Lake Anc Garda. Benacus Lacus, the largest of the Italian lakes, between the provinces of Brescia and Verona, and projecting at its N. and narrowest part into the Tyrol. It is 33 m. long from N. to S., from 3 to 11 m. broad, and 226 ft. above the sea; area about 150 sq. m. The Sarca and several smaller streams discharge themselves into it from the north; the Mincio flows from its S. E. extremity. The lake is about 1,000 ft. deep in many places, the water is very pure, and it is noted for its fish, especially salmon trout and sardines, the latter being an important article of commerce. The surrounding hills are planted with vines, olives, and fig trees, and several handsome villages overlook the lake, among them Garda, Salo, and Maderno. The Tyrolese town of Riva is at the N. W., and the Italian fortress of Peschiera at the S. E. extremity.