POND-CULTURE OF BLACK BASS 15 



the convenience of handling, and the number of 

 fish to be placed therein. 



Again, it is emphasised on general principles 

 that the smaller the number of advanced fry; 

 placed in a rearing-pond, the greater will be 

 the percentage when the period arrives for their 

 distribution. A pond of less than 30 by 20 feet 

 ought not to be considered for a moment, since 

 it would hardly rear 2,000 fish to be two months 

 old, probably much less. About 2500 square 

 feet, carrying approximately 20,000 advanced 

 fry to the age of thirty days, or the fingerling 

 stage, may be considered as a minimum. 



The depth of water in the fry-pond is an im- 

 portant consideration. Young bass being rapid 

 growers during the first few months, in order 

 that they may develop freely and quickly 

 should have the highest temperature of water 

 naturally obtainable, so long as it does not ex- 

 ceed 85 degrees. It is for this reason that fry 

 ponds for bass are seldom more than two feet 

 deep, with a minimum of 12 inches, and with 

 a kettle at the lower end to facilitate the use of 

 a net when the water is drained off to take out 

 the fish. 



