NATURAL HISTORY, TORONTO REGION 
in spring in the inlets and streams falling into Lake | 
Ontario. The male of this species constructs a rather 
elaborate nest, of sand, pieces of sticks, weeds, etc., 
in which the female deposits her ova. When this 
is done the male stands guard over it, fanning with 
his fins to promote circulation of the water, only leav- 
ing his post to dart at an intruder or secure some 
small insect for food. 
ORDER ACANTHOPTERI. 
GROUP PERCOIDEA. (The Perch-like Fishes.) 
Crentrarcuipan. (The Sunfishes.) 
37. Speckled Bass. Calico Bass. Pomozis spar- 
oides (Lacépéde).—The Speckled Bass is found in 
Ashbridge’s Bay, Toronto Bay, and most of the ponds 
and sluggish streams near Toronto where there is an 
abundance of aquatic vegetation, under which it lies 
in wait for the insects, crustaceans and small fish 
upon which it feeds. It spawns in the early sum- 
mer, and is said to scoop out a nesting-place in the 
sand in the same manner as the Sunfishes and 
Black Bass. As a food and game fish it stands high 
in the estimation of anglers, though it is not a very 
persistent fighter. Being gregarious and congre- 
gating in schools, under overhanging weeds and such 
like places, it may be captured in great numbers 
when a favourite haunt is discovered. This species 
readily adapts itself to life in artificial ponds and is 
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