DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW HAEMOPROTOZOA FROM BIRDS IN N.S.W. 85 



Halteridium geocichlae, sp. nov., from the ground- 

 thrush Geoeichla lunulata. 



(Diagram II, figs. 16 - 26.) 



In the blood films made from the ground thrush Geoeichla 

 lunulata shot at the Bulli Pass, N.S. Wales, in April 1909, 

 numerous specimens of a Halteridium were met with. A 

 number of these were found in situ embracing the nucleus, 

 but quite as many appeared as rounded gametocytes in or 

 near broken red cells. Since nearly every red cell which 

 had been ruptured during the making of the blood films 

 shewed in its fragmented nucleus or near to it, one or two 

 of these gametocytes, it may be fairly assumed that such 

 cells, owing to the presence of the parasite, had been more 

 fragile than their unaffected fellows and had burst from 

 tension in the process of making the blood film. The 

 earliest stages met with were about three-quarters grown 

 halter forms. Typical full sized halter forms presented 

 two main types, a very pale form and a fairly stained 

 granular one, representing male and female gametocytes. 

 The following is a description of twelve consecutive full 

 sized forms, arranged according to their appearances : — 



1. Clear protoplasm. Melanin as 3 grains towards one 

 end, 2 at other, and mass of grains near centre. 



2. Nearly clear protoplasm. Melanin as 4 grains towards 

 one end, 4 grains towards other end and a mass of 

 grains opposite this end of nucleus. 



3. Nearly clear protoplasm. Melanin as 7 large grains 

 at one end, 3 at other. 



4. Staining faintly. Melanin as group of grains at one 

 eud, 1 grain and vacuole at other. 



5. Fairly stained, granular. Melanin as irregular retic- 

 ulated masses at or towards each end. 



6. Fairly stained, granular. Melanin as irregular mass at 



one end, 2 grains towards other end, 1 grain in centre. 



