FISHES OF NEW YORK 469 



and Bean obtained a specimen in Scioto creek, Coopersville N. Y. 

 July 19, 1894. In the Lake Ontario region the U. S. Fish Com- 

 mission collectors secured it at the following localities in New 

 York state in 1894 and previous years. 



Marsh creek, near Pointbreeze. 



Mouth Little Salmon creek 



Chaumont river 



Guffon creek, Chaumont 



Mill creek, Sacketts Harbor 



Black creek, tributary of Oswego river, Scriba Corner 



Sandy creek, North Hamlin 



Mouth Salmon river, Selkirk 



Cape Vincent 



Little Stony brook, Henderson bay 



Long pond, Charlotte 



Cemetery creek, Watertown 



Great Sodus bay 



Grenadier island. Lake Ontario 



Salt brook, 1| miles above Nine Mile point 



Nine Mile point, Webster 



Under circumstances favorable as to water and food supply 

 the rock bass grows to a length of 14 inches and a weight of 2 

 pounds. It increases in depth and thickness with age. The 

 largest example we have examined is one of 2 pounds weight, 

 length 14 inches, from the James river, Va., taken near Rich- 

 mond. Dr ^Yilliam Overton reports that rock bass weighing 

 3| pounds have been taken in his vicinity at Stony creek, Va. 



In February and March this fish frequents the mouths of small 

 streams, and in summer it seeks shady places under high banks 

 or projecting rocks. The species is gregarious, going in large 

 schools. It thrives where there is not much current and is very 

 well adapted for culture in artificial ponds. It is as common 

 in lakes and ponds as in the streams. Sluggish, pure dark 

 water suits it best. 



The fishing season begins in June and lasts till the approach 

 of cold weather. The rock bass feeds on worms, crustaceans 



