Bellay, Rene Du

Bellay, Rene du a French prelate, younger brother of Jean, was first counsellor clerk at the Parliament of Paris, and in 1538 received the bishopric of Grasse, which he afterwards resigned in favor of Benedict Taillecorne, tutor of the children of France. He took charge of the offices of the Church of Paris during the absence of his brother, Jean, who went as ambassador to London (1533- 34). He was appointed bishop of Mans Sept. 27, 1535, and devoted his leisure to horticultural labors. He died in 1546. His garden at Tournaye was, according to C. Gesner, the most beautiful not only of France, but of continental Europe. The introduction of tobacco into France is probably due to him. Two unpublished letters of this learned bishop are found, addressed to his brother the cardinal, preserved in the National Library;

also Missale ad Usum Ecclesic Cenomanensis (Paris, 1541, 1546, 1548). See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.