Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 52 — page 30: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

STAR HAVEN insects as they beat vainly against the air. Suddenly, as they watched, it began to expand, puffing up like a distorted balloon to at least three times its original size and looking a little like a Japanese dragon. ‘*‘Defence mechanism,” said Gerald, thoughtfully. ““That means it probably isn’t pol- sonous.” Gently he removed the fish from the hook and threw it back into the water. Immediately it collapsed, shrinking back to its original size, and, with a blur of fins, darted away to the shelter of the far bank. “That’s three types we’ve found so far. The one which had vestigal legs, the one which folded itself into a prickly ball, and the balloon fish.’”’ Deftly he rebaited the hook with a piece of nut. “I wonder what we'll find next ?”’ “You'll find trouble if Williams ever hears that you’ve thrown them back without examining them.” Hermitage selected a fresh stalk of grass and chewed the 29 end to a pulp. From further down the river, past the water- fall and at the edge of the lake, a burst of laughter echoed among the trees, and the sounds of splashing rose above the soft thunder of the weir. Gerald grinned as he threw back the baited hook and relaxed again against the lush grass. “The others seem to be enjoying themselves, anyway. I was surprised that our commander permitted them to go swimming.” He looked at the doctor. ““Do I recognise your cunning hand in this?” ‘Perhaps,’ admitted Her- mitage, easily. “I prescribed recreation for reasons of both health and morale, and, as the human body must be kept clean to remain efficient, it seemed a good idea to combine the two by letting half the personnel go swim- ming.” He cocked his head and smiled as he heard the high voices of women ming- ling with the deeper tones of the men. “Williams didn’t seem to like the idea of comiclooks.cormn