Chapter 72
The Philosopher's StoneFAR away towards the east, in India, which seemed in those
days the world's end, stood the Tree of the Sun; a noble tree, such
as we have never seen, and perhaps never may see.
The summit of this tree spread itself for miles like an
entire forest, each of its smaller branches forming a complete
tree. Palms, beech-trees, pines, plane-trees, and various other
kinds, which are found in all parts of the world, were here like
small branches, shooting forth from the great tree; while the
larger boughs, with their knots and curves, formed valleys and
hills, clothed with velvety green and covered with flowers.
Everywhere it was like a blooming meadow or a lovely garden. Here
were birds from all quarters of the world assembled together; birds
from the
