COMO, LAKE. (It. Logo di Como, or it Loth), Ger. Comer See, anc. Locus Lurius, praised by ergil (Georg. II., 159). The most beautiful and celebrated of the Italian lakes. situated in Lom bardy, at the Western foot of the Bergantese Alps, 30 miles north of Milan (Map; Italy, D 2). Its elevation is 650 feet ; its area. about (10 square miles: its greatest length, 30 miles; its greatest width, not quite 3 miles: and its great est depth, 1340 feet. The southern part divides, at Bellaggio, into two arms—the eastern called Lake Lecco, the western retaining the name Lake Como, and having the city of Como (q.v.) at its extremity. Between these two arms lies the fruitful district of Brianza. The river Adda enters the northern end of the lake, and leaves at the southeastern extremity, near the charm ing town of Lecco. The beauty of Lake Como, with its rich shifting, marvelous colors, and its picturesque (7000 feet). clothed with the vivid green of the chestnut, varied with the delicate gray of the olive. has long been extolled.
The cypress, aloe, laurel, myrtle, and oleander add their effects to the luxuriant landscapes which are embellished by numberless costly villas, with gardens, terraces, and vineyards. of distinguished or wealthy families that have been attracted from many countries by the delightful region and the indulgent climate. The lake is especially the resort of the Milanese aristocracy. A number of the villas. possessing worthy art collection; (including particularly several fine examples of Thorwaldsen and Canova), are opened regularly to visitors. The most attractive towns on the lake are Cernobbio, Tremezzo, Cade nahbia. Menaggio. Bellano, and Bellaggio, the loveliest point on the lake. The steamboat ser vice is excellent. The industrious inhabitants along the shores are chiefly engaged in silk pro duction and manufacturing. Fish are plentiful and of many varieties. The artistic articles made of olive wood and offered to the tourist at are well known.