Averno

(a-vair'no,) (LAKE OF.) [L. Avernus, without a bird.] A famous lake of Italy, 10 m. W. of Naples, near the Bay of Baiæ. It occupies the crater of an extinct volcano, about half a mile in diameter, is very deep, and has no outlet. It was anciently surrounded by dense forests, and so unhealthy, that it was believed no bird could fly over it without being destroyed (whence its name). Its banks are now occupied by gardens and vineyards. The ancients made it the entrance of hell, by which Uly es and Æneas descended into the lower regions. [s. 64]