Saigon appears to have been well selected as a dockyard and arsenal; situated 25 miles up a river navigable for line-of-battle ships, it might be rendered invulnerable in these days of infernal machines: a legitimate defence, as it can seldom be used except against an aggressor. In the arsenal were all the means of building ships-of-war. Several old line-of-battle lay in the river, besides an immense troopship, equal to our largest. French rulers are energetic and active. By means of convict labour, which they obtain from Bourbon, they carry on roads and raise buildings. The site for a magnificent city, with squares and palaces, is marked out; but the great thing wanted is population, which, in spite of the assurances of the young Comte de Grancy, beloved by the natives, is now fast disappearing. In the temporary banquetting room, where I was entertained, were pictures of the Emperor and Empress, to which was added that of Isabella of Spain. Saddle horses were placed at our disposal. Visited a large breeding establishment, chiefly of Australian mares and Arab horses; but the produce were a weedy-looking lot! There was a zealous and enterprising naturalist in one Monsieur Pierne, Directeur du Jardin Botanique, Saigon, who appeared to work unassisted. I was told that one road extended some 900 miles in a northerly direction, which must bring them not far from our Burmese possessions. We heard from the officers of the gunboats who make excursions up the river that they frequently get shots at elephants and that tigers are numerous. The sport may be good, but I should think the climate was not to be trifled with. Nothing in the shape of curios was to be obtained, with the exception of small boxes and stands inlaid with mother-o’-pearl, in the making of which the natives seem to excel. [Sidenote: Nov. 7.] Sailed in the afternoon, having been escorted back as I had arrived. When taking leave of Admiral Ohier on shore, I requested him not to return my visit, as the one I now paid him was in return for that he paid me at Hong Kong, when he departed without giving me an opportunity of waiting on him. I was off the following morning for Singapore, where we arrived on the 10th, staying only to coal before paying a long promised visit to Siam. [Sidenote: Bankok, Nov. 15.] We arrived at Bankok on the 15th. The Consul-General, Colonel Knox, kindly offered me the hospitality of the Consulate. W. H. Read was already there, having come up at my request to settle some consular matters which required attention. The young King Khoulalonkorn had but recently succeeded his father, whose obsequies were proceeding.