Total neutron cross sections of bismuth were measured with resolutions of < 3 keV over the energy range 0.2 to 1.4 MeV. Differential elastic-scattering cross sections were determined at intervals < 50 keV from 0.3 to 1.5 MeV with resolutions of ∼20 keV. The inelastic-neutron excitation of a state at 896 ± 1 keV was observed and the respective differential excitation cross sections determined with incident resolutions of ≥12 keV. Partially resolved resonance structure was evident in all the measured values. The experimental results were assayed for possible intermediate structure and were compared with the results of optical model and statistical calculations. The model calculations were inclusive of contributions due to the fluctuation and correlation of compound-nucleus resonance widths and of the shell closure at N = 126.