Superior

(Lake,) the largest and most westerly of the great chain of N. American lakes, is of a nearly triangular form, and extends bet. N. Lat. 46° 30′-495, and W. Lon. 85°-92° 20′. Length, 360 m.; average breadth, 80 m.; estim. area, 28,600 sq. m. The St. Louis, at its S.W. extremity, is the only considerable one among the numerous streams which empty into its waters. Its mean depth is abt. 900ft., and its surface stands at abt. 640ft. above the level of the Atlantic. Of its many large and umbrageous islands, the principal one is Isle Royal. Lake S. discharges its surplus waters by the St. Mary's River into lakes Michigan and Huron. Its coasts are bold and rocky, and exceptionally rich in minerals; copper, lead, and hematite being mined in vast quantities in the regions on its S.W. or American side. [s. 868]