Saigon
capital of French Cochin- China; on the Saigon, a branch of the delta of the Mekhong; about 35 miles from the sea. The present town has grown up under French influences since 1861, and with its fine streets and squares and boulevards is one of the handsomest cities of the East. It has a magnificent governor's palace, a cathedral (1877), two higher colleges, an arsenal, floating dock and drydock, administrative offices, and a botanical and zoölogical garden. and zoological garden.