Onega,

Onega, LAKE, in the north of Russia, after Ladoga, to the north-east of which it lies, the largest lake in Europe, is 50 miles in greatest breadth, 146 miles in length, and 1000 feet in depth in parts. Area, 3764 sq. m. It is fed by numerous rivers; but its only outlet is the river Swir, which flows south-west into Lake Ladoga. The northern end is studded with islands and deeply indented with bays. The shores in other parts are flat and low and regular. Although the water is ice-bound generally for 156 days in the year, the lake is the scene of busy traffic at other seasons. Communication is promoted by a canal cut parallel to the southern shore. Fish abound. Mirages are frequent at times. Surveys were completed in 1890 for a canal to connect Lake Onega with the White Sea; it will be 145 miles long, 10 feet deep, and 63 wide, and is expected to cost only £800,000, the greater part of the distance being along natural waterways.