1984 July – December

The Whales Called Killer
Once feared as ferocious man- eaters, killer whales belie their reputation. Erich Hoyt and Flip Nicklin report on the highly social behavior of these intelligent mammals.
Mexico City: An Alarming Giant
Growing into the world's largest megalopolis, the Mexican capital holds the best and worst of urban life. Bart McDowell and Stephanie Maze find that the 16 million inhabitants may be on a collision course with the future.
The Urban Explosion { The World's Urban Explosion}
Huge population increase poses a worldwide dilemma, but it is in the cities of developing countries that growth is now outrunning the answers, says author Robert W. Fox.
A Scholarly President Looks at Mexico's Future
In a private interview with National Geographic Magazine Editor, Wilbur E. Garrett, Miguel de la Madrid Hurdato, president of Mexico, discusses challenges facing ever- growing Mexico City.
Colorado Dreaming
Gold and silver lured many an early Coloradan. And dreams still draw newcomers, Mike Edwards and Craig Aurness discover as they explore this state at rainbow's end. With a map supplement on the Central Rockies.
Where Gods Dwelled- -The Japan Alps { The Japan Alps}
Long hallowed as the dwelling places of gods, Japan's peaks now lure hordes of hikers and skiers. Charles McCarry and photographer George F. Mobley explore the heights.
The Preposterous Puffer
Prized in Japan as a gourmet's delight, the fish that can swell up like a balloon can be as deadly as it is pleasant to the palate. By Noel D. Vietmeyer and Joseph J. Scherschel.

Africa Adorned: A Continent Speaks Through Its Decorative Art
With a twist of the hair or beads dangling from an ear, the peoples of Africa communicate age, exploits, or marital status. Angela Fisher lived among Africans across the continent for seven years learning the language of body decoration.
American Waterfowl: Troubles and Triumphs { A Lot of Trouble and a Few Triumphs for North American Waterfowl}
As development gobbles 458, 000 acres of wetlands annually, the future of North America's water birds lies ever more in human hands. John Madson surveys management efforts and reports some losses, some gains.
Marking Time in Grenada
A year after Bloody Wednesday, Charles E. Cobb, Jr. , and David Alan Harvey find Grenadians looking to an influx of U. S. aid and hoping for a boom in tourism to create the economic base vital to their recovery.
Chocolate: Food of the Gods
Mankind delights in it, woos with it, and profits from it. Gordon Young follows the chocolate road from cocoa groves through candy factories to the world of high finance. James L. Stanfield and Sisse Brimberg document the tasty trail.
Icebound in Antarctica
Challenging winter in Antarctica, author David Lewis and crew use their frozen- in ship as a research base, and sea ice as a highway. Despite difficulties, the expedition - - studied and photographed by anthropologist Mimi George - - met all its goals.