POND-CULTUEE OF BLACK BASS 9 



Concrete is the best material for dams across 

 a stream, but whether built of concrete, timber 

 or masonry, the lower face should not be per- 

 pendicular, especially if the stream is large or 

 its volume frequently changes, for if it is the 

 falling water will rapidly wash a big pool at 

 the base of the dam and is apt to cut under the 

 foundation. To ensure permanency the lower 

 face of the dam should be sloped, either un- 

 brokenly or in a slightly reversed curve from 

 the crown. The curved construction is the 

 most approved form to prevent pool formation 

 and undermining. 



Construction of Ponds. — ^Ponds for black 

 bass may be dug below the surface of the ground 

 or built above it to accommodate the pitch of 

 the land, the fancy of the owner, or the reputa- 

 tion of the supplying stream for flooding. If 

 the land is flat, and the water to be introduced 

 by means of a dam across the stream, naturally 

 the ponds will be dug below the surface, and 

 perhaps in addition will need sides built up for 

 some distance ab6ve. If the land has a decided 

 pitch, then the natural course will be to build 

 the ponds entirely or almost entirely above the 



