320 Proceedings of Indiana Academy of Science 



It has been determined that more than one female lays in a single 

 nest, that is the relation between sexes is regarded as "promiscuous 

 polygamy." From counts of eggs in the ovaries and the number of eggs 

 sometimes found in nests, it is concluded that more than one female may 

 lay eggs in a single nest. Repeated observations show that as soon as 

 one brood leaves the nest, other females deposit their eggs in the empty 

 nest. 



It was estimated that there were 18,467 egg-laying females in 

 Eagle Lake in 1923, this estimate being taken from the average num- 

 ber of eggs and the total number of young hatched. With an equal 

 ratio there should be about an equal number of males. It is thought 

 that a larger percentage of the males are non-functional since there 

 were only 2,400 nests and probably 18,000 mature males. 



Some of the serious enemies of the young bluegills are the illegal 

 fishermen; also many carnivorous forms as young bass, darters and 

 turtles. The spawning carp is another menace. 



