Lake is separated from two
other nearby Finger Lakes, Otisco and Owasco, by ridges some 600 feet above the
waters, affording magnificent prospects on both sides. Much of the highland
terrain is forested, with several large public preserves. Once more cultivated,
this region was known for the teasel industry until 1930. Teasels were employed
commercially by woolen mills to raise the nap on the material. Although some
dairy farms remain in the highlands, occasionally remaining in the same family
after many generations, much of the land no longer serves agriculture. There is
some experimention with introduction of vineyards, which have proved so
successful on the more western Finger Lakes. Skaneateles Lake, however, at
elevation 863 feet, may offer a less salubrious microclimate than larger,
deeper and lower lakes, like Cayuga Lake, at elevation 382 feet
