North American BioFortean Review - Issue 18

Magazine Overview

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue Date: January 2006
Volume: 8
Issue: 1 (Issue 18)

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review delves into various unexplained phenomena, including anomalous aerial and aquatic sightings, historical cryptid reports, and enduring mysteries.

BioFortean Note: Fishes Fallen from the Sky

This section, authored by Waldemar Jochelson and referencing a 1923 article from *Science*, explores accounts of fishes falling from the sky. The Yukaghir people of the Siberian tundra believed this phenomenon was a gift from a beneficent deity. Jochelson offers a more scientific explanation, suggesting that fish migrating through connecting rivulets might be stranded on dry land when the water recedes, particularly in summer. He also notes that in winter, when tundra lakes freeze solid and fish die, they can rise to the surface in spring, which the Yukaghir might also interpret as falling from the sky. Additionally, Jochelson recounts an experience on Umnak Island in the Aleutian Chain during the winter of 1909-1910, where volcanic shocks caused a layer of stunned fish, sea-urchins, and shellfish to appear on the shore.

Letter to the Editor: Adirondack Lake Report

This letter, from an unnamed individual with a degree in forest management, details two related incidents from the Adirondacks, New York. The first occurred in July or August 1994, when the author, a floatplane pilot, observed an unidentified object in Lower Preston Pond. The object was described as a gray, shimmering, vertical column, tapering from about two feet in diameter at its base to less than a foot at the top, extending from just under the water to an estimated depth of fifteen feet. It appeared to move slightly and was estimated to be about forty feet from the western shore. The author speculated it was a solid object, possibly the neck of a creature, but could not identify it.

The second incident, reported by a friend who had permission to fish the pond in the early to mid-1980s, involved his boat being suddenly pulled underwater by an unseen force. The boat sank, and upon retrieval the next day, the friend found his gear (camera, fishpoles, tacklebox) arranged equidistantly in a circle on the pond bottom, a discovery that deeply disturbed him.

A Pre-Civil War Immature Bigfoot Report?

Authored by Gary S. Mangiacopra and Dwight G. Smith, this article investigates a potential early Bigfoot sighting from 1839. The authors describe the challenge of finding and obtaining historical cryptozoological accounts. They recount how Gary S. Mangiacopra discovered a reference to a 'Wild Child' in the July-December 1839 volume of the *Niles Register*, a Maryland newspaper. The account, published in the *Michigan City, Indiana Gazette*, described a creature about 4 feet tall, covered in chestnut-colored hair, running with great velocity, and fond of fish and frogs. The sighting occurred in the sand dunes near Fish Lake, Indiana. The authors analyze the report, noting the creature's hairiness and agility, and speculate that it could have been an immature Bigfoot, possibly lost or separated from its family group. They also suggest that such accounts might have influenced later fictional works about wild children.

Recent Books

This section reviews two books:

• Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss by Brad Matsen (2005). This book examines the deep-sea exploration efforts of William Beebe and Otis Barton, including the controversy over Beebe's sightings of strange fish.
• Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter by Catherine Nixon Cooke (2005). This biography of Tom Slick, written by his niece, covers his life and research interests, including a chapter on his Yeti investigations.

Canada's Headless Valley Revisited: Troglodytes, Bigfoot, Mystery Bears, and Dire Wolves

This article, also by Gary A. Mangiacopra and Dwight G. Smith, revisits the controversy surrounding Canada's Headless Valley (also known as Nahanni Valley). The authors discuss the historical accounts of prospectors disappearing in the valley, with Ivan Sanderson's theory that these disappearances could be attributed to a population of Dire Wolves, believed extinct. The article also references Dr. Bruce S. Wright's research into British Columbia's 'troglodytes' or 'Sasquatch.' Wright, a wildlife management expert, initially attributed such sightings to misidentified bears, specifically a possibly extinct Labrador Grizzly, but later began writing about Bigfoot in the late 1960s. The authors note the lively exchange of information regarding these phenomena, including correspondence in *Adventure* magazine, and highlight the contributions of researchers like Wright and the efforts of Mark A. Hall in rescuing neglected accounts from obscurity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North American BioFortean Review consistently explores the fringes of the unexplained, focusing on cryptozoology, anomalous phenomena, and historical mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while also offering scientific or logical explanations where possible. The magazine seems dedicated to uncovering and preserving obscure historical accounts related to fortean and cryptozoological subjects, encouraging researchers to investigate even seemingly improbable claims. The recurring themes include the possibility of unknown creatures (Bigfoot, Sasquatch, sea serpents, mystery bears), unexplained aerial and aquatic events, and the historical context of such reports.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review focuses on two main areas: the mysterious "Headless Valley" in Canada and the cryptofiction works of Sterling Edmond Lanier.

Headless Valley: Listing and Chronology

The Nahanni region in the Northwest Yukon Territory of Canada has a century-long reputation for unexplained deaths and disappearances, with some victims found with their heads missing. The article presents a chronological listing of these events from 1886 to 2005, detailing the fates of prospectors, gold hunters, and other individuals who ventured into this remote wilderness. The text notes that while some deaths are attributed to accidents or harsh conditions, others are suspected to be deliberate murders. The authors invite readers to contribute any information they may have about these cases.

Key incidents documented include:

• 1886: Birth of Charles McLeod, a future gold hunter.
• 1903: Charles McLeod, at age 17, is an experienced trapper and guide.
• 1904 Summer: Charles McLeod and his brothers accompany others to Nahanni Valley, finding gold but experiencing a near-disaster.
• 1905 End of June: William and Frank McLeod prepare to return to Nahanni, accompanied by Robert Weir, an engineer.
• 1905 Late October: After four months of no communication, a search for the missing men is launched but abandoned due to extreme weather.
• 1906 Spring: A renewed search finds the campsite and the decapitated bodies of William and Frank McLeod. Robert Weir's body is never found. Gold-laced quartz suggests a rich vein was discovered.
• 1909: Robert Weir's skeleton is found. Authorities suggest the McLeod brothers starved and bears decapitated them, a theory Charles McLeod rejects.
• 1915 September 28: Gold hunters find the headless skeleton of prospector Martin Jorgensen.
• 1917: An unnamed male gold seeker dies, with details unknown.
• 1921: Former soldier John O'Brien and a partner enter the valley to hunt and prospect.
• 1922 January 27: O'Brien's body is found frozen six weeks after he left to check traps; it is unstated if he was headless.
• 1926: Prospector "Yukon" Fisher's bones are discovered.
• 1928-1940: Prospectors Andy Hays and another O'Brien meet similar fates.
• 1929: Prospectors Hay, Gilroy, and Angus Hall enter the region. Hall disappears, along with two other unnamed men.
• 1931: Sourdough Phillip Powers enters the valley.
• 1932: Mounties search for Powers, finding his burnt cabin and scattered bones with the skull separated.
• 1936: Bill Epler and Joe Muholland meet unknown fates.
• 1940: A man named Holmberg is found dead.
• 1942: Charles McLeod returns to Headless Valley, finding copper and gold.
• 1945 December: Ernest Savard, a miner, is last seen buying supplies before returning to the valley.
• 1946 March: Prospector John Patterson enters the region and fails to meet his partner.
• 1946 September 10th: A search begins for James A. Watts, his wife, and her brother.
• 1947 January: A body, believed to be Savard, is found with its head almost severed.
• 1948 Spring: Gold hunter Lewis Shebbach enters the region.
• 1949 Summer: Shebbach is found dead of starvation, his bones gnawed by animals.
• 1950 June: Charles McLeod and his sons make a final trip, finding gold and copper but not their brother's mine.
• 1960: Unnamed prospectors enter the valley and are never seen again.
• 1972-2005: The region is established as Nahanni National Park Reserve and becomes a tourist destination.

Cryptofiction Serials: The Adventures of Brigadier Donald Ffellowes

This section delves into the fictional cryptozoological tales of Brigadier Donald Ffellowes, created by Sterling Edmond Lanier. Gary S. Mangiacopra, a co-writer of this article, discovered these stories while researching old science-fiction magazines. The series comprises twelve tales published between 1968 and 1982, exploring themes of cryptozoology and the occult.

Sterling Edmond Lanier (born December 18, 1927) was an author and sculptor whose interests included science fiction, environmental awareness, and outdoor activities. His Ffellowes series was inspired by characters like Brigadier Gerard and Sherlock Holmes, aiming for a leisurely pace. The stories often feature Brigadier Ffellowes, a British character with a background in military assignments and intelligence gathering, recounting his adventures to members of an exclusive men's club.

The article provides synopses and ratings for each of the twelve stories, evaluating their cryptozoological and occult content:

1. Soldier Key (1968 August): Ffellowes encounters a religious sect worshipping a gigantic hermit crab on an island in the Caribbean. Rated *** (Strong cryptozoological theme, with touch of occult).
2. The Kings of the Sea (1969 November): Ffellowes encounters mer-beings and learns of a pact made by Baron Nyderstrom's ancestors. Rated *** (Strong cryptozoological theme, with touch of occult).
3. The Leftovers (1969 March): Ffellowes recounts an encounter with 7-foot tall, hairless beings with blackish scales in the Hadramaut region, identified as Paleozoic Man. Rated ** (Strong occult theme, with a touch of cryptozoological).
4. Fraternity Brother (1969 August): Ffellowes is initiated into an ancient secret society in the Spanish Pyrenees, involving a ritualistic human sacrifice. Rated ** (Strong occult theme, with a touch of cryptozoological).
5. A Feminine Jurisdiction (1969 November): Ffellowes' adventures in Greece lead him to an island ruled by a Medusa-like figure. Rated *** (Strong cryptozoological theme, with touch of occult).
6. His Only Safari (1970 February): Ffellowes recounts a safari in Kenya to track a suspected Axis agent in a region rumored to be haunted by jungle demons. Rated * (Pure cryptozoological theme).
7. His Coat So Gay (1970 July): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).
8. And the Voice of the Turtle (1972 October): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).
9. Thinking of the Unthinkable (1973 August): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).
10. A Father's Tale (1974 July): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).
11. Ghost of a Crown (1976 December): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).
12. Commander in the Mist (1982 March): (Synopsis and rating not provided in the excerpt).

The article notes that the Ffellowes series was published in science fiction magazines and that Lanier's work aimed to stimulate interest in fictional cryptozoology.

Book Review: Chad Arment

Chad Arment reviews "The Grail Bird: Hot on the Trail of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker" by Tim Gallagher. The reviewer praises the book as one of the best cryptozoology books of 2005, highlighting its exploration of discovery paths, methodologies, and the challenges faced in identifying new species. The review suggests that cryptozoology's mission should be to promote itself as a legitimate search methodology for new species.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are given to Mark A. Hall for providing copies of pages from Adventure magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena and mysteries associated with remote geographical locations (Headless Valley) and the exploration of cryptozoology through both factual accounts and fictional narratives (Ffellowes series, book review). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous phenomena, seeking to document and analyze historical accounts and fictional explorations of the unknown, while also encouraging reader participation in gathering information. There is a clear interest in the historical aspects of cryptozoology, as evidenced by the focus on old pulp magazines and the preservation of historical accounts.

Title: North American BioFortean Review
Issue: II
Volume: I
Date: 2000
Publisher: North American BioFortean Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, dated 2000, is primarily dedicated to an exploration of the "Brigadier Ffellowes" series of stories by Sterling Lanier. The magazine delves into various tales that blend cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and occult themes, often featuring the character Ffellowes as the protagonist.

Ffellowes Tales

The issue provides synopses and comments on several Ffellowes stories, detailing his diverse and often perilous adventures:

"His Coat So Gray" (Story 6)

This tale combines elements of African safari adventures with Egyptian mythology. Ffellowes' quest to prove the origin of pyramid builders leads him to a mountainous region where he encounters a mysterious "something" that has killed native bearers. This entity is revealed to be an Egyptian god that was feared and worshipped. The story features a flesh-eating being and culminates in the appearance of "Anubis"-like, human-shaped, dog-faced creatures.

"His Coat So Gray" (Synopsis - likely a mislabeling for a different story, but presented as such)

This synopsis describes a story beginning circa 1932, where Ffellowes, then a junior military attaché, visits the prominent Waldron family. He uncovers a secret sect that requires human sacrifices to a "Dead Horse" creature to maintain their power. Ffellowes narrowly escapes becoming a sacrifice, aided by Waldron's sister, who is the sect's high priestess.

"And The Voice Of The Turtle" (Story 12)

Ffellowes investigates a researcher named Strudwick in the South China Seas. He discovers that strange turtle-like cryptids are mutations caused by high radioactivity levels, and that the local human population is de-evolving into a similar form.

"Thinking of the Unthinkable" (Story 13)

A shorter tale where Ffellowes recounts his personal experiences with the Loch Ness Monster, suggesting its identity might be a gigantic cephalopod.

"A Father's Tale" (Story 14)

This story, told second-hand by Ffellowes from his father, Captain Ffellowes, recounts an adventure in 1881 off the Sumatran coast. They encounter a shipwrecked sailor warning of "Matilda Briggs" and a Dutch scientist, Cornelius Van Ouisthoven, who created human-sized rat-like creatures. The tale involves the destruction of these creatures and a warning to keep the scientific secret buried.

"Ghost of a Crown" (Story 15)

Set in the late 1920s in Cornwall, England, this story involves Ffellowes helping a friend investigate his brother's obsessive archaeological digs around an ancient family estate. They uncover a cavern related to the "Dark Prince" ghost and battle an otherworldly force.

"Commander In The Mist" (Story 16)

In April 1945, Ffellowes and his platoon are tasked with saving the Lippizaner horses in Vienna. They encounter ghostly Roman legions led by Marcus Aurelius, guarding a segment of the Roman Empire that still exists after 2000 years.

Simplified Ffellowes Time Line

The magazine provides a chronological timeline of Ffellowes' adventures, spanning from 1881 to 1945, detailing encounters with intelligent rats, Paleozoic fish-men, ghosts, the "Dead Horse" creature, hermit crabs, mer-people, Cro-Magnon sects, "Anubis" beings, turtle-like mutants, Medusa, the Loch Ness Monster, and Roman ghosts.

Cryptofiction for Cryptozoologists

This section discusses the Lanier "Brigadier Ffellowes" series, noting that while enjoyable, these tales are often neglected in the realm of fictional cryptozoology. It highlights the difficulty in accessing these stories due to the low circulation of the magazines they were originally published in and the lack of inclusion in libraries or microfilm archives. The article mentions that some tales were later reprinted in book form, such as "The Peculiar Exploits of Brigadier Ffellowes" and "The Curious Quest of Brigadier Ffellowes."

Personal Anecdote and Wild Cat Sighting

A letter to the editor from Trish E- describes a wild cat sighting in Bundyville, NY, in 1946. The cat, described as kin to the ocelot but with tiger-like rings, was captured but escaped. Trish found a matching description in the North American BioFortean Review, suggesting a possible link to "long-tailed bobcats."

Jim Newman's Yarn: Or, A Sight of the Sea Serpent

This narrative features Jim Newman, an old sailor, recounting an encounter with what he describes as a "sea sarpint" off the West African coast. He describes it as a large, black, snake-like creature with a bird-like head and fiery eyes, comparing it to a crocodile. The story also touches upon the prevalence of sea-fog and its connection to the climate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and the intersection of science fiction with unexplained mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring and documenting these phenomena, particularly through the lens of Sterling Lanier's "Ffellowes" series and other anecdotal accounts. The magazine seems to champion the idea that cryptofiction can inspire interest in real-world cryptozoology and related scientific fields. There is an emphasis on the adventurous and often dangerous nature of these encounters, highlighting the bravery and resourcefulness of the protagonists.

This issue of the North American BioFortean Review, identified as issue number 31, focuses on a historical account of a purported sea serpent sighting. The narrative is presented as a conversation between the narrator, Charles, and an old sailor named Jim Newman, who recounts his experience aboard the ship Amphitrite.

The Encounter with the Sea Serpent

The story begins with Jim Newman describing a peculiar fog bank that brought a foul smell and an unsettling feeling. He recounts how the first lieutenant, Mr. Freemantle, and Captain Manter observed something through the fog with a telescope. After fetching a 'night-glass' for the lieutenant, it was identified as a 'great marine monster.' Captain Manter initially dismissed it as a waterspout, but the crew was ordered to prepare for action.

As the fog lifted, Jim and his shipmate Gil Saul witnessed an enormous reptile, described as a gigantic serpent, with its head held high out of the water. Its appearance was likened to a big bird, and it was estimated to be about half a mile long and broader than a sperm whale. The creature moved at a fearful rate, creating a large wake. The foul smell intensified, accompanied by a roaring sound.

Despite Captain Manter's order to fire a broadside, the creature passed over the ship, causing significant damage by carrying away the main topmast and yards. The creature then disappeared into the sea. Gil Saul was so terrified that he fainted.

Corroborating Evidence: HMS Daedalus Report

The narrative then shifts to a formal report from Captain Peter McQubae of HMS Daedalus, dated October 11th, 1848. This report details a sighting on August 6th, 1848, in a different location (latitude 24 degrees 44 minutes south, longitude 9 degrees 22 minutes east). Captain McQubae describes an enormous serpent with its head and shoulders above the water, estimated to be at least sixty feet 'à fleur d'eau.' The creature was observed for twenty minutes, moving at a speed of twelve to fifteen miles per hour. Its head was described as snake-like with a beak, and its body was dark brown with a yellowish-white throat. It had no fins, but something like a horse's mane or seaweed washed about its back. The report mentions that a drawing was being made and that the sighting was witnessed by several officers and crew members.

Analysis and Speculation

Jim Newman vehemently dismisses the idea that the creature was a waterspout or floating wreck, using sarcastic rhetorical questions to highlight the absurdity of such explanations given the creature's size, smell, and roar. He emphasizes the uncanny feeling and the 'all-overish' sensation he experienced.

Captain Manter, despite ordering the crew to prepare for action and later attributing the damage to a waterspout, is implied to have known the true nature of the sighting, as did Lieutenant Freemantle. The narrator notes that the crew knew they had seen something 'unearthly.'

An interesting postscript is added regarding the survival rate of the Amphitrite's crew. Jim Newman states that, except for himself and the narrator, not a soul who was aboard when the reptile was sighted lived to see England again, attributing their deaths to the deadly climate of the east coast of Africa. This is presented as a warning, as Gil Saul had declared.

Editorial Notes and Future Plans

The final pages of the issue contain an editorial note from Chad Arment, stating that this is the final issue of the North American BioFortean Review. He discusses the inherent difficulties in publishing a regular cryptozoological publication and announces plans for a more serious, peer-reviewed web journal. Information about this new project will be available on StrangeArk.com and via an email list. Back issues of NABR will remain available on the StrangeArk website, and Arment also plans to publish several books on cryptozoology through CoachwhipBooks.com.

The issue concludes with a publication policy statement regarding copyright and fair use of material.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation and reporting of anomalous phenomena, specifically the sighting of a large, unidentified marine creature. The magazine appears to lean towards validating such accounts, presenting eyewitness testimony and official reports as credible evidence. The editorial stance, as expressed in the final note, is one of continued engagement with cryptozoological research, albeit through evolving publication formats. The emphasis on peer review and scholarly rigor in future endeavors suggests a move towards more academic cryptozoology.