the statue, which
leans on an anchor, kneels the figure of America. The surrounding
allegorical figures represent Religion, Science, Geography, Strength
and Wisdom. Between these, are reliefs from the history of Columbus,
with the inscription, "A Christoforo Colombo la Patria."]

[Illustration: LEANING TOWER, PISA, ITALY.--Pisa is principally
noted for its famous "Leaning Tower," begun in 1174, and built of
white marble; it is 178 feet high, and fronted with 207 columns.
It is 50 feet in diameter, and leans 13 feet from the perpendicular.
The foundation being made insufficiently solid, it began to incline
before it was one-third completed. The Cathedral on the right was
begun in 1604, and consecrated in 1618 by Pope Gelasius; it contains
the famous chandelier which Galileo saw swinging, and which led to
his invention of the pendulum of the clock. The Baptistry, close
by, is noted for its marvelous echo.]

[Illustration: PALACE OF THE DOGES, VENICE, ITALY.--This magnificent
edifice, founded in 800, and destroyed five times, has as often been
re-erected in grander style. The palace is flanked with colonnades,
forming two pointed arcades on the south and west. The upper portion
of the building is constructed of red and white marble. The interior
presents a noble specimen of Venetian art. Many famous masters
are here represented, the subjects either portraying the glory of
Venice, or being of a religious order. The Bridge of Sighs connects
the palace with the prison adjoining, which contains a series of
gloomy dungeons, a torture chamber and a place of execution for
political criminals.]

[Illustration: GRAND CANAL, VENICE, ITALY.--This canal, the main
artery of the traffic of Venice, nearly two miles in length, and
thirty-three to sixty-six yards in width, intersects the city from
north-west to south-east, dividing it into two unequal parts.
Steam-launches, hundreds of gondolas and other vessels are seen
gliding in every direction. Handsome houses and magnificent palaces
rise on the banks, for this is the street of the _Nobili_, the ancient
aristocracy of Venice. A barge, with a military band, navigates
the canal every Sunday evening. A trip on the canal is extremely
interesting; the posts are painted with the heraldic colors of
their proprietors.]

[Illustration: CATHEDRAL OF ST. MARK, VENICE, ITALY.--Facing the
piazza of St. Mark, which is in the heart of Venice and the grand
focus of attraction, rises the magnific