by the ancient Romans. The stone piers, on which bridges are supported, require to be of great solidity, especially when exposed to rapid currents, or floating ice. Piers are usually built with their greatest length in the direction of the stream, and with their extremities pointed or curved, so as to divide the water, and allow it to glide easily past them. In building piers, it is often necessary to exclude the water by means of a coffer-dam. This is a temporary enclosure, formed by a double wall of piles and planks, having their interval filled with clay. The interior space is made dry by pumping, and kept so till the structure is finished.-3: Castiron bridges. These have been constructed, in England, out of blocks or frames of east-iron, so shaped as to fit into each other, and, collectively, to form ribs and arches. These bridges possess great strength, but are liable to be disturbed by the expansion and contraction of the metal with heat and cold.-4. Suspension bridges. In these the flooring or main body of the bridge is supported on strong iron chains or rods, hanging, in the form of an inverted arch, from one point of support to another. The points of support are the tops of strong pillars or small towers, erected for the purpose. Over these pillars the chain passes, and is attached, at each extremity of the bridge, to rocks or massive frames of iron, firmly secured under ground. The great advantage of suspension bridges consists in their stability of equilibrium, in consequence of which a smaller amount of materials is necessary for their construction than for that of any other bridge. If a suspension bridge be shaken, or thrown out of equilibrium, it returns by its weight to its proper place, whereas the reverse happens in bridges which are built above the level of their supporters.-5. Floating bridges. Upon deep and sluggish water, stationary rafts of timber are sometimes employed, extending from one shore to another, and covered with planks, so as to form a passable bridge. In military operations, temporary bridges are often formed by planks laid upon boats, pontons, and other buoyant supporters.

BRIDGETOWN; a seaport town, and capital of the island of Barbadoes, in the West Indies, lying in the S. W. part, and in the parish of St. Michael. Lon. 59° 40′ W.; lat. 13° 5' N. Population, 15 or 20,000. It is situated on the innermost part of Carlisle bay, which is large enough to contain 500 ships, being 4 miles in breadth, and 3 in depth; but the bottom is foul, and apt to cut the cables. It suf

fered greatly by fire, on Feb. 8th, 1756, May 14th, 1766, and Dec. 27th, 1767, when the greatest part of the town was destroyed; before which time, it had about 1500 houses, mostly brick, very elegant, and said to be the finest and largest in all the Caribbee islands, the greatest part of which have been rebuilt. It has a college, founded liberally, and endowed by colonel Codrington. Here are commodious wharves for loading and unloading goods, with some forts and castles. The town is subject to hurricanes. On the east side of the town is a small fort of eight guns, where the magazines of powder and stores are kept under a strong guard. This is the seat of the governor, council, assembly, and court of chancery.

BRIDGEWATER; a borough town in the county of Somerset, England, on the Parret, over which is an iron bridge. Although the town is 12 miles from the sea, the tide rises six fathoms at high water, and flows in with such impetuosity as frequently to injure the shipping. This rapid motion is called the bore, and is not uncommon in the rivers which flow into the Bristol channel. (q. v.) It has little coasting, but considerable foreign trade. In the castle built by king John, the duke of Monmouth lodged, and was here proclaimed king, in 1685, before the battle of Sedgemoor, which was fought about three miles from the town. B. then became the theatre of Feversham's and Jefferies' barbarity. The borough sends two members to parliament. Population, 6155. Lon. 2° 59′ W.; lat. 51° 7′ N.

BRIDGEWATER, duke of, (See Egerton.) BRIDLE; the head-stall, bit and reins, by which a horse is governed. The origin of it is of high antiquity. The first horsemen guided their horses with a little stick, and the sound of their voice. A cord drawn through the nose is sometimes used for other animals. The ancient Thessalian coins often represent a horse with a long rein trailing on the ground. The Romans were trained to fight without bridles, as an exercise in the manege. On Trajan's column, soldiers are thus represented at full speed. The parts of a modern bridle are the snaffle or bit; the headstall, or leathers from the top of the head to the rings of the bit; the fillet, over the forehead, and under the fore-top; the throat-band, which buttons under the throat; the reins; the nose-band, buckled under the cheeks; the trench, the cavesan, the martingal and the chaff-halter.

BRIEF, from the French bref, which comes from the Latin brevis, denotes a

thing of short extent or duration. It is more particularly used for a summary or short statement.-Brief, in law, signifies an abridgment of the client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel on a trial. In this, the case of the party is to be concisely but fully stated; the proofs are to be placed in due order, and proper answers made to whatever may be objected against the cause of the client. In preparing the brief, great care is requisite, that no omission be made which may endanger the case.— -Briefs, apostolical; written messages of the pope, addressed to princes or magistrates, respecting matters of public concern. Such brevia as are despatched by the datarii or secretarii, and called rescripts, despatches, concessions, mandates, &c., are written on parchment, and sealed, with the fisher's ring, in red wax. Pastoral letters, directed to princes and bishops, are without seal. These papers derive their name from the shortness of their formalities, since they have no introductory preamble, but commence with the pope's name, and these words: dilecto filio salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Briefs are not subscribed by the pope, nor with his name, but with that of his secretary.

BRIEL, or BRIELLE, a town of the Netherlands, near the mouth of the Maese, with a good harbor, well built and strongly fortified. It is remarkable, in history, as the place where the confederates laid the foundation of the Dutch republic, in 1572. Having been expelled by Alva from the Low Countries, they equipped a small fleet in England, and were carried accidentally, by an unfavorable wind, to B., which capitulated to them, and thus became the cradle of Dutch liberty.-Van Tromp was born here.-The population is 3200, principally engaged in the fisheries. Lon. 4° 10 E.; lat. 51° 54′ N.

BRIENNE, a small town in the department of the Aube (Upper Champagne), consists of Brienne-la-Ville and Brienne-leChâteau, containing together 285 houses, and 3200 inhabitants, with a number of manufactories and vineyards. In the military academy for young noblemen, formerly existing at B.-le-Château, Napoleon received his first instruction in the military art. B. afterwards became celebrated as the scene of the last struggles of his long and oppressive domination. There the first battle within the boundaries of France was gained by the allied powers, the last trust of the army in Napoleon shaken, and the charm, which, it was supposed, would render the French invinci

ble at their own hearths, was broken. The way to Paris and the overthrow of the imperial dignity were prepared. After the battle at Bar-sur-Aube (Jan. 24, 1814), where the allied armies met with the first resistance after their entry into France by the way of Switzerland, they advanced rapidly. Napoleon, having left Paris, compelled Blücher to retreat, on the 26th, near Vitry, before superior numbers, and concentrated his forces on the 28th at B.; Schwarzenberg took up his position at Chaumont, Blücher at St. Dizier, Wrede at Andelot, and Witgenstein at Vassy. On the 29th, the French made an impetuous attack on the allies. The struggle on both sides was obstinate and bloody. Night came on, but the flames of B., which had been set on fire, shed their light over the field of battle. General Chateau, with two battalions, had taken the castle of B., but was soon forced to relinquish it. The battle continued till 11 o'clock. It was renewed on the following day, and Blücher was compelled, by superior numbers, to fall back upon Trannes. On the 31st, Napoleon arrayed his whole force in the plains between La Rothière and Trannes. The corps of the crown-prince of Würtemberg, count Giulay, and the Russian reserves of grenadiers, having effected a junction with Blücher on the 1st of Feb., prince Schwarzenberg gave orders to commence the battle. About noon, Blücher's forces advanced in three columns; general Sacken leading one upon La Rothière, Giulay another upon Dienville, and the crownprince of Würtemberg another upon Chaumreil. In the mean time, general Wrede took up his line of march from Doulevent upon B. Only a few fieldpieces could be brought into action, on account of the nature of the ground; but the courage of the soldiers compensated for this deficiency. The crown-prince of Würtemberg first drove the enemy from his position, which was covered by woods, and deprived him of the important point of La Gibrie. Although he was immediately assailed in this position, he remained in possession of it after a struggle of more than an hour. Giulay took Unienville, and Sacken forced his way to La Rothière. By 3 o'clock, all the lines were brought into action. A heavy snowstorm silenced for a moment the fire of the artillery, but could not paralyse the activity of the combatants. Napoleon directed all the operations of his army, and repeatedly exposed his person, with a full conviction of the importance of success.

The allied monarchs, also, encouraged their troops by their presence in the field. La Rothière was repeatedly taken, lost and recovered. Sacken renewed his efforts to gain possession of it: the cavalry of the enemy had already encountered the bayonets of his infantry, when he received succor. The French cavalry was forced back as far as Old B., and threw the infantry into disorder. Sacken took 32 pieces of cannon. Meantime, Blücher had brought up fresh troops against La Rothière, and captured that position. The crown-prince of Würtemberg got possession of Petit Masnil, Wrede of Chaumreil, Giulay of Dienville. The victory was decisive for the allied powers. During the night, the French retreated on all sides upon the road of B., leaving there a small detachment as a rear guard, which, however, on the following morning, was compelled to retreat with the main army. The loss was great on both sides. The allies took 60 pieces of cannon and a considerable number of prisoners.

BRIENNE, cardinal de Lomenie de. (See Lomenie.)

BRIG, OF BRIGANTINE; a square-rigged vessel, with two masts. The term is applied to different kinds of vessels, by mariners of different countries. The term brigantine is also applied to a light, flat, open vessel, with 10 or 15 oars on a side, furnished also with sails, and able to carry upwards of 100 men. The rowers, being also soldiers, have their muskets lying ready under the benches. Brigantines are frequently made use of, especially in the Mediterranean, for the purpose of piracy, from which they derive their name. They are very fast sailers.

BRIGADE; in general, an indeterminate number of regiments or squadrons. In the English army, a brigade of infantry is generally composed of 3 regiments; a brigade of horse, of from 8 to 12 squadrons; and one of artillery, of 5 guns and a howitzer.-In the U. States' army, the brigade is commonly composed of two, but sometimes of more regiments. A number of brigades form a division, and several divisions an army corps. A brigade-major is the chief of the brigade-staff. A brigadier-general is the officer who commands a brigade. In the British service, this rank is now abolished. In the U. States' service, he is next in rank to the major-general, who is the highest of ficer under the president, as commanderin-chief. Brigadier-general is also the title of the chief of the staff of an armycorps. In the French military language,

brigade, in the cavalry, signifies a corporal's guard. Hence brigadier signifies a corporal.

BRIGANDINE; a kind of defensive armor, consisting of thin, jointed scales of plate, pliant and easy to the body. BRIGANTINE. (See Brig.) BRIGHELLA. (See Mask.)

BRIGHT, in painting; a picture is said to be bright, when the lights so much prevail as to overcome the shadows, and are kept so clear and distinct as to produce a brilliant appearance.

BRIGHTHELMSTONE, or BRIGHTON; a seaport town in the county of Sussex, England, much resorted to for sea-bathing. It was not long since a mere village of fishermen ; but, under the patronage of George IV, when prince of Wales, it rapidly increased, and, by the returns of 1821, the population was 24,429. It is situated on a gentle eminence, at the base of which is the Steine, a lawn surrounded with elegant buildings. The Steine and marine parade are fashionable promenades. The esplanade, extending from the Steine to the pier, which is 1154 feet long, and supported by 8 chains, is 1250 feet in length. The king has a palace here, called the marine pavilion. B. contains several public libraries and reading-rooms, and hot, cold, vapor and salt-water baths, air-pump water baths, for the gout and violent scorbutic affections, and a swimming bath. The streets are clean and well paved, and the hotels numerous and well fitted up. Travellers embark hence, in the steam-packets, for France. The number of visitors is greatest towards the end of July. B. is 52 miles south of London.

BRIGHTON, in England. (See Brighthelmstone.)

BRIGHTON; a post-town in Middlesex county, Massachusetts, 4 miles west of Boston. Population, in 1820, 702. It is a pleasant town, and contains a number of elegant country seats.-A cattle fair was begun here during the revolutionary war, and has been increasing since the peace of 1783. Most of the cattle for the supply of Boston market are driven to this place. Often from 2 to 3000, and even 5000, have come in one week; and sheep, also, in great numbers.-In 1816, the trustees of the Massachusetts agricultural society commenced a cattle-show and exhibition of domestic manufactures at this place; and a commodious house, 70 feet by 36, has been erected, for the accommodation of the trustees, and the exhibition of cloths, implements of husbandry, &c.

BRILLIANT. (See Diamond.)

BRIMSTONE. Sulphur (q. v.), as first obtained, is mixed with foreign bodies, and, for the purpose of purification, is melted in a close vessel, by which the impurities are allowed to subside. It is then poured, in the liquid state, into cylindrical moulds, in which it becomes hard, and is known in commerce by the name of roll brimstone.-The Jewish history (Gen. xix, 24) relates that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone from heaven. Showers of fire have been observed by Bergmann (occasioned by electricity) (Geog. Physique ii, 45, § 115), and showers of brimstone may be produced from the sulphuric acid which exists in the atmosphere.

BRINDLEY, James, a native of Tunsted, near Wormhill, Derbyshire, an eminent engineer and mechanic, was born in 1716. The poverty of his family prevented his receiving more than the rudiments of education, and, at 17, he became apprentice to a millwright. On the expiration of his indentures, he commenced business as an engineer, and, in 1752, displayed great talent in contriving a water-engine for draining a coal-mine. A silk-mill, which he constructed on a new plan, and other works of the same description, introduced him to the patronage of the duke of Bridgewater, then occupied in planning a communication between his estate at Worsley and the towns of Manchester and Liverpool by water. This immense work, the idea of which was ridiculed by most of the scientific men of the period as impracticable, B. undertook, and, by means of an aqueduct over valleys, rivers, &c., completed, so as to form a junction with the Mersey. This success caused him to be employed, in 1766, to unite the Trent and Mersey, upon which he commenced the "grand trunk navigation canal," but, dying before its completion, the work was finished, in 1777, by his brother-in-law, Mr. Henshaw. From this main branch B. also cut another canal near Haywood in Staffordshire, uniting it with the Severn in the vicinity of Bewdley, and finished it in 1772. From this period scarcely any work of the kind in the kingdom was entered upon without his superintendence or advice. Among other designs, he prepared one for draining the fens in Lincolnshire and the Isle of Ely, and another for clearing the Liverpool docks of mud, which was especially successful. The variety of his inventions, and the fertility of his resources, were only equal

led by the simplicity of the means with which he carried his expedients into effect. He seldom used any model or drawing, but, when any material difficulty intervened, generally retired to bed, and there meditated on the best mode of overcoming it. On such occasions, he has been known to seclude himself for days; and so partial was he to inland navigation, that he is said, to a question humorously put to him on his examination before the house of commons, "For what purpose did he consider rivers to have been created," at once to have replied, "Undoubtedly to feed navigable canals." The intensity of his application to business brought on a hectic fever, of which he died in 1772.

BRING-TO; to check the course of a ship, when she is advancing, by arranging the sails in such a manner, that they shall counteract each other, and prevent her from moving forward or backward. In this situation, she is said to lie to, having some of her sails aback, to oppose the force of those which are full.

BRINKMANN, Charles Gustavus, one of the most eminent living scholars of Sweden, born in 1764, was for a long time ambassador in France (in the time of the republic), England and Germany. He now lives retired in Stockholm, and keeps up an extensive correspondence with many of the most distinguished persons of our times. He carried on a lively correspondence with the baroness de Staël. He is distinguished in the literary world by works in German as well as in Swedish.

BRION, Luis, a native of the island of Curaçoa, distinguished for his love of freedom, early took part with the patriots of Carthagena. When Bolivar set on foot the celebrated enterprise against Margarita, the command of the maritime forces was intrusted to Brion, who, being possessed of considerable property, contributed largely from his private resources towards defraying the expenses of the expedition. He had previously served on board the republican flotilla, and received the privileges of citizenship in acknowledgment of his bravery and conduct, and continued to be actively engaged in the naval operations of the patriots until near the close of the war. (See Colombia.)

BRISACH, Old; a town of the grandduchy of Baden, once included in the Brisgau, formerly on the west side of the Rhine, but, since the river changed its course, near the east bank. It was for