BREST (anciently, Lat. Oesorribate; accord ing to others Gcsobriratcs, or Brirates Portus). A strongly fortified seaport of Brittany, France, in the Department of Finistere, at the mouth of the Penfeld, on the Bay of Brest„ 389 miles west of Paris by rail (Slap: France, B 3). Le Goulet, the entrance to the bay, scarcely a mile wide, is protected by powerful batteries. The harbor, one of the chief naval stations of France, contains military and naval ports, fully equipped with floating and graving', docks, quays, piers, and a breakwater, completed in 1876 at a cost of 22,500,000 francs ($4.500,000). A modernized citadel, whose foundations date front the Thir teenth Century, dominates the city and harbor, which are also protected by batteries. The city itself is old, dirty, and has steep, crooked streets. The public institutions consist of a botanical garden, lyceum, naval schools, naval library, marine and civil hospitals, and a free library. The emus Dajot, a beautifully wooded
promenade, overlooks the commercial port and breakwater. The only industry is connected with the furnishing of navy supplies and the equip ment and the repair of ships, especially warships. Brest has submarine telegraphic communication with the United States. The States is represented by a consular agent. Brest came into national importance when it was converted into a great fortress by Vauban toward the close of the Seventeenth Century. Since then it has been considerably strengthened. The population consists largely of naval and seafaring people. Population, in 1896, 74,538. Consult L'Annuaire historique et statistiquc de Brest (Brest, 1899).