2-798-646 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Mat de Cocagne, 1845. Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. '...the struggle for prizes is carried on by means of a high pole fixed in the Champs Elysees, and the prizes, which generally consist of a watch and some articles of jewellery, are placed at the top of the pole. The pole is well soaped or greased, particularly near the top, so that it is a very difficult matter to attain the summit. Some of the cunning competitors fill their pockets with sand to neutralise the effects of the grease. Sometimes one man mounts on another's shoulders, and they thus render each other mutual assistance to gain the summit; but the moment a slip takes place, it is impossible to maintain a hold of the pole, and down comes the competitor amidst the jeers of the multitude'. It is only by dint of perseverance...that the greasy substance wears off, and the summit is gained'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.