12 COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



OUTLINE OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



Geographical Distribution. The large mouthed black bass has 

 about the same natural geographical range as the small mouthed 

 species, and it is everywhere abundant excepting east of the Alle- 

 ghanies and west of the Rocky Mountains. Moreover, it is found 

 farther south than its congener, the small mouthed. 



Habitat. In contrast to the small mouthed, this species prefers 

 sluggish streams, muddy and weedy bottoms. In rivers which 

 empty into the ocean, it is quite at home in the brackish waters at 

 the mouths of the streams. 



Reproduction. Heavy adhesive eggs, from 5,000 to over 20,000, 

 depending upon the size of the fish. These are laid in nests guarded 

 by the male. The spawning season extends from April to July. It 

 has been reported that females of this species often lay more than one 

 nest of eggs in a single season. 



Food. Carnivorous; feeding on all aquatic animals of suitable 

 size. Prefers, however, crayfish, insects, and other Crustacea. 



Size. In New England the usual maximum size weighs about 10 

 pounds. In southern waters they often attain a much larger size. 

 One which was caught at Altoona, Florida, weighed 23J pounds, and 

 measured 37^ inches in length. 



Hibernation. Except in the southern limits of its distribution, 

 this fish is said to hibernate during the coldest part of the winter. 



BROOK TROUT. 



(Salvelinus jontinalis.) 

 Plate No. III. 



COMMISSIONER W. H. BOARDMAN. 



The question is often asked what results have been obtained from 

 stocking our streams with trout? Probably the majority of old 



