POND-CULTURE OF BLACK BASS 11 



first is an area at the outlet end of the pond 

 deeper than the shelf and intended as the winter 

 quarters of the bass. The second is the area in 

 which the bass spawn and spend the greater 

 part of the year, and is the shoalest part of the 

 pond, as well as of the greatest extent. 



Some culturists prefer to construct a bottom 

 which slopes gradually downward from the 

 upper or inlet end to the lower or outlet. Un- 

 questionably fish seem to do as well in a pond 

 of this character, and it does not necessarily 

 mean a loss of the spawning area. Bass often 

 build their nests in from six to eight feet of 

 water, although in such instances it is usually 

 late in the season. Ponds with a sloping bot- 

 tom throughout are not nearly as easily handled 

 and cared for as those in which the water over 

 the spawning shelf is approximately of even 

 depth. One desirable feature is the greater 

 ease with which the action and progress of the 

 fish may be watched during the spawning 

 period, or at any other time. Close observation 

 of bass is essential during the height of the 

 spawning season. At times there will be fresh- 

 ly laid eggs, eyed eggs, eggs just hatched, fry 



