The correct comparison of the North and the South in the mid-1800s is as follows:
- The North had an industrial economy, an urban population, and an extensive railroad network.
- The South had an agrarian economy, a rural population, and a lack of railroads.
Based on this information, none of the provided options accurately reflect the historical realities of the North and South during that period. The North was primarily industrial with urban centers and a developed railroad system, while the South was largely agrarian, rural, and less developed in terms of rail transportation.