The New International Encyclopædia/Bois de Boulogne

BOIS DE BOULOGNE, bwä de bo͞o′lō̇′ny’. A famous and beautiful park of Paris covering about 2250 acres. It derives its name from the town of Boulogne-sur-Seine on its south. The park was formed under Napoleon I. out of the old Forêt de Rouvray, and remained in the possession of the State until transferred to the city by Napoleon III. in 1852, since which time it has been the favorite drive of Parisians. The Bois was greatly injured by bombardment during the siege of Paris in 1870'-71, but was soon restored. It contains the great Auteuil and Longchamps race-courses. With the races for the Grand Prix of Longchamps (100,000 francs), held in the early part of June, the Parisian season closes. The Bois contains also the Jardin d'Acclimatation. See Paris.