analysis is provided by examining figures from 'The Illustrated News' of October 28, 1848, concerning sightings from HMS 'Daedalus'. Wood suggests that the animal's form might resemble a Pleisosaurus with a cetacean tail, and he posits that unknown carnivorous cetaceans with extraordinarily long necks inhabit the ocean. He also speculates that some witnessed conflicts, previously attributed to the Thresher shark, might actually be attacks by these unknown animals on whales.

The Great Sea Serpent by Dr. Antoon Cornelis Oudemans

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the analysis of Dr. Antoon Cornelis Oudemans' seminal 1892 book, 'The Great Sea Serpent'. This work is described as the first 'modern' book on cryptozoology, compiling 187 reported sightings up to 1890. Oudemans' theory suggested the sea-serpent could be an elongated-neck seal. The book's influence is noted, with subsequent experts like Commander Rupert T. Gould and Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans building upon its legacy.

The issue includes critical reviews of Oudemans' book from the British science journal 'Natural Science' (March 1893). The reviews, penned by P. C. M. (a naturalist) and L. B. P. (a literary contributor), offer contrasting perspectives. P. C. M. found the book dull, questioning the evidence and suggesting many sightings could be explained by known animals or misidentifications. He criticized Oudemans' theory, which he described as a Pinnipede, and suggested the author relied too heavily on hypothesis. L. B. P., while acknowledging the book's comprehensive nature and the historical context of skepticism towards the unknown, also noted the author's reliance on illustrations and the speculative nature of some accounts, including those categorized as 'Cheats and Hoaxes'.

Despite the critical reception, Oudemans' research is recognized for its groundbreaking effort in compiling and analyzing data on sea-serpent sightings, influencing the field of cryptozoology for decades. The book's unavailability in hardbound form is mentioned, with its recent publication as an ebook noted.

From the Past: Willeta Huggins

An unrelated historical piece recounts the remarkable abilities of Willeta Huggins, a 17-year-old inmate of the Wisconsin School for the Blind. In April 1922, she demonstrated an extraordinary development of her senses, enabling her to 'read' by touch, understand conversations by feeling vibrations on the wrist, identify denominations of paper money, and even interpret photographs by touch. Her demonstrations reportedly impressed members of the Chicago Medical Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this section of the North American BioFortean Review revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly the sea-serpent mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting historical accounts, scientific theories, and critical analyses without definitively dismissing or endorsing the existence of the phenomena. The inclusion of Oudemans' work and its critical reception highlights a balanced approach, acknowledging both the significance of such research and the need for rigorous scrutiny. The inclusion of the Willeta Huggins story suggests an interest in the broader spectrum of anomalous human abilities and sensory perception.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review focuses on the historical and scientific investigation of sea serpents, primarily through the lens of Dr. A. C. Oudemans' seminal work, "The Great Sea-Serpent," and the surprising connection of renowned paleontologist Professor Othniel Charles Marsh to this subject.

Dr. A. C. Oudemans' "The Great Sea-Serpent"

The review begins by addressing pre-publication criticism of Oudemans' book, correcting an error in the publication date of a "Nature" article. Oudemans' "historical and critical treatise" is described as a large, well-printed volume containing reports of 187 sea serpent appearances, suppositions, and scientific and non-scientific suggestions, along with the author's conclusions. Despite its comprehensive nature, the book was criticized for its perceived lack of scientific rigor, with reviewers finding the descriptions crude and the author's attempts to reconcile observations as "hopeless." The article notes Oudemans compared his work to Chladni's collection of meteoric stone accounts, but highlights a key difference: meteoric stones can be handled, while sea serpents are "very shy."

The volume is divided into sections on "fables, fictions, exaggerations and errors," and "facts." Fictional elements include the sea serpent casting its skin or being born on land, while exaggerations mention a tail length of 150 feet. Errors include the belief in multiple species belonging to the same genus. The "facts" are inferred from reports, detailing external characters, dimensions, form, and skin, with less known about internal characters. The book also covers colors, sexual differences, physiological and psychical characters, enemies, repose, sleep, and death.

Despite the criticism, the work is acknowledged for its value and the strange chapter it adds to the science of sea serpents. It was the only comprehensive published source on the marine zoological mystery until 1930, enjoying decades-long notoriety.

Professor Othniel Charles Marsh and the "Silent Cryptozoologist"

The article then shifts focus to a "century-old Yale secret" involving Professor Othniel Charles Marsh, a distinguished paleontologist known for his dinosaur fossil discoveries. The investigation, spearheaded by co-authors Dr. Dwight G. Smith and Gary S. Mangiacopra, suggests Marsh was a "silent cryptozoologist" who harbored a secret interest in the sea serpent controversy.

This secret was uncovered when Mangiacopra, while using the Yale University Kline Science Library in 1972, found a copy of Oudemans' "The Great Sea-Serpent." The book provided several "provenances" indicating Marsh's connection: his handwritten signature on the title page, a personalized bookmark with "O. C. Marsh, Yale College," and a Yale University Museum bookmark. These findings suggested Marsh had personally owned and handled the book, and that it was later officially cataloged into the university's museum archives.

The "Code of Silence" and a New Haven Sighting

The article posits that Oudemans' book influenced leading scientists in the late 1890s, creating a "Code of Silence" where the sea serpent controversy was discussed privately but not publicly acknowledged. Marsh's interest, though hidden, is presented as a key element of this mystery.

A startling discovery within Marsh's copy of Oudemans' book was an old newspaper clipping detailing a sighting titled "A 100 Foot Sea Serpent" from the New Haven Journal and Courier, dated July 20, 1896. The report described over 200 people witnessing a huge, dark-colored creature with a semi-coil, approximately 4 feet in diameter, near Lighthouse Point in New Haven.

Marsh's Life and Legacy

A timeline of Othniel Charles Marsh's life is provided, highlighting his birth in 1831, his education at Yale College and European universities, his extensive publications on geology and paleontology, his professorship at Yale, and his significant contributions to paleontology, including the discovery of over 1,000 new species of extinct vertebrates. His death in 1899 is noted, along with his legacy.

Establishing Marsh as a "Silent Cryptozoologist"

The article argues that documentation has survived for over a century to support the claim of Marsh being a "silent cryptozoologist." While his published papers focused on paleontology, the memoir by Charles E. Beecher upon Marsh's death listed over 300 papers, none of which indicated any deviation into cryptozoology or the sea serpent subject. The 1940 bibliography also offered no evidence of this straying from his accepted field.

However, the possibility that Marsh wrote articles for general magazines or newspapers on the sea serpent controversy is considered, though no such articles have been found. The core question remains: why did Marsh, who studied extinct animals, remain silent about the possibility of living counterparts, and why did it take a century after his death for this aspect of his life to be revealed?

Further Provenances and Unanswered Questions

The examination of Oudemans' book continued, revealing more about its provenance. The book was published in London, England, raising questions about how Marsh, an American scientist, first learned about it and obtained a copy. The newspaper clipping found within the book detailed a specific sighting off Lighthouse Point, New Haven, Connecticut, on July 20, 1896, witnessed by over 200 people. The description included a large, dark-colored creature with a semi-coil rising from the water.

Maps are included to illustrate the location of Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven and the Connecticut shoreline, indicating the path the sea serpent reportedly took. The article concludes by reiterating that the three provenances strongly established the book's ownership by O. C. Marsh, but raised a new mystery: did anyone else know about Marsh's interest in the sea serpent controversy, and why was this knowledge kept secret?

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of sea serpent sightings, the scientific analysis (or lack thereof) of such phenomena, and the hidden aspects of prominent scientific figures' lives. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, aiming to uncover and present previously unknown or overlooked details about significant historical events and individuals within the realm of bioforteana and cryptozoology. The article emphasizes the importance of thorough research and the potential for long-buried secrets to be revealed through diligent investigation, particularly concerning figures like O. C. Marsh, whose public scientific persona may have masked private intellectual curiosities.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, dated July 1992 (indicated by the page numbers and references), focuses on two primary topics: a significant sea serpent sighting from 1896 and an exploration of the mysterious 'Headless Valley' in the Canadian Northwest Territories.

The 1896 Lighthouse Point Sea Serpent Sighting

The issue features a photocopy of an article from the New Haven Journal and Courier, dated Monday, July 20, 1896, detailing a sighting of a '100 FOOT SEA SERPENT' off Lighthouse Point the previous day. The article describes how the creature was seen by over 200 people at approximately 5:30 PM. The serpent was observed to have a circumference of about fourteen feet and moved with a sinuous motion. The report notes that the creature was not deterred by the presence of steamers and pleasure boats, some of which veered away. The article also includes a 'WEATHER RECORD' from the Agricultural Department, providing meteorological data for July 10, 1896, which the review highlights as unique for its inclusion alongside a sea-serpent report.

One specific eyewitness, Adolph Bachman, a student at Tulane University's medical school, is named. The review notes the intriguing fact that this incident, despite the large number of witnesses, remained largely unknown until this 76-year-old newspaper clipping was rediscovered. Microfilm searches of other local newspapers and inquiries to the New Haven Yacht Club yielded no further information about this specific event.

The article then delves into the connection of this sighting to O. C. Marsh, a prominent paleontologist. It is revealed that Marsh possessed a personal copy of Antoon Cornelius Oudemans' 'The Great Sea-Serpent' (1892), and this 1896 newspaper clipping was found tucked within its pages. The review speculates on Marsh's motivations for keeping this clipping, suggesting he might have been comparing it to other accounts or silently investigating the phenomenon. Marsh's book was donated to Yale College and eventually ended up in the Kline Science Library. The review posits that Marsh, like other scientists of his era who were interested in such phenomena but remained silent due to potential scientific ridicule, was a 'silent cryptozoologist.' The rediscovery of this clipping by Mangiacopra is credited with catalyzing his own lifelong interest in marine cryptozoology.

Headless Valley Exploration

The latter part of the issue shifts focus to 'Headless Valley' in the Canadian Northwest Territories, as recounted by Frank Graves and told to Ivan T. Sanderson. Graves describes his childhood fascination with the legend of this valley, which was rumored to be littered with decapitated human corpses. His research led him to the Nahanni region.

Graves recounts his journey to the Nahanni, initially as a mechanic seeking adventure and a year off. He joined a group aiming for the valley, traveling by various means including a school bus and boat up the Liard River. The legends surrounding Headless Valley include stories of hot springs, wailing winds, pre-historic monsters, head-hunting mountain men, caves, and lost gold mines. The article mentions several documented disappearances and deaths in the valley since 1910, including prospectors and trappers, with some reports of decapitations.

Graves' initial objective was to study arctic and subarctic plants, consulting with Dr. William C. Steere of the New York Botanical Gardens. He notes the presence of indigenous Indians and long-resident white families in the area, as well as various transient groups. He also touches upon 'expeditions' to the valley, some seeking gold, others Bigfoot or Yeti.

He describes encounters with unusual phenomena, including what he initially mistook for a Polar bear but described as a 'gigantic dog' or wolf, twenty times the size of any wolf he had heard of. He fired at it, hitting it twice, but it walked away. He also mentions finding enormous bear tracks and three-toed footprints of a barefoot man, suggesting a size of at least sixteen inches.

The article also discusses the 'frozen lake' in the valley, a ten-mile-wide basin of crystalline ice that never melts, and the surrounding forest being perpetually encased in ice. Graves expresses his intent to return to the valley to investigate further, drawn by its mysteries and the potential for discovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The review consistently highlights the importance of historical documentation and the rediscovery of forgotten accounts in the field of cryptozoology. It champions the idea that seemingly fringe topics warrant serious investigation and that individuals who pursue these interests, even silently, contribute significantly to the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, emphasizing the value of meticulous research and the preservation of anecdotal evidence. The connection between scientific figures like O. C. Marsh and unexplained phenomena suggests a broader, often hidden, interest in such subjects within the scientific community. The exploration of 'Headless Valley' further reinforces the theme of mysterious and potentially dangerous locations harboring unexplained events and creatures.