MISCELLANEOUS. 253 
CHAPTER X: 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
Berore advancing farther, let me devote some general observations 
to a few detached animals, whose structure and habits have proved of 
equal obscurity. 
It is not always the rarity of the subject that involves the naturalist 
in difficulties, for some of the following are of frequent occurrence. 
Others, again, are rare, scarcely to be obtained, and several seem to be 
distinguished by peculiarities, which I have been unsuccessful im endea- 
vouring to understand. None, along with many more which could be 
specified, seem to have received any attention in this country, though 
to appearance not unworthy of notice. 
It is of some importance to science, that every natural product 
should occupy an obvious and definite position. It greatly facilitates 
our mechanical knowledge, and it is a ready relief to our fellow students. 
But instead of at once multiplyig genera to an inconvenient extent, 
merely for the purpose of comprehending a single subject, it is infinitely 
preferable to search after a place for its reception among those already 
constituted. Perhaps it is only our ignorance that leads us to remove 
some animals from places which they might suitably occupy. 
1. PriapuLus caupATus.—Plate XXXV. Figs. 1, 2. 
Authors differ much on the position of this animal in the Systema. 
Some have considered it a species of Holothuria, which assuredly it is 
