The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, and the second largest lake in the world. It is the most westerly and most elevated of the North American chain of lakes. It washes the shores of the state of Minnesota on the west, those of Wisconsin and the northern peninsula of Michigan on the south, and those of Canada in all other directions. Its greatest length is 420 miles, greatest breadth 160 miles; circuit about 1750 miles; area about 32,000 square miles (or the same as that of Ireland). It is 630 feet above sea-level, and varies in depth from 80 to 200 fathoms. In shape it forms an irregular crescent, dotted with numerous islands towards its northern and southern sides. The northern shore consists of cliffs varying in height from 300 to 1500 feet, but the southern shore is low and sandy, although occasionally interrupted by cliffs, amongst which are the fantastic Pictured Rocks, 300 feet high, one of the greatest natural curiosities of the United States. The waters of the lake are remarkable for their transparency, and are well stocked with fish, principally trout and white-fish. The lake receives many streams, but none of much size. The outlet is at the south-east, by St Mary's River.
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