1Î8                     LAKE GEORGE.
About 80 rods farther south, on a commanding etni-
ence, are situated the vestiges of old
Fort George. This fort, though not distin-
guished by any event of importance, yet in connec-
tion with the history of Lake George, imparts an in-
terest which a stranger will readily .embrace in a
visit to its mouldering ruins. A part of the walls,
which were originally built of stone, are still visble,
from 30 to 40 feet in height. This fort was the de-
pot for the stores of General Burgoyne, for some
time during the revolutionary war.
The steam-boat Mountaineer has usually perform-
ed a trip on Lake George three times a week, in
such a manner as to interesect the boats running on
Lake Champlain ; but I understand her proprietor
designs running her daily hereafter, during the fash-
ionable season—leaving Caldwell in the morning,
and returning at evening. The length of the hake,
on which the boat runs, is 36 miles—fare $2. From
the steam-boat landing to Ticondéroga is a distance
of 3 miles; for which a conveyance is provided, go-
ing and returning, for 50 cents each way. Refresh-
ments are provided at Pierce's tavern, half a mile
from the landing, after whirh parties usually proceed
to the Fort, and return to Pierce's the same evening,
from whence they may take the boat on its return
the next day to Caldwell.
The Passage of Lake George cannot fail to
impart a great degree of interest, even to the most
indifferent observer. The lake is interspersed with
a great variety of islands, some of which are very
small, but yet serve the purpose of diversifying the
prospect. The -mooth, green surface of the water
is strikingly contrasted with the bold and rugged
shores of the lake, which vary their distance from
3-4 of a mile to 4 miles in width, and occasionally