t of the improved lands of the Free States
was $26.68 _per acre_ and of the Slave States $11.55, while, _per
capita_, the result was $131.48 to $70.56.

These facts prove how much greater the crops of the Slave States would
be, if their farms (including cotton) were cultivated by free labor. It
is also thus demonstrated how completely the fertile lands of the South
are exhausted and reduced in value by slave culture. Having thus proved,
deductively, the ruinous effects of slavery, I will proceed, in my next
letter, inductively, to exhibit the causes which have produced these
remarkable results.

R. J. WALKER.

AENONE:

A TALE OF SLAVE LIFE IN ROME.

CHAPTER V.

The day wore quietly on, like any other day; for the confusion and
turmoil of the ovation were already a half-forgotten thing of the past,
and Rome had again subsided into its usual course: in the earlier hours,
a city of well-filled streets, astir and vocal with active and vigorous
trade and labor; then--as the noontide sun shed from the brazen sky a
molten glow, that fell like fire upon the lava pavement, and glanced
from polished walls until the whole atmosphere seemed like a furnace--a
city seemingly deserted, except by a few slaves, engaged in removing the
triumphal arches hung with faded and lifeless flowers, and by a soldier
here and there in glistening armor, keeping a lonely watch; and
again--as the sun sank toward the west, and, with the lengthening
shadows, the intensity of the heat diminished--a city flooded with
wealth and fashion, pouring in confused streams hither and thither,
through its broadest avenues and forums--groups of idlers sauntering
along to watch the inoccupation of others, and with the prospective bath
as the pretence for the stroll--matrons and maidens of high degree, with
attendants following them--a rattle of gayly caparisoned chariots, with
footmen trotting beside the wheels--guards on horseback--detachments of
praetorian soldiers passing up and down--here the car of a senator of the
broad purple--there the mounted escort of a Syrian governor--all that
could speak of magnificence, wealth, and authority, at that hour
thronged the pavement.

Leaving the Vanno palace, AEnone joined herself to this moving concourse.
At her side walked one of her bondwomen, and, at a pace or two behind,
properly attired, and armed only with a short sword, strode the armor
bearer.