The New Student's Reference Work/Brest

Brest, a French city in the department of Finistère, on the north side of the Bay of Brest. The bay is one of the finest harbors of Europe, and was long a bone of contention among European powers, and several naval battles have been fought in its neighborhood. Its fortifications, begun by Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century, and the narrow and strongly protected throat which forms the entrance make it a formidable naval station. Its industries are mainly connected with the equipment of the navy. A submarine cable gives it connection with America. A splendid iron swing-bridge crossing the little stream which flows through the city, a fine promenade along the shore and an old castle are among the interesting features of Brest. Its population is 90,540.