410 Transactions of the American Institute. 



the grasses general! J, can be grown, while cotton at the present price, 

 and the vineyards which are rapidly being maugurated, render a 

 farmer's success speedy and certain. The prices of lands vary from 

 three to thirty dollars per acre. In the cities and towns large sized 

 lots can be got from fifty dollars to $500. Honses and grounds 

 which cost five times their present price can yet be readily obtained. 

 Even in the mineral regions, real estate is still very cheap. We saw 

 a large fruit firm, only four miles from Ealeigh, rich in gold and 

 plumbago, with good house and 180 acres, that could now be bpught 

 for $1,500. The owner was the former postmaster, and a much 

 respected man. One-fourth cash, and three to five years' credit, are 

 the general terms ; while many properties can be hired, with an option 

 of purchase, at a stated price agreed upon beforehand. Even mere 

 laborers are readily welcomed, for their energy is much needed, and 

 they form a check upon the negro, who, as the Rev. J. B. Smith of 

 Ealeigh remarked to us, has at present no proper standard by which 

 to measure a day's work. Mechanics and artisans would find nice 

 openings and be free from much of that wear and tear which charac- 

 terizes the struffii'le for life in more inclement latitudes. 



By taking a trip to Xorfolk, Portsmouth, Eichmond, Lynchburg, 

 "Weldon, Ealeigh, and Asherville, the intending emigrant may readily 

 satisfy himself as to which is the best spot on which to settle, accord- 

 ing to his capacity and capitaL We are assured that the present 

 farms are too large for the means of the present holders. They will 

 cheerfully part with a portion to enhance the value of the remainder 

 and to secure a good neighbor. That this season will be a happy one 

 for the south, we do fully believe. Some immigration and capital 

 have already taken place ; the full stream will soon follow. The 

 present w^heat crop is all safe, and the best known for many years. 

 Oats and vegetables are more than an average crop, tobacco is fair, 

 and, though the season is backward, cotton is generally in blossom 

 and the yield at the present prices promises to be the most enriching 

 of aTiy that has occurred of late years. The south will soon be fully 

 recuperated. Norfolk will soon be a busy entrepot worthy of its 

 magnificent harbor, and Wilmington must have her share of direct 

 intercourse. It ought to be the earnest and daily prayer and work 

 of all good Americans to do all that in them lies, to help forward 

 this intermixing and prosperous knitting together of all parts of our 

 common country." 



