a lake of Sweden, stretching westward from the Baltic, and lying between the laens of Westerås, Upsala, Nyköping, and Stockholm. Unlike most other lakes, it is made up of a number of smaller lakes united by channels, so that, although its length is about 78 miles, and its average breadth 12, there is scarcely throughout this whole extent a sheet of water of a mile square. It is studded with islands to the number of about 1300; and it sends a great many branches into the land, all of which are navigable. The level of the water is nearly the same as that of the Baltic, and numerous steamers ply upon it to and from Stockholm, which is situate at the eastern extremity on both sides of the lake. The convenience of such a sheet of water for navigation is very great, and its advantages have been further increased by the Södertelge and Strömsholms canals. The former of these is about two miles long, and opens up the communication with the Baltic; while the latter extends from the western end of the lake, for 50 miles into the interior, in a northerly direction, and terminates in the region of the mines in the Lake of Barken. The scenery of the banks is very beautiful, and there are many villas and country seats belonging to the inhabitants of Stockholm.