BOURDEAUX, an ancient, large, handsome, and rich
Bouraines
Bourg.
rich town of France, capital of Guienne, an archbishop's see; has an university and an academy of arts and sciences. It is built in the form of a bow, of which the river Garonne is the string. This river is bordered by a large key, and the water rises four yards at full tide, for which reason the largest vessels can come up to it very readily. The castle called the Trumpet, is seated at the entrance of the quay, and the river runs round its walls. Most of the great streets lead to the quay; but are all very narrow except one. The town has 12 gates; and near another castle are fine walks under several rows of trees. The most remarkable antiquities were, an ancient temple dedicated to the tutelary gods, now entirely demolished, to make room for the fortifications; the palace of Gallienus built like an amphitheatre; and several aqueducts in different places. It is a town of very considerable trade, and they ship every year 100,000 tons of wine and brandy. This is the place where Edward the Black Prince resided several years; and his son, afterwards Richard II. was born here. There is a handsome square near the river, with an equestrian statue of Lewis XV. W. Long. 0. 39. N. Lat. 44. 50.