HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 55 



hearted manner, while the mild weather lasts ; but, on the 

 approacli of a cold snap they again retire to the deepest 

 water. When the temperature rises above 50° — say to 55° — 

 and does not fall below again, they leave their winter quar- 

 ters for that season. 



From personal observation I am pretty familiar with the 

 habits of both species of Black Bass, at all seasons of the 

 year, in all of the states east of the Mississippi (except 

 the I^ew England States), and I am convinced that, with 

 the exception of those in the Gulf States, both species of 

 Black Bass hibernate in a greater or less degree, according 

 to the temperature of the waters. 



