The author states that the Fur Seal merits attention in a commercial as well as a scientific point of view. The South Sea Seal trade, though comparatively of recent origin, has been prosecuted to a much greater extent than the northern; and especially in pursuit of two species of seals,—the Proboscis Seal, or Sea Elephant, for its oil, and the Fur Seal, for its skin.

After some preliminary remarks upon the nature of the coats or robes of seals, the author, in the absence of scientific information concerning the fur-seal, turns to the works of navigators and seal-hunters, and finds distinct allusion made to it in the writings of Cook, Clayton, and especially of Mr Weddell, who commanded several expeditions undertaken chiefly for its capture.