Hi Frideswide, I have free access to a geneaology online archive called Geneaology Bank ( c.1695 - 2018 A.D.) thanks to Kay an American Fortean friend of mine. Although I am living in England myself,many of the stories have been put in my magazine `Flying Snake`. I just type in a phrase like "strange cat" "strange animal" or "mermaid" etc etc and see what turns up."shot while leaping off with the trap"
great description of the ear tufts.
@Richyboyo can you say where you are mining for these?
I don`t knowDoes Kay have a friend called Jay?