in the east, a kind of alcove raised half a foot above the floor of a chamber or other apartment; and used as the place of state, where visitors of distinction are received. Among the Turks the whole floor of their state-rooms is covered with a kind of tapestry, and on the window-side is raised a sofa or sopha, laid with a kind of matras, covered with a carpet much richer than the other. On this carpet the Turks are seated, both men and women, like the tailors in England, cross-legged, leaning against the wall, which is bolstered with velvet, fettin, or other stuff suitable to the season. Here they eat their meals; only laying a skin over the carpet to serve as a table-cloth, and a round wooden board over all, covered with plates, &c.