Date: 1802
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, fat a " variety of birds made of the fame precious me " tals, as well as the leaves of the tree.  While " the machinery affected spontaneous motions, " the several birds warbled their natural harmony. "  Through this scene of magnificence, the Greek " ambassador was led by the visir to the foot of " the caliph's throne43."