INTRODUCTION. 



SEALS AND WHALES OF THE BRITISH SEAS. 



Although at no period entirely neglected, as is apparent from the frequent reference 

 to the subject by old authors, and from the known richness in species of the British Fauna, 

 compared with that of the Continent of Europe, the study of the Marine Mammalia of the 

 British Seas has, of late years, received more than usual attention, and the advance made in 

 the knowledge of these creatures, has been rapid in proportion. Nor is it surprising that, to 

 the inhabitants of a densely-peopled country like the British Isles, the terrestrial fauna of 

 which must, of necessity, be very restricted and familiar, the study of the mammals fre- 

 quenting its seas and shores should be possessed of a peculiar charm. The uncertainty and 

 rarity of their occurrence, their exceptional forms, the mystery which shrouds their origm, 

 heightened by the romance which surrounds the seas and high latitudes forming the 

 chief home of so many species, must always render them objects of the greatest interest. 

 Not only is this the case on the coast, but even in inland districts, whither — notably to 

 London and Birmingham — Cetaceans have been brought, both hving and dead, at great ex- 

 pense, and from long distances, to gratify the growing interest which has manifested itself, 

 in these remarkable animals. 



Under these circumstances it is surprising that no modern book, especially devoted to 

 this subject, exists ; those who would inform themselves must search out the scattered 

 records dispersed in the publications of numerous Scientific Societies, or procure works, 

 which, excellent as they may be, are much more comprehensive in scope, and too expensive 

 to be within the reach of many into whose hands it is hoped this little book may come : the 

 author has, therefore, striven to supply what is certainly a desideratum, viz., a cheap, plain, 

 but, he hopes, trustworthy treatise on the Marine Mammalia of the British Seas. Originally 

 published in the form of a series of papers in the pages of Science Gossip, the following 

 account of the " Seals and Whales found in the British Seas " has been brought down to 

 the present time, and much new matter added, not the least important of which is that 

 devoted to the claims of the Atlantic Right-Whale to a place in the British fauna. 



