264 GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEES 



any genus of mammals and, as a race, can undergo 

 the greatest extremes of change in climate, food and 

 other conditions of any other animal. His migratory 

 habits, both inherent and acquired, have fitted him 

 for a life of vicissitudes, and such a life inures him 

 as an individual to all extremes. On the other hand, 

 the gorilla, as a genus, is confined to a small habitat, 

 which is uniform in climate, products and topography ; 

 and having been so long restricted to these condi- 

 tions he is unfitted for like changes, and when such 

 are forced upon him the result must always be to 

 his injury. 



In certain parts of the American tropics there is 

 found a rich, grey moss growing in great profusion 

 in certain localities and on certain kinds of trees. It 

 is not confined to any certain level, but thrives best 

 on the lowest elevations. Under favourable condi- 

 tions it will grow at altitudes far above the surround- 

 ing swamps. The character and quantity, however, 

 are measured by the altitude at which it grows. It 

 is an aerial plant, and may be detached from the 

 boughs of one tree and transplanted upon those of 

 another. It may be taken with safety for a great 

 distance so long as an atmosphere is supplied to it 

 that is suited to its nature ; but when removed from 

 its normal conditions and placed in a purer air it 

 begins to languish and soon dies. If it be returned 

 in time, however, to its former place or one of like 

 character it will revive and continue to grow. 



What element this plant extracts from the impure 

 air is a matter of doubt ; but it cannot be carbonic 



