“ These canals are navigated annually by thousands of vessels and rafts. The lake is also connected by water with the White Sea, and is ice-free on the average for 191 days in the year, from May to October, The most interesting of its numerous islets are Valaam and Konevetz, both occupied by monasteries, the former being among the most popular places of pilgrimage in Russia. The chief towns on the lake are the famous fortress of Schlüsselburg, at the entrance to the Neva and Novaya Ladoga, at the mouth of the Volkhov. ”