XXIX. 



ON THE SHORES OF CAYUGA. 



The fair sheet of water that bears the poetic name of 

 Cayuga, contributes its full share toward the variety and 

 charm of the scenery surrounding Ithaca. One of the 

 great chain of lakes that form so striking a feature of 

 the geography of Central New York, Seneca Lake 

 alone ventures to dispute its title to the crown of 

 the series. For thirty-eight miles does the lake wind its 

 way northward from Ithaca to Cayuga Bridge, varying 

 in width from a little over one mile to nearly four, and 

 in some places attaining a depth of some four hundred 

 feet. The scenery along its shores is varied and inter- ! 



esting. In one place perpendicular cliffs rise abruptly 

 from the very edge of the lake. Again, smooth hills 

 slope back in graceful undulations, adorned with pleas- 

 ant country homes. At frequent intervals streams of 

 greater or less size flow in, usually falling over several 

 pretty cascades just at the lake's brink. Summer hotels 

 and private cottages seem to line the banks. The Cayu- 

 ga lake boats leave Ithaca at 7 a. m., reach Cayuga 

 Bridge about 10:30 to connect with the train on the 

 New York Central Railroad, and returning, reach Itha- 

 ca at three in the afternoon. To one in search of a day of 

 quiet enjoyment, nothing could be suggested in every- 

 way more satisfactory than this trip on a pleasant sum- 

 mer day. No matter how warm the day, the lake is al- 

 ways cool. The dark blue water, clear and pure, wells 



