DINING IN TREES.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 21, 2 January 1907, Page 5

DINING IN TREES.

The "Royal Magazine" gives ah interesting account of what is called "Crusoe Land," a holiday resoyt near Paris, where visitors may djne high up in the trees. The first Rotwn Crusoe hut was built as far back as 1848, and soon became so popular a calling for holiday-makers, that several other huts were erected. The proprietor —M. Guesquin thought that is some of the huts were erected in trees the novelty would attract. Although Robinson Crusoe never lived in a tree hut, the Swiss Family Robinson did, and in due course the trees had a new burden in the form of huts.

These were so well patronized that rival caterers established more huts, and so the little colony grew, and received the name of "Robinson." Sundays and holidays are the times to see "Robinson’’at its best and busiest. The drive from Paris is delightful, and the electric cars are packed with visitors. Different kinds of amusement are provided—donkeys, swings, shooting galleries, see-saws, etc. It is also a favourite of wedding parties ; The bridegroom in evening dress, and the bride in all the glory of bridal costume and veil, drive up in smart carriages, accampanied by their friends. In the grounds of each establishment are from tw r o to six lofty trees, some of them containing as many as four huts, each some distance one above the other, a rustic staircase reaching to each floor. It is an interesting sight to see Ihese huts all occupied toy people bent on enjoyment ; the trees seem alive with the sound of talking, laughter, and singing. The dishes, plates, etc., are drawn up in a basket. There is a waiter on each floor, who removes what he re l quires, and places soiled plates and dishes in the basket on its downward journey *