HABITS OF THE BLACK BASS. 55 



hearted manner, while the ,mild weather lasts ; but, on the 

 approach of a cold snap they again retire to the deepest 

 water. When the temperature rises above 50 say to 55 

 and does not fall below again, they leave their winter quar- 

 ters for that season. 



From personal observation I am pretty familiar with the 

 habits of both species of Black Bass, at all seasons of the 

 year, in all of the states east of the Mississippi (except 

 the New England States), and I am convinced that, with 

 the exception of those in the Gulf States, both species of 

 Black Bass hibernate in a greater or less degree, according 

 to the temperature of the waters. 



