LADOGA, a lake in Russia, the largest in Europe, lies between the governments of Viborg on the N. and W., Petersburg on the S., and Olonetz on the E. Its greatest length is about 130 miles, breadth above 70. The coast is generally low, much indented, and abounding in dangerous reefs. The depth in some places reaches about 150 fathoms, in others it is insufficient for safe navigation. Storms are frequent, and the influx of many considerable streams produces strong currents. The chief rivers entering the lake are the Swir (or Sver) from the E., bearing the waters of Lake Onega; the Volkhoff on the S.; those of Lake Ilmen and the Saima on the N., draining the reticulation of waters of that name. It empties itself on the S.W., by the Neva, into the Gulf of Finland. There are numerous islands scattered along the north-western shore, several of them inhabited. The principal towns on the coast are Kexholm, Schlusselburg, and Novaia Ladoga. A canal executed in the reign of Peter the Great connects the two latter, forming a direct communication between the Neva and Volkhoff.