MISCELLANEOUS. 253 



CHAPTER X. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



BEFORE 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 in 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 multiplying 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. PRIAHJLUS CAUDATUS. 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 



