five o'clock in the morning
Many of the streets are lined with trees on the banks of the canals . On the whole , the students were more interested in Amsterdam than in any other city they had visited , partly , perhaps , on account of its oddity . As long as there was light to see , they continued their rambles , and then retired early , in order to be prepared for a fresh start the next day . At five o'clock in the morning the party took a steamer for Zaandam , or Sardam . Leaving the shore , they had a fine view of the city . The harbor is enclosed by two rows of piles , with occasional openings to admit the passage of vessels , which are closed at night with booms armed with iron spikes . In various parts of the Ij were seen little pavilions , built upon piers , which are the summer houses of wealthy citizens , who own pleasure-boats , and repair in them to these cosy little temples , to drink wine and coffee and smoke their pipes .