LUCERNE, LAKE OF (Ger. ricricaidshiticr Sec, 'Lake of the Four Forest A beautiful lake of Switzerland, and one of the most famous lakes in Europe. It is situated in the north-central )(art of the country, bordering on the cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, and Lucerne (Map: Switzerland, C Il has roughly the shape of a cross with irregular and winding arms. The altitude is 1435 feet; the, greatest depth 700 feet. The length of the main body, from the town of Lucerne in the northwest to FILielen in the southeast, is 23 miles, The average width is to 2 mile,. hut in several places it is reduced to a half of a mile or less by out jutting promontories which divide the lake into several basins. Of these basins the principal are the flay of Lucerne, forming the upper end of the cross, those of Alpnach and Kii.snacht, forming the Iwo elle:, a•m:, and the See, the Buochse• See, and the Lake of Uri, forming the divisions of the main body.
Each of these divisions is almost entirely shut off from the others so far as the view is con cerned, and each has its own characteristic ap pearance. The scenery in the lower (northern) part of the lake is strikingly picturesque as viewed from a steamer at the centre of the cross (the Ere ) . On one side towers the
gloomy peak of Mount Pilatus, while on the other is the bright, garden-covered mountain of Rigi. far-famed for its unsurpassed view. Be tween them is seen the steep, forest-covered slope of the Biirgenstock. The water in this part of the lake is a clear blue. The water assumes a deep green hue in the Lake of Uri, which is sur rounded by steep, rocky chill's. Through the lifts in these cliff, can be viewed the snow-clad peaks and glaciers in the distance. The lake is subject to sudden and dangerous winds. The shores of the Lake of Uri are associated with the mythical history of William Tell. On its banks, also. in a spot called Griitli (q.v.). men from I. Cuter wah.n• and Schwyz pledged themselves in 1307 to drive out their foreign oppressors, and thus paved the way for Swiss liberty. Along the eastern shore runs the Axenst•asse, celebrated as one of the most beautiful roads in existence. its construction in the solid rock is a marvel of engineering skill. The principal affluent is the Reuss. which enters at Fhhhelen and leave: the lake at Lucerne.