7/Ji,
nearly to divide it into two equal parts, the
distance from the boat-house to the nearest
landing-place on the other side being not
more than half a mile. The lowest part of
the lake, between Annecy and Duing, is
about seven miles in length, and ranges
N.N.E. to S.S.W.; but the upper part,
after passing the island, ranges due south.
The lake is surrounded by steep calcareous
mountains, which approach very close to
it, except on the north, near Annecy,
where they recede, and form an extensive
plain. On the southern extremity, beyond
Duing, there is a marshy flat or plain, where
the land is gaining upon the lake. The
water has once evidently filled up the whole
of the valley, from the present borders to
the feet of the mountains. On the western
side also, along which the road passes from
Annecy, there are several large meadows,
which appear to have been gained from the
lake, at no very remote period.
In shape and length the Lake of Annecy
may be compared to Ulswater, but it is
much broader. There is also a greater
resemblance between the scenery at the
south end of this lake and that of Ulswater
toward Paterdale, than in any other
lakes I have seen on the continent.
There is no very considerable river running
into the lake. The largest is La Rivière
Morte, so called, I suppose, from its
broad stony bed, which is nearly dry, except
in rainy seasons, when the waters
unite and form a mighty torrent. It rises
beyond Faverge, and enters the lake at the
southern end.
There are also numerous rivulets and
cascades, descending from the mountain
valleys, that decline to the lake. These,
when the snow is thawing in the surrounding
mountains, become considerable
streams.
The mountains on the eastern side present
their escarpements, which are neaily
perpendicular, to the lake. Those on the
western side are stratified, and slope down
to it at a very steep angle ; their summits
are nearly bare, but the feet of these mountains
are covered with magnificent forest
trees, intermixed with cultivated fields. The
banks of the lake are richly adorned with
large walnut and chesnut trees, and there are
several small villages, ancient castles, and
farm houses scattered round it, particulaily
on the western side. On the eastern side
the steep escarpements, sometimes project-
D 4
% II