HOW RHINOSPORIDIUM EXTENDS 277 



veloped pansporoblast with its spores resembles a 

 mulberry or morula. The spore is small and 

 rounded, possesses a definite coat, and its nucleus 

 is clear and distinct (Fig. 54, /). 



Certain of the cysts have been found in a ruptured 

 condition, whereby the spores have been liberated 

 into the surrounding tissue, where it is probable that 

 they recommence the infection. If such is the case, 

 the pansporoblast might have the same function as 

 the schizont of a Coccidium or the meront of Nosema 

 apis. That they serve for the auto-infection of the 

 host is almost certain, for though the tumours 

 appear to have been removed completely, it has been 

 found that they recur again, showing that some 

 minute part of the parasite has remained behind, 

 though every care was taken to ensure complete 

 removal. 



The method whereby the parasite reaches new 

 hosts still remains unknown, and it would be of 

 much interest if the life-history could be more fully 

 investigated. It is highly probable that it is much 

 more widely spread in India than was at first thought, 

 and it may have considerable importance. In Eng- 

 land it is well recognized that nasal and throat 

 impediments have a great influence on the intelli- 

 gence of children, and Rhinosporidium possibly has 

 the same stultifying influence on the unfortunate 

 people in whom it has been found. 



The distribution of nearly allied parasites is of 

 some interest. Rhinosporidium occurs in human 

 beings living in tropical countries such as India. 

 From India to the Antarctic is a wide stretch, yet 



