Wonders - Vol 2 No 3 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Issue: Vol.2 No.3
Date: September 1993
Publisher: Mark A. Hall Publications and Research
Country: USA
Theme: Mysteries in Southeast Asia

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated September 1993, is dedicated to exploring the "Mysteries in S. E. Asia." The cover features a striking illustration of a hairy, ape-like creature superimposed on a map of the region, setting the tone for the content within.

Editorial: The Pace of Change

The editorial, titled "The Pace of Change," reflects on how the study of phenomena like sea serpents has evolved over time. It notes that while Philip Henry Gosse was sifting through historical reports 130 years prior, the subject has seen little marginal change in public perception or scientific recognition. The editorial posits that culture can sometimes hinder intellectual growth, and true progress lies in individuals absorbing new knowledge and adapting.

MYSTERIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA by Mark A. Hall

This feature article by Mark A. Hall delves into various unexplained phenomena and creatures reported across Southeast Asia. It begins by referencing A.D. Frederickson's 1890 travels and his sketch of a "curious specimen of hairy humanity" found in the forests of Johore. Hall then presents a series of mysteries, keyed to maps (though the maps themselves are not fully detailed in the text provided), covering regions like Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.

Key Mysteries and Creatures:

1. True Giants: Traditions in the region suggest the presence of giants, possibly survivors of Gigantopithecus. Sightings and tracks of the "Orang Dalam" (Man of the Interior) are reported in Pahang and Johore, described as 10 to 20 feet tall with four-toed tracks. The "Hantu Raya," or Great Spirit of the Jungle, is also mentioned, with an account of an encounter involving a large, hairy being.
Further north, in the mountains bordering Burma, Thailand, and Laos, the "Kung-lu" (Mouth Man) is described as a gorilla-like monster, about twenty feet tall, that preyed on humans.
Brief reports also mention a 13-ft giant in Vietnam (1965) and a 20-ft giant in Borneo (1958).

2. Balong Bidai: This is a feared river monster in peninsular Malaya, described as a long mat that rolls up and drowns victims in deep river pools. Some explanations suggest natural gas eruptions or whirlpools, but the author links it to the "hide" phenomenon known from other continents, possibly a survival of prehistoric sea scorpions.

3. Lake Monsters: Tasek Bera and Tasek Chini on the Malay Peninsula have been sites of lake monster appearances, described as immense with long necks and horned heads.

4. Wild People: In 1953, tall wild men and women were reported in Malaya, who were not shy, wore clothing, and spoke a strange language.

5. Uyan: A three-foot-high, hairy man-like being, similar to the Orang Pendek, was reportedly seen in Pahang.

6. Wild Man of Johore: A reference to A.D. Frederickson's sketch of a wild man from the last century.

7. Monster Lizards: In 1961, large lizards, up to 14 feet long, were observed by military fliers on small islands off the western coast of Malaya.

8. Orang Pendek: This small, hairy, man-like being, two to four feet tall, has been seen on Sumatra and has parallels on the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. John MacKinnon reported tracks of the "Batutut" on Borneo, described as a nocturnal, upright-walking creature, four feet tall, that feeds on river snails and has been known to kill people.

9. Disappearance: In 1982, a foreign languages professor from the U.S.A., John Raede, disappeared in western Sumatra.

10. Ahool: Giant bats identified by Ernst Bartels on Java, known for their sound, with evidence also found in Vietnam, Samoa, and Africa.

11. Lake Monster (Java): Lake Patenggang in western Java is reported to harbor lake monsters.

12. Lawas Monster: A river monster reported in Sarawak in 1985, described as having a large neck, "electric light bulb" eyes, and a cow-like head.

13. Bali Djakai: Explorer Leonard Clark investigated rumors of "tailed-men" in Borneo and heard of "demons" living in the mountains. He described seeing a large creature, possibly a great ape, with hairy arms and a bull neck, which left human-like tracks.

14. Unknown Animal (Borneo): A story of a bear-like creature that gathers by the thousands on the unexplored banks of the Murung River, which is gigantic, ferocious, and attacks boats.

15. Little People? (Borneo): The existence of "little people" known as the Ujit is mentioned, with a reference to Frederick Boyle's book "The Savage Life."

Sources

The article concludes with an extensive list of sources, citing various magazines, books, and news reports from different authors and publications, indicating thorough research into the documented mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology, folklore, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena in Southeast Asia. The editorial stance, particularly in "The Pace of Change," suggests a cautious optimism regarding the advancement of knowledge, emphasizing individual intellectual growth over the slow pace of cultural acceptance for unconventional subjects. The magazine appears to be a platform for documenting and discussing anomalous reports that fall outside mainstream scientific discourse.

This issue of WONDERS, dated September 1993, features an in-depth article titled "IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH DEAN WORCESTER" by Mark A. Hall. The magazine also includes a piece on "THE CRESTED AND WATTLED SNAKE" by Philip Henry Gosse.

In the Philippines with Dean Worcester

The article by Mark A. Hall chronicles the expeditions of Dean Conant Worcester in the Philippine Islands around the turn of the 20th century. Worcester, born in 1866, was influenced by zoologist Dr. Joseph Beal Steere's earlier collecting trip. Worcester participated in two major expeditions: one in 1887-1889 with Dr. Frank S. Bourns, E.L. Moseley, and Mateo Francisco, and another from 1890-1893 with Bourns and Francisco, financed by Louis F. Menage of Minneapolis.

The extracts focus on Worcester's experiences on the islands of Palawan and Mindoro. He collected specimens of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and also documented local beliefs about strange animals, including a large ape and a goat.

Population and Geography

The article begins by noting the Philippines' estimated population of 8,000,000, composed of over eighty distinct tribes scattered across hundreds of islands. To truly understand the country, one must travel widely and venture beyond cities into unexplored regions where wild tribes reside.

Palawan is described as the westernmost of the larger islands, approximately three hundred miles long and twenty miles wide, with high mountains in the interior and a large plain in the north. It is well-watered by numerous streams.

Encounters and Legends

In southern Palawan, Worcester encountered the Moros, and in the central and northern parts, the Tagbanuas and Battaks. The Tagbanuas were known to be a pacific people. Stories circulated about two strange mammals: a large ape and a goat. A Spanish officer claimed to have received a wild goat from the Tagbanuas, and another Spaniard asserted he had seen apes as large as men.

Worcester's expedition also involved an engineer who had gained the confidence of the Tagbanuas. Through this engineer, Worcester learned that the goat and the big ape were believed to exist. A young Tagbanua claimed to have seen a goat recently, providing a detailed description that inclined Worcester to believe him.

Mateo Francisco was sent to find goats but returned unsuccessful, as the guide admitted the story was based on hearsay from elders.

The Ascent of Mt. Pulgar

The party then decided to ascend Mt. Pulgar (Thumb Mountain), southwest of Puerto Princesa, where goats and apes were rumored to abound. Previous attempts to climb it had failed due to Tagbanua guides getting lost. Worcester believed there was a path and that the mountain offered undisturbed conditions. They found a path to Pulgar, and Worcester set up camp at 2500 feet.

The 'Packda' and Other Creatures

Worcester's men soon realized the 'packda' (big ape) theory was likely unfounded, finding only ferns and wet scrub. The climb, however, offered rewards in the form of exquisite ferns and orchids. They encountered pitcher-plants and found themselves in the clouds, experiencing a breathtaking view of unbroken forest.

Mindoro and the 'Timarau'

Mindoro is described as an island of 4500 square miles, south of Manila Bay, known for its unsavory reputation, heavy rainfall, and miasma in its lowlands. It features lofty mountains and undisturbed forests inhabited by the Mangyans, who are characterized as primitive savages with a misunderstood reputation.

The island's interior is said to abound with a strange animal called the 'timarau.' Descriptions varied, with some claiming it had one horn, while others attributed a single eye. Worcester felt there must be some basis for these tales and was determined to find the timarau.

Hunting the Timarau

Worcester's party was reduced to four after Moseley left. Dr. Steere and Mateo went up the Baco River, while Bourns and Worcester explored the Adlobang River. They began hunting for the 'timarau,' which the Mangyans knew well. They described it as a small buffalo with backward-curving horns, shy, vicious, and capable of attacking larger animals and men.

They found timarau trails in the partially dry bed of the Adlobang River. Despite following trails for hours, they did not sight the beasts. They observed bulls on sand-bars at night, but the animals were too elusive. They also learned of Naujan Lake, described as a hunter's paradise with many timarau.

Naujan Lake and Sharks

Naujan Lake, ten miles long and six miles wide, had warm, stagnant waters. Sharks were known to enter from the sea during the rainy season and become trapped when floods receded. The explorers repeatedly saw large sharks in the lake.

Timarau Specimen and 'Berbalangs'

Worcester eventually succeeded in sighting and wounding two timarau but did not obtain a specimen. In Manila, Bourns and Worcester rejoined Dr. Steere and Francisco, who had collected five specimens. The timarau was identified as the Dwarf Water Buffalo (*Bubalus mindorensis*).

Worcester also noted beliefs related to unknown creatures in the Philippines, including 'Spirits' and 'gods.' He mentions 'babalyān' (Tagbanua doctors) who encounter a 'man of the wood' and are given pearls. He also notes the Tagbanua gods called 'Dwendi,' who are powerful, live in caves, and deceive humans.

Worcester's Later Life and Legacy

The article concludes by detailing Worcester's later life. He married Nanon Fay Leas in 1893 and held academic positions at the University of Michigan. After the Spanish-American War, he was appointed as a U.S. commissioner to the Philippines and later served as Secretary of the Interior. He wrote several books and received a Doctor of Science degree. Worcester died in Cebu on May 2, 1924.

The Crested and Wattled Snake

This section presents Chapter 6 from Philip Henry Gosse's "Romance of Natural History" (1862), focusing on a creature described by Albert Seba in his "Locupletissimi Rerum Naturalium Thesauri." Seba's work, published between 1734 and 1765, contained descriptions and engravings of creatures unknown to modern science.

Seba's Descriptions

Seba documented numerous serpent species, including two of particular interest. These were small, one pale yellow with reddish spots, the other reddish with green bands. Both had a horny-pointed muzzle and wattles on their cheeks. Gosse notes that Seba expressed wonder, unsure whether to classify them as eels or serpents. They were described as 'marine,' but their features did not align with known fish, particularly the Muroena, which lacked pectoral fins and had a vertically flattened tail.

Distinguishing Features

Gosse highlights that these creatures possessed serpentine scaling, with large symmetrical plates on the belly of the second specimen. Their tails were conical, unlike the bordering fins of Muroena. A projecting point on the lower belly was noted, potentially resembling the anal hook of a Boa.

Jamaican Serpent Accounts

Seba recorded receiving these serpents from the Island of St. Domingo (Hispaniola). The article then shifts to accounts from Jamaica in 1845-46 of a 'wonderful animal' reported as a snake with a cock's comb and wattles that crowed like a cock. This creature was associated with a peculiar wild mountain scenery characterized by white limestone, glens, and precipices.

Honeycombed Limestone and Flora

The limestone formations in Jamaica are described as honeycombed, with hollows containing bleached land-shells. The region supports tall trees, climbers, Agave, Cacti, and various orchids like Broughtonia, Brasalova, and Oncidium.

Superstitious Mystery

The honeycombed limestone formations contain numerous caverns, contributing to a superstitious mystery in the region, often associated with runaway slaves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around exploration, natural history, cryptozoology, and the intersection of scientific observation with local folklore and beliefs. The magazine appears to have an interest in documenting unusual phenomena, historical accounts of exploration, and the natural world, particularly in exotic locations. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting detailed historical accounts and scientific observations, often juxtaposing them with anecdotal evidence and indigenous legends.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated September 1993, with issue number 67 and identified as Volume 1, focuses on 'Thunderbirds!' and 'Natural Mysteries'. The publisher is Mark A. Hall Publications, based in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

The Crested Snake of the Antilles

The issue presents detailed accounts of a mysterious reptile referred to as the 'Crested Snake', primarily from Jamaica and St. Domingo. The first account comes from a medical gentleman in Jamaica who, in 1829, saw a dead serpent about four feet long, dull ochry in color with dark spots, and a distinctive crest on its head resembling a pyramidal helmet. He noted that local negroes were familiar with it, describing it as making a noise like a cock's crow and preying on poultry.

Further reports from St. Domingo corroborate the existence of such a serpent. A Spanish gentleman in the region of Higuey described a serpent with bird-like mandibles, a cock's crest, and scarlet wattles, claiming it could deceive chickens by imitating a cock's crow. The text notes the similarity in the limestone mountain scenery between Jamaica and this part of St. Domingo.

The author expresses interest in obtaining a specimen, with Mr. Jasper Cargill offering a reward, but no capture was made. Later, two more specimens were found in Jamaica but not preserved. An account is given of Mr. Cargill's father observing a similar snake in Skibo, St. George's, Jamaica, described as dark-hued, thick-bodied, crested, and having red flaps like wattles. Another incident details a snake shot by young Cargill on Easter Eve, March 30, 1850, near a neighboring penn, which was also described as having a curious head and wattles. This specimen was placed in a hollow tree but subsequently lost. A similar snake was also reportedly seen by Ulick Ramsay, shot by a barrack-master-serjeant near Spanish Town, described as having a curious head and eel-like projections.

The article suggests these locations, particularly the honeycombed limestone rocks in St. Catherine's, are frequented by ground iguanas and resemble the terraced cliffs of Higuey. The author concludes that while no more reports have surfaced, there is sufficient evidence to assume the existence of such a form in the Greater Antilles.

Philip Henry Gosse: A Naturalist's Approach to the Unknown

The issue also features a biographical sketch of Philip Henry Gosse (1810-1888), a British zoologist. Born in Worcester, England, Gosse had early experiences in Newfoundland, Canada, and Alabama before developing his naturalist interests in Jamaica. He later settled in England, becoming a fellow of the Royal Society in 1856. His extensive publications include 'Birds of Jamaica', 'A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica', and 'Romance of Natural History'.

The article focuses on Gosse's 'Romance of Natural History', particularly his chapter 'The Great Unknown'. Gosse is presented as an advocate for exploring tough questions in natural history, challenging preconceived notions of physical possibilities. The text quotes an anecdote about a sailor lad's tales and his mother's skepticism, illustrating how established beliefs can be overturned by natural phenomena.

Gosse's approach to evidence is highlighted, particularly concerning 'questiones vexatae' (contested questions) where evidence conflicts with established laws or antecedent improbability. He emphasizes the need for careful sifting of evidence, examination of the observer's capabilities, and critical investigation of the line between perception and inference, seeking independent testimony. However, he also stresses that 'truth is stranger than fiction' and that our understanding of natural laws is imperfect, requiring us to revise our codes when confronted with indubitable phenomena.

Rupert Thomas Gould and Unexplained Phenomena

The magazine introduces Lt.-Commander Rupert Thomas Gould (1890-1948), an author known for his works on unexplained facts. While he initially wrote a history of the marine chronometer, he went on to publish five other books that have remained popular. His essays are described as well-researched and influential, making mention of his views almost obligatory when discussing related topics.

• Five of Gould's key works are listed:
• ODDITIES: A BOOK OF UNEXPLAINED FACTS (1924, revised 1944, third edition 1965)
• ENIGMAS: ANOTHER BOOK OF UNEXPLAINED FACTS (1929, revised 1945, reprinted 1965)
• THE CASE FOR THE SEA-SERPENT (1930, New York: Putnam's, 1934, reprinted 1969)
• THE LOCH NESS MONSTER AND OTHERS (1934, reprinted 1969)
• THE STARGAZER SPEAKS (1943, reprinted as MORE ODDITIES AND ENIGMAS 1973)

It is noted that Gould had a book titled 'Nine Days' Wonders' planned for 1930 but it appears not to have been published. The article mentions that Gosse's 65-page discussion of the Great Sea Serpent is introduced in the preceding paragraphs, and that Oudemans, Gould, and Heuvelmans have also written on the subject, with their works currently out of print.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of WONDERS magazine strongly advocates for an open-minded yet rigorous approach to investigating unexplained phenomena. It champions the idea that 'truth is stranger than fiction' and that scientific understanding must evolve when confronted with compelling evidence, even if it challenges existing laws. The magazine highlights the importance of detailed reporting of unusual occurrences, such as the Crested Snake, and celebrates authors like Philip Henry Gosse and Rupert T. Gould who dedicated themselves to sifting through evidence and presenting accounts of the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging deeper inquiry into mysteries, challenging conventional skepticism, and recognizing the limitations of current human knowledge in the face of the unknown.