arly insuperable difficulty. I have two
workmen--as good, certainly, as the best in America--to the finest
of whom I pay only four dollars a day. He could make twice that
cutting weeping-willows on American tomb-stones. What could he not
justly demand in wages from a New York sculptor? I employ a dozen
workmen in my studios; the poorest, at work on pedestals and rough
work, earn about half a dollar a day; the moderately skilled, a
little over a dollar. The whole cost me about fifteen dollars per
day, which is wonderfully low. Then, my rent--which could not, for
my extensive accommodations, be less than two thousand five hundred
dollars a year in any eligible position which the public would
visit--reaches only about four hundred and fifty dollars, annually.

But, 4. The general expenses of maintaining a family are so much
less here than at home, that a man without capital, possessing a
profession so slow in reaching its pecuniary returns as an
artist's, finds an immense inducement to live abroad. It is true
that, music and accomplishment in languages apart, the
opportunities of a substantial education for one's children are not
as good here as at home. There are, however, less temptations to
vice, and less exposures to the American habit of hard drinking
among young men; but, no doubt, the general influences here, in
the way of developing a manly, energetic, and self-relying
character, are less favorable than at home. There is a softness, a
disposition to take life easy, and a want of moral earnestness in
Italy, which are not favorable to youthful ambition and
independence. On the other hand, the money-getting propensities and
social rivalries of America tend to harden human character, and to
bring out a severe selfishness which is offensive. On the whole,
the balance is on our side, and, other things apart, American youth
are better brought up in America. But the artist must make this
sacrifice to his art.

Mr. Powers is sixty-five years old, but is in full possession of his
mental and physical strength. He is a genuine American, notwithstanding
his long residence abroad, and has always a warm welcome for his
countrymen visiting his studio. He is a favorite with the younger
artists, who find in him a kind and judicious friend. Scorning servile
imitation, he still exhibi