"Nor is this marvelous advance in valuation," says the _Times-Democrat_, "the result of any inflation in value, but the natural sequence of grand crops, new industries developed, new manufactories, mines, and lumber mills established." The extension of railroads has been hardly less astonishing.

In the eight States above enumerated there were in 1879 11,604 miles of railroad.

There are now 17,891 miles, showing an increase in four years of 6,287 miles.

The agricultural progress made is shown by the fact that the value of raw products raised in these States, including all crops, lumber, cattle, and wool, has advanced from $398,000,000 in 1879 to $567,000,000 in 1883, or an increase of $169,000,000.

During this period the mineral output of Alabama alone has increased from $4,000,000 to $19,000,000, and the lumber product of Arkansas from $1,790,000 to $8,000,000.
The trade of New Orleans is a barometer of Southern industry and commerce.