FISH PONDS ON FARMS. 23 
the black bass in the same waters, and the sunfishes and rock bass will 
continue nesting to some extent until the approach of cool weather 
in the fall. 
SPAWNING HABITS. 
Ordinarily ponds will require no special preparation for the 
spawning season. Some of the species choose the roots of water 
plants on which to spawn, while others seek out gravel spots and 
find them, however much they may be hidden by deposits of mud. 
Catfish burrow into embankments and under rocks and logs, and it 
is well to provide substitutes for such shelters where this species is 
being propagated, for which purpose heavy planks weighted to the 
kottom of the pond will be suitable and will offer the least impedi- 
ment to seining operations later on. 
With the right material at hand the male will prepare the nest to 
his precise taste and after its completion will seek a partner. There 
are many ups and downs in the domestic life of fishes, especially in 
the case of such pugnacious species as the black basses. The battles 
of the males for favorite females are liable to cause injuries result- 
ing in death; or after being won, a consort may prove not sufficiently 
advanced in maturity, in which case the fish separate and the male 
continues his search for a more congenial mate. 
Actual spawning will extend over several hours, the eggs being 
emitted and fertilized at varying intervals. 
All the eggs carried by a female may not be ripe at one time, and 
the male will repeatedly seek new mates until the nest has been 
stocked to his satisfaction, driving each companion away when she 
ceases to perform the function for which she was obtained. The eggs 
are adhesive, and attach themselves to gravel, roots, or other material 
on the beds. The male remains on the nest during the entire period 
of incubation, fanning the eggs clean of sediment with a gentle 
motion of his fins and watchfully guarding against the encroach- 
ment of other fishes on his domain. He is the personification of 
valor at this time, and all other creatures in the pond apparently 
have the greatest respect for him. Nothing but the loss or death 
of the eggs from low temperatures, heavy deposits of sediment, or 
other adverse conditions will cause him to abandon his nest. Not- 
withstanding their ferocity, black bass will nest in close proximity 
to one another and attend to their respective parental duties in entire 
amity, whereas the approach of a strange fish will be resented. 
Sunfish are decidedly gregarious during the spawning season and 
will locate their nests very closely together. With them all is har- 
mony, the sole thought of each appearing to be centered upon his 
own particular business. 
