The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-28
ALSACE AND LORRAINE. !
Their Geographical Features and Past
Annals.

The capitulation OF the French army under Mar.
shall Bazaine, ana the surrender OF the city and
fortress Of Metz TO the Germans give TO the latter
complete military occupation of the two French
provinces OF Alsace and Lorraine-the only points
OF Importance still held by French troops within
those provinces being the fortresses OF Thionville
and Belfort No serious attempt, OF course Will be
made now on the part OF the French garrisons to
retain those suronghods; ana the Germans may
therefore, be regarded as In fun possession of
the territory from tie Moselle to the Rhine. Under
these circumstances, the following brief sketch OF
the geographical features and past history OF these
two provinces Will certainly be eagerly read by all
who desire to attain an intelligent view OF The situa-
ton.
Alsace and Lorraine now comprise six French
departments the former having been divided into
the departments OF the Haut and Bias Rhin, and
the latter iuto the departments OF the Meuse,
the Moselle, the Meurthe, an the Vosges.
They are chiefly watered by the Mosee,
and the Meuse two principal tributaries Of the Rhine,
and are traversed by the chain OF the Vosges
tans, connected with the Swiss Alps and the Black
Forest. They are bounded the east by
the Rhine, on the west by the Champagne
country ON the south by Switzerland and
on the uorth by Rhenish Bavaria. They
comprise some OF the most fertile territory aud pic
turesque scenery in all the broad and beautiful land
Of France. Corn and wine tobacco pulse and
fruits are raised without difficulty ana In harvess OF
almost fabulous plenty; timber for every useful and
decorative purpose Is found in the greatest album.
dance; ana there are rich mines Of silver ana COP
per- of lead and Many OF their springs possess
medicinal virtues of worldwide renown.
Then their scenery presents almost every phase OF
the beautiful OF the sublime and OF the picturesque
frop ,yta, ttn.. b,r
carried home with him q pleasing memory OF that
celebrated little valley, through which the iron
horse tracks It's way between Strasbourg and PARIS
just few miles westward OF Sayerne. Only a few
weeks ago, before the air was thick with
rumor5 OF bloodshed and strife, the writer passed
through this charming scene OIL his way 10 the Gay
City. IL was near nightiall, and the whole land
scape was bathed In the tender hues or sunset,
while an air OF sober gravity-one might almost say
OF soemniiy, sucn usually ushers a close q
beautiful summer day seemed 10 impress itself
upon every outline OF the scene. Shooting through
a dismal tunnel pierced through these ancient hls
we suddenly emerged III narrow valley 50 entlanc-
ngy lovely 10 take completely away The power Of
expressing our admiration. on either hand steep
but vel rounded hills rose up covered with grace
ful lrs and grand old oaks and stout bushy birches
A httle river ran smiling through the bel OF
the valley apparently not III the least I'M
happy that the sleepy. sluggish canal that
ran along between artificial banks some
few feet higher up the side OF the mll had drained
II OF the greater part Of It's natural volume. Every.
wnere the earth was carpeted with brilliantly ver-
dant grass; but such few patches OF son a. were
bare only added by the spendor Of their bright red
hue greatly similar IN appearance to what
in large sections OF Alabama and Georgia. another
element OF picturesqueness 70 the colorlng Of the
landscape NOW aud then we passed some pleasant
little cottage, surrounded with vineyards aud
patches OF cultivation. with some honestly
villagers seated III its porch, calmly smoking or the
fatgues oil the day And occasionally We rushed by
some home -return,ng wagon or were greeted by
the treble-voiced shouting of band OF children.
perhaps saw some maiden clad III the simple dress
" the country, with snow wti,ie colt aud
y SKIRT short enough Ia display pair
or the prettiest imaginable feet, lettering across
little rustic bridge fully alive To the admiration OF
the crew OF the passing canal barge. and not uDwll
Ing, probably, TO continue the Irritation for 10
exchange the usual evening neutrality-suspicious.
even little further. Such is one Of the lairest
hooks Of this beautiful land, now with stern,
plo0d.stained. Dowder.nc9rimed Warrior. AND ~