Bitumen
a mineral substance, re-mercial and political importance till markable for its inflammability and its strong, peculiar odor; generally, however, supposed to be of a vegetable origin. The name, which was in use among the ancient Romans, is variously employed, sometimes to include a number of the substances called mineral resins, particularly the liquid mineral sub- 1892, when the French Government began converting it into a magnificent naval port. It is now large enough to accommodate at one time all the navies of the world. A canal was also constructed through the Isthmus of Zarzana, connecting the lake with the Mediterranean. BIZET BLACK BIZET (bē-zā'), ALEXANDRE on the "Theogony, Philosophy, and Cos- CESAR LEOPOLD (better known as mogony of the Hindus," etc. He died in GEORGES BIZET), a French composer, born in Paris, Oct. 25, 1838; studied with Halévy and at the Paris Conservatory. His operas include "Vasco de Gama" (1863); "The Pearl Fishers" (1863); "The Fair Maid of Perth" (1867); "Djamileh" (1872), and "Carmen" (1875), his most famous composition. He also completed Halévy's opera "Noe." He died near Paris, June 3, 1875.
BJELBOG (byel'bog), in Slavonic mythology the pale or white god, as opposed to Tchernibog, the black god, or god of darkness.