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Bayonne (Strongly fortified seaport)

a strongly fortified seaport of France, in the department of Basses-Pyrénées, capital of an arron- ; at the confluence of the Nive with the Adour, and 58 miles W. N. W. of Pau. It is a first-class fortress, the citadel, one of the finest works of commands the town and harbor.

A mint is established here. Chocolate, liqueurs, glass, sugar, etc., are manufactured. There are also extensive yards for the building of ships of war and merchant vessels . The hams of Bayonne have long enjoyed a high celebrity. The military weapon called the bayonet takes its name from this city, where it is said to have been first invented and brought into use during the siege of 1523. Though often besieged, Bayonne has never been taken; and hence its motto, "Nunquam Polluta." It was invested by the British, Feb. 24, 1814.

Pop. about 27,500.

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