108 NEW? YORK ZOOLOGICAL SO Clie 
the rod is the main object, this is probably the fish to introduce. 
Its weight sometimes exceeds six pounds—two and a half being 
the average. Unlike the large-mouthed bass, it hibernates in 
winter. It requires gravel bottom for spawning. 
Under the best conditions, with a good food supply and con- 
siderable area and depth of water either species of black bass 
may increase in size at the rate of about a pound a year. In 
lakes of several acres in extent they will do better than in small 
ponds. 
Both species may often be taken with the trolling spoon when 
other lures fail. 
The black bass spawn from March to June according to the 
climate. Their cannibalistic tendencies are strong, and the small 
fishes should be kept separate from the large ones. 
Rock Bass or Red Eye, (Ambloplites rupestris). Next to the 
black bass this is one of the most satisfactory species to cultivate, 
especially in spring-fed ponds. Its natural range has been greatly 
increased by artificial introduction. 
The rock bass increase rapidly and a pond of several acres 
properly stocked will soon fill up with them. It is an excellent 
food-fish, reaching, it is said, a weight of two pounds in some 
waters, but in most ponds a quarter of a pound would be nearer 
the average. The rock bass is one of the easiest fishes to catch, 
readily taking worms, pieces of fish, grasshoppers, and other baits. 
It will also take the artificial fly or small spoon either in casting 
or trolling and is a vigorous fighter on the line. It builds and 
guards its nest like the small-mouthed black bass, and in the 
pond may be provided for in the same way. 
Yellow Perch, (Perca flavescens). If the pond is to be stocked 
with yellow perch there will be “something doing,” since it is a 
remarkably prolific species, likely to take care of itself and reaches 
a good size. It is an ideal pond-fish, readily caught and good to 
eat. It has been introduced everywhere, ard is therefore the 
most easily procurable fish for stocking. Although its weight 
in New York State sometimes exceeds three pounds, the average 
of those taken in ponds is not much more than half a pound. 
Its flavor is best in spring and fall. In summer it should be 
skinned to avoid any muddy flavor, but with this fish, skinning 
is no more difficult than scaling. The largest fishes are to be 
found in the deepest water. The usual run of fish baits are 
effective in fishing for it, and it may be taken with the artificial 
fly or by trolling with spoon or minnow. 
The yellow perch lays its eggs in masses in shallow water as 
