XIII 



LAKE AND RIVER IN WINTER. FEBRUARY 

 AND MARCH 



Although in winter no such abundance of life is seen 

 about us and in lakes and rivers as we found in the sum- 

 mer time, nevertheless there is plenty for our study and 

 amusement. We can see fish swim under the ice, water 

 plants cover the bottom, and aquatic insects are occasion- 

 ally observed. Frogs and turtles have concealed them- 

 selves in the mud, and muskrats have retired to their 

 domes, which we can now examine at our leisure. Many 

 fishes can be caught through the ice, while others are sel- 

 dom, if ever, seen during winter. 



The next three paragraphs can as well be taken up during 

 spring, summer, or fall ; they are placed here on account of 

 probable lack of time during the three seasons mentioned. 



76. The Common Sunfish, Pumpkin Seed. Eupomotis gib- 

 bosus. 



MATERIAL : A live sunfish in some convenient vessel ; a freshly 

 killed specimen or one preserved in alcohol. Of the latter the color 

 must be carefully noted before the fish is put into alcohol, because 

 alcohol changes the color of plants and animals. A few large min- 

 nows illustrate the structure of the fish almost as well. If the descrip- 

 tion given does not fit your sunfish, suit your description to your fish. 

 Outdoor observations. 



Observations. How streams and all running water cut into the ground, 

 bowlders of different colors, texture, and size; the rocks exposed in your 

 vicinity, waterfalls, hard and soft coal. 



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