78 



THE SMALL-MOUTHED BASS 



A general relation connecting the three quantities L, 

 G, W, may be constructed empirically by assuming that 



W = KG-L 

 which is in accordance with the ordinary laws of symmetry. 



As a matter of curiosity I computed the value of K from 

 a large number of observations extending over manv years, 

 and found it to be given approximately by the fraction /g. 



Consequently one may, with small error, obtain the 

 weight of any small-mouthed bass by measuring the length 

 and girth, and then using the above law. 



Mitlti'l^'ly the length in inches by the square of the qirth i)i 

 i)tchc^ aiul divide the result by 55. This will give the weight i)i 

 ounces avoirdu [>ois. 



For this one needs only a small tape line or measuring rod. 



This formula holds fairly well for bass which weigh three 

 pounds or less: the probable error being not more than one 

 ounce; but whenever fish weigh much over three pounds 

 the error becomes \er\ great. 



Bull Frog 



