LUGANO, Lake of (Lacus Ceresius), a long, narrow sheet of water, lying between Lakes Como and Maggiore, and situate mostly within the Swiss canton of Tessin. It is of a very irregular form, the N.E. portion of it projecting into Lombardy, while from its other extremity a long narrow arm extends northward, forming the boundary between Switzerland and Lombardy. The length of the lake from N.E. to S.W. is about 16 miles, and its average breadth does not exceed 2 miles. It receives numerous tributaries, and discharges its surplus waters by means of the Tresa into Lake Maggiore. The scenery is very striking, the lake being almost surrounded by lofty mountains, overhanging woods, and bold, abrupt precipices. In some parts, however, its banks slope gently to the water's edge, and are covered with villages, gardens, vineyards, &c. Abundance of excellent fish is caught here.