five o'clock
The tourists found the streets in the older part of Genoa narrow , seldom more than ten feet wide , with lofty buildings on either side . But in the new portions , especially on the wide Strada Nuova and the Strada Balbi , the palaces and edifices present fine architecture . Nearly a day was spent in driving about Genoa with its flower-crowned terraces . It was after five o'clock when the party stood before the noble statue of Columbus recently dedicated in a prominent square filled with palms and flowering shrubs , and near the principal railway station . Here the statue welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest . Its design is admirable . Surmounting a short shaft is Columbus leaning upon an anchor , and pointing with his right hand to the figure of America ; below him are discerned encircling the shaft ornaments symbolic of Columbus 's little fleet , while other statues represent science , religion , courage , and geography ; between them are scenes in bass-relief of his adventurous career .