Page:Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition, v. 4.djvu/258

216 It was translated into Latin in 1497 by Locher, and soon appeared in almost every European language. Alexander Barclay's Ship of Fooles (1509) is a free imitation of the German poem, and an abridged prose translation was published by Watson in 1517.  BRANDY, a spirituous liquor obtained by the distillation of wine, the aroma of which is due to ether and other volatile products. It may be distilled from any wine, but red wines yield a less pure and less aromatic spirit than light coloured varieties. In the departments of Charente and Charente Inferieure a variety of grape is cultivated exclusively for the production of brandy, the yield of which constitutes the cognac of commerce. In portions of the departments of the Landes, Gers, and Lot et Garonne, the preparation of brandy is also an important industry, and the produce is commercially known as armagnac, from the name of the district. The cognac district which produces the most rich and delicate spirit distilled is separated into distinct zones of production, according to the quality of the spirit each yields. In the centre of the district on the left bank of the Charente is the Grande Champagne, and radiating beyond it are the Petite Champagne, the Premiers Bois, and the Seconds Bois successively. The Grande Champagne is the source of the finest brandy anywhere produced; and as the area of cultivation recedes from that centre, the quality of the spirit proportionately lessens. The quantity of brandy exported in 1868 from Tonnay Charente was 9,187,416 gallons, valued at 1,887,678, the greater part of which was consigned to British ports; but the exports fluctuate greatly according to the character of the years. Thus in 1872 the total imports to Great Britain were only 3,505,295 gallons, while in 1873 the quantity was 6,483,486 gallons, of which 6,378,398 gallons came from France. By storage in oak casks the spirit takes up a portion of tannin, which gives it a delicate golden hue, but the deeper colour of brown brandy is communicated by caramel. Cognac is kept in carefully ventilated stores for two years, during which time it decreases in bulk and strength by evaporation, but mellows and develops aroma which con tinues to increase the longer it is kept. Brandy is very popular as a medicinal stimulant, and for use in cases of sickness, diarrhoea, and spasms. It is very often adulterated, and a vast amount of spirit which passes under the name is really either beetroot spirit or grain whisky coloured and aromatized with the cognac-flavoured œnanthic ether or Hungarian oil. See.  BRANTFORD, a town of the Dominion of Canada, in the province of Ontario, capital of the county of Brant, is situated on the Grand River, about 24 miles south-west of Hamilton. It is an important station on the Goderich and Buffalo line, with extensive engine-works and foundries. Brass, iron, and tin wares, agricultural implements, window blinds, and pottery are its principal manufactures. It is lighted with gas, and has a good supply of water. As the river is not navigable as far as the town, a canal has been constructed which gives communication with Lake Erie. There are fine county buildings, ten churches, an orphanage, banks, and A newspaper offices. Population in 1871, 8107.  BRANTÔME,, French historian and biographer, was born about 1540. He was the third son of the Viscount de Bourdeilles, and at an early age entered the profession of arms. He approved himself a brave soldier, and was brought into contact with most of the great leaders who were seeking fame or fortune in the wars that then distracted the Continent. Soon after the death of Charles IX. he retired from active life, and spent his last years in writing his Memoirs of the illustrious men and women whom he had known. He died on the 15th July 1614. He left distinct orders that his manuscript works should be printed, and a first edition ap peared in 1665-6, not very complete. Of the later editions, the most valuable are one in 15 volumes, 1 740; another in 8 vols., 1787; one in 2 vols., 1842, by Buchon; that of the Bibliotheque Elzcvirienne in 3 vols., 1858-9; and Lalanne's edition for the Societe de l'Histoire de France, 6 vols., 1865, seq. Brantome can hardly be regarded as a historian proper, and his Memoirs cannot be accepted as a very trustworthy source of information. But he writes in a quaint conversational way, pouring forth his thoughts, observations, or facts without order or system, and with the greatest frankness and naivete. His works certainly gave an admirable picture of the general court-life of the time, with its unblushing and undisguised profligacy. There is not an homme illustre or a dame galante in all his gallery of portraits who is not stained with vice; and yet the whole is narrated with the most complete unconsciousness that there is anything objectionable in their conduct. There does not appear to be any English translation of Brantome.  BRASIDAS, one of the most famous of the Spartan leaders in the early part of the Peloponnesian War, first distinguished himself by the relief of Methone, which was besieged by the Athenians (431 ) For this service he was publicly commended at Sparta. In 429 he was sent to assist Cnemus, and appears to have taken part in the unsuccessful attack on the Piræeus. Two years later he accompanied the admiral Alcidas to Corcyra, but did not succeed in inducing his superior to make an attack on the city. He was severely wounded in the assault on Pylos (425), and lost his shield, which was picked up and carried in their triumph by the Athenians. When it was resolved by Sparta to carry the war into Thrace, Brasidas was selected as leader. He relieved Megara in 424, and in the same year succeeded in passing through Thessaly and in effecting a junction with Perdiccas of Macedon. He assisted Perdiccas to put down a revolted vassal, Arrhibæus, and then, in an extremely short time, partly by his skilful policy, partly by the rapidity and boldness of his movements, succeeded in gaining possession of Acanthus, Stagira, Arnphipolis, and Torone. In the spring of 423 a truce was agreed upon; but Brasidas insisted upon retaining Scione, which had capitulated a day or two after the truce began; this was denied, however, by the Spartan general. The revolt of Mende gave him another opportunity, and he seized that town. Later in the same year he again accompanied Perdiccas against Arrhibæus, and made a most skilful retreat. He received no reinforcements from Sparta, where the leaders seemed jealous of his success, his conciliatory manners, and his dexterous policy. The Athenians, on the other hand, sent out a new armament, retook Mende, and repelled an assault on Potidæa. In 422 Cleon with the fresh Athenian troops besieged Amphipolis. A swift sally, directed by the skilful generalship of the Spartan leader, was crowned with success. The Athenians were routed, and Cleon slain, but Brasidas himself was mortally wounded. He was interred at Amphipolis, the inhabitants making him the founder of their city, and instituting yearly sacrifices and games to his memory. Brasideia were also celebrated to his honour in his native city, none but pure Spartans being allowed to join in the games. Brasidas is the only Spartan general whose character displays nobility or grandeur. He had to some extent thrown off the mental stiffness produced by the rigid oligarchical institutions of his native city. He could make himself popular with the allies, and the charm of his personal character secured for Lacedæmon many a city which would not otherwise have joined the league. Thucydides gives him great praise, describes him as being eloquent for a Spartan, and mentions his reputation lor justice, liberality, and wisdom. Brasidas was indeed the 