'-_Decline and Fall_, vol. x.
p. 39.]
[Footnote 28: page 76.--_A tree of gold and silver._ 'Among the other
spectacles of rare and stupendous luxury was a tree of gold and silver,
spreading into eighteen large branches, on which, and on the lesser
boughs, sat a variety of birds made of the same precious metals, as
well as the leaves of the tree. While the machinery effected spontaneous
motions, the several birds warbled their natural harmony.'-_Gibbon,_
vol. x. p. 38, from Abulfeda, describing the court of the Caliphs of
Bagdad in the decline of their power.]
[Footnote 29: page 76.--_Four hundred men led as many white bloodhounds,
with collars of gold and rubies_. I have somewhere read of an Indian or
Persian monarch whose coursing was conducted in this gorgeous style: if
I remember right, it was Mahmoud the Gaznevide.]
[Footnote 30: page 76.--_A steed marked on its forehead with a star._
The sacred steed of Solorhon.]
[Footnote 31: page 78.--_Instead of water, each basin was replenished
with the purest quicksilver._ 'In a lofty pavilion of the gardens, one
of those basins and fountains so delightful in a sultry climate,
was replenished, not with water, but with the purest quicksilver.
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