CHAMPLAIN, Lake, a body of water chiefly in the United States, between the States of New York and Vermont, but having its northern end six miles within the Canadian boundary, in the province of Quebec. Its ex treme length, north to south, is about 125 miles; breadth, from half a mile to 15 miles; area, about 600 square miles. It is 90 feet above the level of the sea. It was discovered in 1609 by Samuel Champlain, governor of Canada, whence its name. It is navigated by steamboats and other vessels, and is deep enough for ships of the largest class. Its waters are carried north ward to the Saint Lawrence by the river Riche lieu or Sorel, which, in conjunction with the Chambly Canal, affords navigation for large vessels, and forms a well-frequented line of communication. The south end of the lake is connected by a canal with the Hudson River, Lake Champlain thus affording water com munication between the Saint Lawrence a few miles below Montreal and the Atlantic at New York. Upwards of SO islands are scattered
over its surface; and it receives numerous streams, none of which are very important. The scenery along its sides is picturesque. The Green Mountain Range lies about 20 miles east of the lake; on the west are the Adirondacks. It abounds in salmon, shad, pike and other fish; in winter it is usually frozen over. The chief port on its banks is Burlington, Vt. The other towns of importance are Rouses Point, Platts burg, Port Henry, Crown Point and Whitehall in New York. During the wars between the United States and Great Britain, this body of water was the scene of numerous military op erations.
The Champlain Society, whose headquarters are at Toronto, has published important his torical writings dealing with the history of New France. In July 1909 a• celebration was held in honor of the tercentenary of the dis covery of Lake Champlain which was partici pated in by many nations.