CHAPTER XV.
THE FRENCH MISSION AND THE ARSENAL IN YUNNAN CITY.
The most prominent structure within the city walls is the Heavenly Lord Hall (_Tien-chu-tang_), the pile of buildings which form the headquarters of the French Mission in the province of Yunnan.

It was a master-stroke to secure possession of so important a site.

The palace is on a higher level even than the yamen of the Viceroy, and must intercept much of the good fortune that would otherwise flow into the city.

The facade of the central hall has been ornamented with a superb cross of porcelain mosaic, which is a conspicuous object from the city wall.

A large garden, where the eucalyptus has been wisely planted, surrounds the buildings.