Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1925-07-08


-EW Of the beauty spots of
Europe surpass in charm and
n grandeur the Italian lakes to-
4 ward which the stream of sum-
mqr travellers is now taking it's
way. In ths region there is a won
derful combination Of air, sky, water,
mountains, and vegetation as we'll as
embellishments by works of man, both
ancient and modern. There are many
lakes located in the extreme northern
part of the country, some forming a
portion Of the boundary line between
Italy and Switzerland. The most
beautiful of these are Lake Como,
Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore.
Milan Is the convenient starting point
for a trip to these three lakes.
II is but a short journey by rail
from Milan to the shores of Lake
Como, considered by many to be the
most beautiful of all the lakes in
northern Italy. This was one of the
fayorte haunts of the old Romans,
and was known among them as Lacus
Larius but Is now the summer resi-
dence of the Milanese aristocracy. It
Is IS miles long, one to three miles
wide and situated among lofty noun
tans, some rearing their peaks 5000
feet above its placid waters.
The journey up the lake is one of
the most enjoyable scenic treats it is
possible to conceive. At one moment
It appears as a wide river, the banks
being lined with verdant slopes and
terraces for the growth of the vine
While at the next ii opens out as a
vast stretch of water. AS the boat
gdes swiftly onward, wonderful
elimpses are to be had of the snow.
white villas and grim turreted castles
peeping out of the forest and semi
tropical gardens. Another interest
Ing feature is the color of the foliage
as the shores are bordered with the
dull gray-green of the olive, while
little higher up is the brilliant green
OF the walnut and chestnut which
harmonizes so well with the deep-blue
Sky and placid waters. There are
many peuinsulas and promontories
jltJing out into the water, and on
these are quaint villages surrounded
by their gardens, palms and olive
groves.
Charming BelIagio.
On one of these stands Bellagio
as a jewel in the crown Of nature,
situated about half way up Lake Como
where the southern extremity of the
IaRe divides into two bodies of wa
Ter the other being called Lake Lee
CO. i Is a charming location and the
Town no less interesting for here are
Inc busy arcades, where the mer-
chants display their wares of local
industries. These consist principally
OF manufactured woodwork made into
maid boxes, picture frames, and
small articles Of various forms, and
SILKS made into blankets, scarfs, etc
several streets leading to the upper
portion of the town consist of ancient
stone steps lined on both sides with
SHOPS and homes of small industries
From Bellagio 1t is but few min
u'es by steamer to Menaggio and on
lNIs trip one sees for the last time
me sQuare-rigged sailing vessels and
ue peculiar characteristics of the
oarcas, or boats, which are made
seryIceable in all kinds of weather
Oy spreading canvas over hickory
tFches fastened on either side to the
bulwarks.
Menaggio is a quaint little town
oul the spirit of commercialism is
r"lher more apparent than at other
points. Here one takes a steam tram,
when winds up the side of the noun
'aIh. For a time the train follows
'ae banks Of wild and rushing noun
yoIn torrent which flows into Lake
como while later 1t descends on the
orlnH of a great gorge containing a
'"lilIar rushing stream, until PorlezzO,
Oh the shore of Lake Lugano. is
reached.
lhis lake is much smaller than
Lake Como, sixteen miles long and
TWO broad and differs very greatly
from the latter in scenery. Densely
wooded mountains dip precipitously
INTO its waters.
a noted change in vegetation oc-
SurS the moment the bay of Lugano
y entered; instead of the rough and
.ueged variety, 1t Is of rich and
u,IIlhg nature, varying with the
Oeighboring lakes.
flrst is noticed Lugano Paradise
.,eSulng at the foot of the slopes OF
nount Salvatore. and a little farther
~ me town of Lugano itself, which
: DELIGHTFULLY."- situated, enjoying a
very e0uabe climate, being mild In