IS THERE A LOCH NESS MONSTER?

Snyder promises ""to set forth in detail every pro and con. . . [and] to let you, the reader, decide for yourself""; and indeed he then proceeds to deluge readers with reports, quoted commentary, and alternative explanations. Still, you'd scarcely call him skeptical, and the overwhelming impression is pro-Nessie--based, as Snyder builds the case, on the following points: ""Thousands of reports from people. . . who don't give their word lightly."" A few ambiguous, much-debated photos. Sonar searches which ""caught"" several moving, possibly animate, objects. And, finally, the unshaken conviction of expedition members--even though, unfortunately for such projects as this one, last year's New York Times co-sponsored probe can only be called a fiasco.