VERSAILLES, France (AFP) - The oldest tree in the grounds of the palace of Versailles -- Marie-Antoinette's oak -- was pulled down more than 320 years after it was planted.


Measuring 35 metres (115 feet) high and 5.5 metres (18 feet) in circumference, the tree died of dehydration in the heatwave of 2003 after being deprived of surrounding cover in the devastating storms of December 1999.


Planted in 1681, the oak was named after the ill-fated wife of King Louis XVI who reputedly liked to enjoy its shade. It is to replaced by another of the same species.


Two tractors took less than two minutes to topple the giant to the ground.


"There is a lot of sadness because our job is to manage the trees and look after their health. I can't help thinking of all the generations of gardeners who watched it grow," said head-gardener Alain Baraton.

Mach, Natisse, don't worry girls. They kept some nipple's oak of this famous one ! They gonna plant some of them very quickly...

Mach said:

2the9s said:

C'mon people!

2the9s said:

You and your cousin?

MrJoker said:

JA, mein herr!

cborgman said:

Ahhh ya big baby.

Take it back.

2the9sFeaturingJaRule said:

what?

i am sad about the tree.

cborgman said:

MrJoker said:

i am finishing the cast commentary on return of the king tonight