LAKE CONSTANCE 



of its little-frequented shores. The wintry sun 

 shines bright and brings a sparkle to the snow- 

 clad heights ; but at other seasons there are 

 storms, and great tumbling billows agitate the 

 usually placid bosom of the lake. The lake 

 washes the feet of no less than five separate States 

 Austria, Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Baden, and 

 Switzerland. Always it should be approached 

 from the north. Otherwise, arriving let us say 

 from the Oberland, you are apt to think the 

 scenery tame ; but coming down from the north 

 and rejoicing in its crystal floor, its wide horizons, 

 the huge wall of its sun-warmed, air-bathed 

 distant mountains, it will seem to you, not 

 threatening, not oppressive, but a very land of 

 poetry and dream. 



One of these royal residences is the Castle of 

 Mainau, which for the last fifty years has 

 belonged to the Grand Dukes of Baden. It 

 stands on an island some two miles in circum- 

 ference rising gently from the water to a height 

 of ninety feet, descending again abruptly to the 

 lake. The castle crowns the top of this hill. 

 Avenues of old limes throw fragrance over the 

 path to the gardens which immediately surround 

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