CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Big mule that was found in Europe ... (7)

5. ... spoils the archaeological dig (5)

8. Printing presses ready for publications? (9)

9. A car part was found in the guacamole! .... (3)

10. ... he says (5)

12. Impasse gained by clutching spear (7)

13. Snow on the back of the cattle was really scary! (5-8)

15. Cunning – like the woman carved on the boat front? (7)

17. Get a ring from Quito (5) 19. Cease completion (3) 20. Tardy, late for recent times (6-3) 22. Linen cloth found with this Italian city (5)

23. Unusual garnets (7)

Down

1. Do you have your money tied up in them? (5)

2. An owl that is not very loud (3) 3. With Frank you get a perfume (7) 4. Stashes muscat in a certain state (13)

5. Walruses have bags of tricks (5) 6. Consolidating, lads left in disguise (9)

7. Up to recapitulating (7)

11. The certain way the postman arranges things to be delivered (4,5) 13. Sane tip for the wise (7)

14. Use tongue on remedy, reportedly, for alcohol (7)

16. Tunnelled back in to get the girl (5)

18. Homoeopathy methods involve use of herbal plant (5)

21. A bit of a grinding noise (3)