ANIMALS AND THE WEATHER 
91 
germs, but also wards off the evil effects 
arising from wet umbrellas and clothing. 
That inherited influences prove a valuable 
means of enabling a living creature to fight 
the battle of life is exemplified in a very 
remarkable and unusual manner in regard 
to a young gorilla, named Johnny, that was 
brought to this country a few years back 
and exhibited at the London Zoological Gardens 
during the summer months. Now, a gorilla 
is one of the most difficult of animals to keep 
alive in captivity, for even when dwelling 
in a warm and congenial climate it shows its 
resentment at being made a prisoner by sulk¬ 
ing and refusing food, with the result that it 
quickly dies. When, in addition, the creature 
is forced to face the discomforts of an un¬ 
natural and altogether unsuitable climate, the 
difficulties are greatly increased. 
Before the advent of Johnny, no gorilla 
had ever lived in this country for more than 
a week or two, but he proved a remarkable 
exception, for instead of moping and pining 
away in the manner of his forerunners, he was 
blessed with boisterous spirits and a vigorous 
constitution, and lived for over five years in 
captivity. 
Before his death he only had one serious 
illness, and then he refused all food for several 
