Onega
LAKE, in the N. of Russia, after Ladoga, to the N. E. of which it lies, the largest lake in Europe; 50 miles in greatest breadth, 146 miles in length, and 1,000 feet in depth in parts; area 3,764 square miles. It is fed by numerous rivers; but its only outlet is the river Swir, which flows S. W. into Lake Ladoga. The N. end is studded with islands and deeply indented with bays. The shores in other parts are flat and low and regular. Though the water is ice bound generally for 156 days in the year, the lake is the scene of busy traffic in other seasons. Communication is promoted by a canal cut parallel to the S. shore. Fish abound. Mirages are fre quent at times. Surveys were completed in 1890 for a canal 145 miles long to connect Lake Onega with the White Sea.