VERSAILLES GALLERY, VERSAILLES, FRANCE.--The French Revolution,
more commonly termed the "Reign of Terror," is perhaps unparalleled
in the history of civilized countries. Hundreds of citizens were
guillotined, and when that process proved too slow, they were shot
down by platoon-fire. The picture represents a prison scene crowded
with "suspects." The officer to the right, with a list of condemned
criminals, calls out the names of those to be put to death, each
one fearing that his or her name will be next called to join the
procession to the guillotine on the Place de la Concorde. The photograph
presents a view of the last victims of that terrible war.]
[Illustration: NAPOLEON AT AUSTERLITZ (BY VERNET), VERSAILLES GALLERY,
VERSAILLES, FRANCE.--The conqueror here views the progress of the
battle between the French troops, numbering 90,000 men, and the
allied forces of fully 80,000. Napoleon, on his white horse, receives
reports from his generals in the field, while with his field-glass
he watches the advancing columns of both sides. This decisive battle
was witnessed by three Emperors, those of France, Russia and Austria,
and resulted in a glorious victory for Napoleon and the French. A
treaty of peace followed between France and Austria; but it was
of short duration, for the dangerous ambition of Napoleon could
not fail to force all European nations into alliance.]
[Illustration: NAPOLEON (BY GOSSE), VERSAILLES GALLERY, VERSAILLES,
FRANCE.--The above represents the "Little Corporal" on July 7,
1807, at Tilsit, a commercial town of Eastern Prussia, ratifying
the treaty with Russia and Prussia. Russia needed rest, and Napoleon
was not sorry to pause. It was the highest point of the Emperor's
renown. His hand was felt throughout all Europe; it seemed as if
England alone were beyond his power.]
[Illustration: ROYAL PALACE, FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE.--This palace,
situated on the south-west side of the town, is said to occupy
the site of a former fortified chateau, founded in 1162. It was
Francis I., however, who converted the mediæval fortress into a
palace of almost unparalleled extent and magnificence. The exterior
is less imposing than that of some other contemporaneous edifices,
as the building, with the exception of several pavilions, is only
two stories in height. It was a favorite residence of Napoleon.]
[Illustration: THRONE ROOM, FONTAINELEAU PALACE, FRANCE.--This
magnificent hall, with a ceiling in relief, containing a chandelier
in rock-crystal, and wainscoated in the reign of Louis XIV., is
perhaps the most sumptuous apartment of the palace. From here Napoleon
almost ruled the world. The canopy of the throne rises by graceful
folds to the rim of the high crown. The bees and the letter "N"
on the chair, and on either side of the throne, are symbolic of
Napoleon. It was in this same room where the Emperor declared his
divorce from Josephine.]
[Illustration: APARTMENT OF TAPESTRIES, FONTAINEBLEAU PALACE,
FRANCE.--This room is embellished with tapestry from Flanders,
woven into the myth of Psyche. The ceiling is in relief, the
old-fashioned mantel-piece dating back to the sixteenth century,
while the vases and clock are the finest Sevres ware. The table in
the centre is the same one on which Napoleon signed his abdication
before taking his parting leave from his old Guard on the 20th of
April, 1814, to go into exile at Elba. The floor of inlaid polished
wood has been much worn by the feet of travelers passing through
the palace daily.]
[Illustration: APARTMENT OF MME. DE MAINTENON, FONTAINEBLEAU PALACE,
FRANCE.--Madame de Maintenon was the second wife of Louis XIV.,
although no written proof of such a marriage is extant; but, that
it took place, is nevertheless certain. As a wife, she was wholly
admirable; she had to entertain a man that would not be amused,
and was obliged to submit to a terribly strict court etiquette
of absolute obedience to the King's inclinations. This she always
did cheerfully, and never complained of weariness or illness. Her
apartments still appear as they did when occupied by her.]
[Illustration: NICE, FRANCE.--Superbly situated on the shores of
the Mediterranean is the City of Nice. In winter it is the rendezvous
of invalids and others from all parts of Europe, who seek refuge
here from the bleak and vigorous atmosphere of the North. The season
begins with the races early in January, and closes with a great
regatta at the beginning of April; but visitors abound from October
until May. In summer the place is deserted.]
[Illustration: MONACO.--This principality of Europe, French in
language, but Italian in tradition, is located in the southern part
of France, on the Mediterranean Sea. Its area is six square miles,
and consists principally of the town of Monaco and its suburbs,
which stand on a high promontory. Monaco has a fine palace, a new
cathedral, a college, a noted casino, where gambling is licensed to
pay with its profits the state expenses; it has also manufactories
of spirits, fine pottery, bricks, perfumery, and objects of myth.
The principality is now virtually under French control.]
[Illustration: MONTE CARLO, FRANCE.--This place is a health-resort
in winter and a sea-bathing place in summer; but the chief attraction
to many is the "tapis vert" at the Casino. Monte Carlo belongs
politically to the diminutive principality of Monaco; the former,
as seen in the picture, is picturesquely situated on a small level
at the foot of a high range of mountains, skirting the Mediterranean.
The building to the left with turrets is the Casino. The population
of the place is almost entirely transient.]
[Illustration: GAMING HALL, MONTE CARLO, FRANCE.--Every portion of
the interior of the Casino, of which the gaming-rooms are a part,
is luxuriously fitted up. The ceilings are elaborately frescoed,
while the walls and niches are adorned with works of art. Admission
to the above room is obtained free upon presentation of a visiting
card at the office. The games in progress from 11 A. M. until 11
P. M., are generally roulette, and patronized by men and women of
all ages and from all countries. For the student of human nature,
the gambling halls present an excellent opportunity to study mankind.]
[Illustration: MADRID, SPAIN.-General view. This city is finely
situated on a wide plain of the Guadalquivir. It contains an abundance
of wealth and power, and is famous for its oranges and women. The
city is very old, its history dating back as far as 600. It is
noted for being the birthplace of many distinguished Spaniards.
Magellan, the famous navigator, sailed from here in 1519, to discover
Magellan Strait. The winter season is very mild and pleasant, and
there is not a day in the whole year in which the sun does not
shine.]
[Illustration: SEVILLE, SPAIN.--On the left bank of the Guadalquiver,
in a level country as productive as a garden, stands the city of
Seville. It is highly picturesque in its combination of buildings
and with a river navigable to its very limits; it is astir with
life and commerce. From the earliest time, this city has been the
chief outlet for the wealth of Spain. In the poorer portions of
the town, the open places are converted into market-stands, as seen
above. Across the river, spanned by a bridge, is a Gypsy quarter
of Triana.]
[Illustration: BULL FIGHT, SEVILLE, SPAIN.--This photograph represents
the great bull-ring of the city, with a capacity for eighteen thousand
people and crowded with spectators to witness the great national
amusement. A general holiday prevails on such occasions. Every
one, rich and poor, possessing a grain of taste for bloody scenes
and striking spectacles, can be found in the Amphitheatre on such
occasions. The show generally lasts for several hours, during which
several bulls, more horses, and not unfrequently, men are killed
in the combat.]
[Illustration: TOLEDO, SPAIN.--This city is situated on a rocky
height, forty-one miles south-west of Madrid; its climate is very
cold in winter and hot in summer. The Cathedral of Toledo, the
metropolitan church of Spain, founded in 587, is four hundred feet
in length, and two hundred and four feet in width, with a lofty
tower and spire. Toledo has long been famous for its manufactories
of sword-blades, and great skill is still shown in tempering the
m. It was taken by the Goths in 467, and by the Moors in 714; it
was retained by the latter until 1085, when it was permanently
annexed to the crown of Castile.]
[Illustration: GIBRALTAR, SPAIN.--This remarkable fortress, which
is a strongly fortified rock at the southern extremity of Spain, and
forms the key to the Mediterranean, is connected with the continent
by a low sandy isthmus, one and one-half miles long, and three-fourths
of a mile wide. The highest point of the rock is about one thousand
four hundred feet above the sea level. Vast sums of money and immense
labor have been spent in fortifying this stronghold. The water
for the supply of the town and garrison is collected during the
rainy season, the roofs of the houses gathering all the falling
rain.]
[Illustration: LISBON, PORTUGAL.--This interesting city is situated
on the Tagus, near the Atlantic Ocean. The length of the city is four
miles, and its breadth about two miles. Lisbon is nobly situated for
commerce, and has the finest harbor in the world. The earthquake
of 1755, traces of which are still visible, destroyed a considerable
portion of it, and killed about sixty thousand of its inhabitants.
This photograph is a correct representation of the better portion
of the city and harbor.]
[Illustration: KIRCHENFELD BRIDGE, BERNE, SWITZERLAND.--The above
structure is a huge iron bridge, seven hundred and fifty-one feet
long, built in 1882-1883, across the river Aare, from the town
proper to Helvetia Platz, where a new quarter of the town is being
built by an English company. In the foreground are the terrace-like
hot-houses and gardens of the peasants, who earn their livelihood
by supplying the inhabitants of Berne with vegetables from their
little farms. From the top of the bridge, in clear weather, the
Bernese Alps can be seen better than from any other point in the
Oberland.]
[Illustration: CLOCK TOWER, BERNE, SWITZERLAND.]
[Illustration: PEASANT WOMAN, SWITZERLAND.--Here is a photograph
of a Swiss girl on her way to church. She presents a true type of
her sex, being well-developed, refined and accomplished. These
peasants are fond of georgeous apparel, and on holidays and Sundays
present a very pleasing spectacle. Their head-dress is particularly
striking, consisting of a cap adorned with fine stiff lace, so
arranged as to form a sort of fan at the back of the head. They
all dress in similar costumes, which are both comfortable and
attractive.]
[Illustration: INTERLAKEN AND THE JUNGFRAU, SWITZERLAND.--The low
land between lakes Thun and Brienz, is called "Brodeli." These lakes
once probably formed a single sheet of water, but were gradually
separated by deposit carried from the mountain-sides. On this piece
of land, "between the lakes," lies Interlaken. The town is a favorite
summer resort and is noted for its mild and equal temperature. The
above picture gives a general idea of the place, with the Jungfrau
nine miles in the distance.]
[Illustration: GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND.--Grindelwald is a large
village of widely-scattered houses, in the heart of the Alps and
near the snow-fields. It is an excellent starting-point for mountain
excursions, and also a favorite summer resort, the situation being
sheltered and healthful. The place owes its reputation chiefly to
its glaciers close by. Three gigantic mountains bound the valley.
In years when ice is scarce, these glaciers serve as ice-quarries.]
[Illustration: A THOUSAND FOOT CHASM, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND.--The
above picture represents a chasm over a thousand feet in depth,
with an almost perpendicular wall of rock rising on both sides.
It has been cut down to its present level by the waters of the
melting snows and ice on the mountain above, and strongly impresses
the beholder with the power of the wheel of time. The stream in
the foreground is only one of the many that rise into the dashing
torrents within a hundred yards from their source in the Alpine
country.]
[Illustration: BRUNIG PASS, SWITZERLAND.--There is, perhaps, no
other country in the world that can boast of such expensive and
magnificent public roads as Switzerland. This picture represents
the over-hanging rock of the Brunig Pass, on the way from Lucerne
to Interlaken. High up, along the mountain-side, the road winds
its way, affording to the beholder a magnificent panorama of the
distant snow-fields above, and the green valleys and placid lakes
below.]
[Illustration: LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND.--The above is the capital
of the canton of Lucerne, and one of the three seats of the Swiss
Diet on the Rense, located twenty-five miles from Zurich by rail.
It is highly picturesque, enclosed by a wall and watch-towers.
The principal edifices are a cathedral and other fine churches,
several convents, a town hall, an arsenal with ancient armor, two
hospitals, an orphan asylum, jail, theatre, and covered bridges
adorned with ancient paintings. It is a very attractive summer
resort, the above picture showing its principal promenade.]
[Illustration: RIGI, SWITZERLAND.--The Rigi is a group of mountains
about twenty-five miles in circumference, lying between lakes Lucerne,
Zug and Lowerz. The north side is precipitous, but the south side
consists of broad terraces and gentle slopes, covered with fresh,
green pastures, which support upwards of four thousand head of
cattle; it is planted toward the base with fig, chestnut and almond
trees. The photograph represents the Rigi inclined railway.]
[Illustration: RIGI-KULM, SWITZERLAND.--The summit of the Rigi,
owing to its isolated position, commands an extensive view, three
hundred miles in circumference, that is unsurpassed for beauty
in Switzerland. In 1816 a very modest hotel was erected on the
Kulm by private subscriptions, and in 1848 it was superseded by
the oldest of the three houses on the Kulm. Since then the number
of inns has been steadily increasing, and the Rigi is now one of
the most popular Swiss resorts, and is visited by thousands of
tourists yearly.]
[Illustration: PILATUS, SWITZERLAND.--This lofty mountain rises
boldly in a rugged and imposing mass, almost isolated from the
surrounding heights. Pilatus was formerly one of the best known
Swiss mountains, but in later years it was supplanted by the Rigi.
An inclined railway extends from the base to the summit, and is
said to be one of the boldest undertakings of its kind ever carried
through. Many legends are connected with Pilatus. One of the oldest
is, that when Pontius Pilate was banished from Galilee he fled
hither, and, in the bitterness of his remorse, drowned himself in
the lake.]
[Illustration: SIMPLON'S PASS, SWITZERLAND.--This is the first
Alpine route after Brenner, constructed by order of Napoleon I. A
good walker may easily outstrip the "diligence" in ascending from
either side, especially if he takes short cuts. At the highest
point of the Simplon is a large building, with a lofty flight of
stairs, founded by Napoleon, for the reception of travelers, and
subject to the same rules as that of the Great St. Bernard. This
famous mountain-road is seen in the foreground passing through the
town of Simplon, a little village in the very heart of the Alps.]
[Illustration: ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN, SWITZERLAND.--The former
lies in a green valley, with pine-clad slopes, while to the left
rises the huge rock-pyramid of the Matterhorn. In no other locality
is the traveler so completely admitted into the heart of the Alpine
world as here. The Matterhorn was ascended for the first time on
the 14th of July, 1865, but the ascent is now frequently made.
The rock has been blasted at the most difficult points, and a rope
attached to it, so that the most formidable difficulties have been
removed; but even now the ascent is seldom made by any but proficient
climbers.]
[Illustration: CHAMOUNIX AND MONT BLANC.--This Alpine valley is
much frequented in summer, owing to its immediate proximity to Mont
Blanc. It is inferior in picturesqueness to some other portions
of Switzerland, but superior in grandeur of its glaciers, in which
respect it has no rival but Zermatt. The picture shows the little
village of Chamounix, with its few hotels and peasant homes in the
valley below, and the perpetual ice and snow in the background,
seemingly but a few minutes' walk away, yet requiring a good two
hours' journey on mule-back. Apparent Alpine distances are very
deceptive.]
[Illustration: ENGLEBERG, SWITZERLAND.--Engleberg is loftily and
prettily situated in the great mountain region of the Alps, with
a population of about two thousand inhabitants. The church which
appears nearest the mountain, is quite ancient, but contains famous
modern pictures. The snow-covered mountains, five miles in the
distance, change the climate in summer, so that the tourist can
wear an overcoat with comfort. The winters are very severe, and on
account of the deep snows, the inhabitants are sometimes compelled
to remain indoors for eight weeks. The houses and barns are generally
under one roof.]
[Illustration: ST. GOTTHARD RAILWAY, SWITZERLAND.--The railway here
passes through beautiful landscapes, richly wooded with walnut and
chestnut trees, on the left bank of the Ticino. Numerous Campaniles
in the Italian style, crowning the hills, have a very picturesque
effect. The peaks above are covered with snow. From the cliffs
on every side, fall cascades. Huge masses of rock lie scattered
about. Three tunnels of the railway are seen in the picture, the
latter making a descent of three hundred feet by means of two
loop-tunnels, one below the other, in cork-screw fashion.]
[Illustration: AXENSTRASSE, SWITZERLAND.--This famous road extends
nine miles along the Lake of Uri, from Brunnen to Fluelen, and is
noted for the remarkable boldness displayed in its construction.
It is to a great extent hewn out of solid rock, cut like a shelf
into the side of the mountain, with occasional pillars to hold the
thousands of tons of rock above, and a strong balustrade to guard
travelers from tumbling over the abrupt precipice into the lake
many feet below. It is the great highway leading from Switzerland
to Italy, and is regarded as one of the most picturesque roads in
the world.]
[Illustration: PANORAMA OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA--The capital of the
Empire of Austria and residence of the Emperor, is situated in a
plain surrounded by distant mountains, the Danube Canal flowing
through a portion of the city. It was originally a Celtic settlement,
dating back to 14 A. D. The streets of the present city are narrow,
generally well-paved and enclosed by very lofty houses. A great
number of old passages through the courts of houses, by means of
which pedestrians may often make a short cut, are still seen. In
the last quarter of a century, Vienna has acquired an importance
as a seat of art.]
[Illustration: HOTEL METROPOLE, VIENNA, AUSTRIA.--On a branch of
the Danube, flowing through the heart of the City of Vienna, stands
the Hotel Metropole, an enormous building, admirably adapted for
travelers. The picture shows a prominent feature in the street
architecture of Vienna; and the Metropole is only one of the many
private and public buildings of colossal dimensions which have
sprung up within the last few years. The interiors of all these
structures are generally decorated throughout with painting and
sculpture, which shows the perfection attained by the Vienese in
the fine arts.]
[Illustration: CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN, VIENNA, AUSTRIA.--This is
the most important edifice in the Austrian capital, dating back
in its construction to the thirteenth century. It is constructed
of solid limestone, and built in the form of a Latin cross. Below
the church are extensive catacombs, consisting of three vaults,
filled with bones and skulls. Centuries ago, the sovereigns of
Austria were buried in these vaults. The Tower, built between 1860
and 1864, affords an extensive view, embracing the river Danube
and the battle-fields of Loban, Wagram and Essling.]
[Illustration: THESEUS (BY CANOYA), VOLKSGARTEN, VIENNA, AUSTRIA.--In
the centre of this pleasure ground stands the Temple of Theseus,
containing Canova's fine marble group of the victory of Theseus
over Centaur, originally destined by Napoleon I. for Milan. The
figures are of heroic size. The victorious Theseus is represented
as seated on the lifeless body of the monster, and the exhaustion
that visibly pervades his whole frame, proves the terrible nature
of the conflict in which he has been engaged.]
[Illustration: SCHONBRUNN, AUSTRIA.--This sumptuous edifice, the
summer palace of the Austrian Emperor, was completed by Maria Theresa
in 1775. The building has a most imposing appearance. The gardens in
the rear are open to the public. To the left of the principal avenue
are the Roman ruins, the Obelisk and the "Schöne Brunnen" (beautiful
fountain), from which the palace derives its name. Statues, vases
and other objects of taste of the period are scattered about the
ground. Extensive parks are attached to the palace.]
[Illustration: GALATA BRIDGE, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.--Along the
north shore of the Golden Horn spreads the quarter known as Galata,
rising up to the crest of the hill, and including the massive tower
that crowns it. Beyond and above Galata, Pera stretches forward
along the ridge that runs parallel with the shore. These places are
connected with Constantinople by two bridges crossing the Golden
Horn. One of these bridges is represented in the above picture.
Unlike those of most other countries, people do not keep on the
sidewalks, but wander along in any portion of the street. The scene
on the Bridge of Galata affords an interesting subject for study.]
[Illustration: MOSQUE OF ST. SOPHIA, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.--This
is the finest and most important ecclesiastical building of the
city. The first stone of the building was laid in 532. No fewer
than ten thousand workmen are said to have been engaged under the
direction of one hundred master builders, and when the work was
completed, it had cost the imperial treasury $5,000,000. The dome
rises to the height of one hundred and eighty feet, and is one
hundred and seven feet in diameter. To render it as light as possible,
it was constructed of pumice stone and Rhodian bricks. Not long
after its completion, the dome was shaken by an earthquake, but
was immediately restored.]
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF THE MOSQUE OF ST. SOPHIA, CONSTANTINOPLE,
TURKEY.--The whole interior of this noted structure is lined with
costly marble. To add to its splendor, the temples of the ancient
gods at Heliopolis and Ephesus, at Delos and Baalbec, at Athens and
Cyzicus, were plundered of their columns. To secure the building
from ravages of fire, no wood was employed in its construction
except for the doors. The visitor cannot fail to be impressed by
the bold span of the arches and the still bolder sweep of the dome,
while his eye is at once bewildered and charmed by the rich, if
not altogether harmonious, variety of decorations, from the many
colored pillars down to the mosaics and inscriptions on the walls.]
[Illustration: STREET SCENE, CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY.--The American
traveler upon entering this city is almost bewildered at the many
novelties that confront him before he reaches his hotel. Nothing
strikes him more forcibly than the awful silence that pervades so
large a place. The only sound heard is an occasional cry of some
vender, with a large wooden tray on his head, selling sweetmeats,
sherbet, fruit or bread. Dogs at intervals disturb the pedestrian.
Hundreds of them lie in the middle of the street, and only move
when aroused by blows. At ten o'clock at night, the city is as
silent as death.]