The Luxembourg Gardens were as lovely as ever in October, but I had the sense that something wasn't quite the same. Then I realized what was missing: there were no wooden toy sailboats plying the waters of the big pond surrounding the Medici Fountain in the center of the park. Nor was there the usual throng of exuberant youngsters pushing the boats with sticks. Mon dieu! Then to my great relief I saw the explanation posted on the boat shack. I thought the English version was so charming I took this photo with my cellphone.