The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1896-09-09

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the course Of the two mountain rivers,
whose junction is one of the most
beautiful scenes upon the continent.
Far to the right is a glimpse of Mt.
Mitchell, and beyond, the azure of the
Blue Ridge can be discerned, The
sight Of all this grandeur produces a
wonderful effect upon chin whom love
of nature holds. The tennis court
and landscape gardens are places of
interest," while the drives, walks and
terraces have been laid out by an
artists hand.
What delight it must be to the
skilled gardener to possess ample
means to crafty his taste. One little
place noticed was especially artistic:
A small valley had been graded and
sodded until it resembled an emerald
river sweeping down between the hills.
The greatest skill has been shown in
the arrangementof the flowers. Along
the sixty miles Of boulevards have
been set out six million plants, but
growing in among the wild flowers, it
takes the eye of botanist to distin-
guish city plants from country sisters.
From the magnifcence everywhere
displayed, one would imagine himself
on foreign soil, but for the sight Of an
old worm-fence in an incompleted part
of the grounds, and little beaten
path leading down to spring, which
are so Southern in appearance.
The stables AID dairies are open for
inspection, and are well worth the
time spent upon them.
The exterior Of the stables is of the
same material as the main building.
Within they are of the finest glazed
brick, and are perfectly freproof.
The horses drink from a porcelain
tub, and are fed from handsome cedar
buckets, with the monogram &c. W.
"" upon them in heavy brass. We
counted twcnty-three fine horses,
though there are many others. Maude,
the favorite riding horse, is hand
some black animal, with shapely head.
Among other names are ambassador,
Grant. Sherman, Cleveland and many
more. Cleveland was absent from his
stall, and one of the party remarked
that probably he had gone fishing.
The horses are in charge of English
grooms, with negro henchmen. who
seem proud Of their position. The
vehicles number thirteen, from heavy
tourist wagons to the handsome road
carts and carriages.
The dairy is conducted on scientific
principles and is in charge of profess
sional. The large-eyed Jersey COWS
are numerous, and evidently well cared
for. AS soon as MIXED, the milk is
cooled by being run over steel tubes
containing cold water; it is then put
in separator and the cream taken
from it.
The Biltmore dairy supplies some
of the Asheville hotels with fresh
milk and butter.
Such are some Of the wonders Of
Biltmore. The owner seems to be
much admired and respected, and he
has certainly done much to advance
the prosperity Of Asheville by making
such lavish outlay Of his means. 1t
seems far less extravagant expendI-
ture than for jewels or riotous living,
for the possession is not only joy to
the owner, but gives unlimited pleas
ure to others, for it affords fine ex-
ample of the beauty of scene show
ing the handiwork of God supplement-
ed by the labor of man. Without the
background of the mountains, Bilt-
more would be a jewel without set
ting.
As yet it has no historical interest,
but America is new country, and to
the traveller of the future this castle
of the mountains, may be pointed out
as identified with some of the most
important events in the history of our
nation.
There is but one drawback to the
happy possession of this grand estate,
and that is the Naboth of the vine
yard, in the person of the colored man
who owns the only piece of ground
which Mr.. Vanderbilt cannot purchase.
In one corner of the park is a small
tract of land to which this colored
man has clear title, and while he is
anxious to possess it, Mr.. Vanderbilt
does not, like Ahab, seek to take it
from him, but has offered the full
value of it; but so far the owner re-
fuses to sell.
Mr.. Vanderbilt however does not
refuse to enjoy life because this Nor
decai sits at the gate, but takes the
keenest delight in what is considered
the finest private residence in the
world.
May he not forget to whom he, and
every rich man, owes the power to get
gain. RHEA.