Constance, Lake

Lake, a fine body of water on the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Length, 40 miles; width, 9 miles; greatest depth, 912 feet; altitude, 1,385 feet. The Rhine flows through the lake from southeast to northwest. The waters of the lake are of a beautiful pale green hue, and are well stocked with fish. The waters are subject to a sudden rise due to some underground cause. In 1770 a rise of twenty feet inside of an hour is on record. Commodious steamers ply on the lake. As the lake is neutral, passengers crossing it from one country to another are liable to have to go through the formality of having their baggage examined. Of the numerous towns on its shores, the old town of Constance, situated at its outlet, is most noted.