3-038-988 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lake in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris, (sketch by balloon post), 1871. Franco-Prussian War. 'The destruction of those beautiful groves in the Bois de Boulogne and other public pleasure-grounds, which have been cut down, either to clear the space, for military reasons, in front of the ramparts, or to provide fuel for the distressed townsfolk, was mentioned in our last [issue]. We give [an Illustration] of the scenes of havoc and devastation now to be found in what till recently was the most delightful promenade belonging to any city in Europe. The Bois de Boulogne cannot for many years to come, even though wealth and fashion return to Paris, be restored to its former condition...The extent of the Bois de Boulogne is above 2000 acres, more than five times as large as Regent's Park; nearly half was a wood, the whole place having been a wild forest till 1852; a quarter of it was laid out in grass, one eighth in roads, and seventy acres covered with water for the lakes, streams, and cascades. It was constructed by the Government of Napoleon III. in concert with the municipality of Paris'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.