Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-10-02
SPRINGDELL FARM.


ty. To so characterize farm which only
three or four years ago was wilderness,
and which since that time has been un-
der the direction of a man who previously
scarcely knew the difference between a
horse rake and disk harrow, and who
has never attempted to plow furrow in
his life, would not sound we'll. But, all
the same, any really intelligent man,
whether he he an experienced farmer or
ordinary business man, who will make a
thorough investigation of the history and
condition of Springfield farm, located on
the southwestern outskirts Of Yorkville
and owned by Mr.. T. B. McClain, will
run across great deal that will be calcu-
lated to open his eyes, and, perhaps, too,
learn him something.
The acres of which this farm is COM
posed fell into the hands Of Mr.. McClain
some few years ago, as the result of what
he then considered an unlucky business
accident. He had advanced large sum
of money; the land was security, and he
had to buy it as a matter OF self-protec-
ton. He had never owned any farming
land before and did not want any then ;
but having come into possession OF it,
with his usual energy and enterprise, he
started out to make the most OF 1t, and
that is how he now happens to be in the
farming business. But that is not the
point. Instead of how 1t all came about,
the present interest lies in what is now
being done.
The representative of The ENQUIRER
was down on the farm some three years
ago. Then, much of it was in underbrush
and forest. The only improvement of
any consequence was large modern barn
and stable, which was described at the
time. The stable was still empty. AS
yet, Mr.. McClain had not bought any
stock or laid in supplies of grain or rough
ness. The whole thing only looked like
a verydbold start into very risky under
taking. The representative Of The EN-
oU1RER went over the same ground again
last Wednesday, and had the good for
tune to be accompanied by Mr.. McClain.
1t is a very different prospect now. Where
there were only two or three buildings
then, there are now, large and small, of all
kinds, more than so. Where then, from
the site of the big barn, nothing could be
seen but woods, thickets and under
growth, now there extends in every direc-
ton but one,, wide stretches Of cotton and
corn, promising as heavy yields, it Is ven-
tured, as can be found on any other farm
of the same acreage in York county.
Any attempt at description Of any part
Springfield would necessarily be imper-
feet; but, the most striking feature, per-
haps, are the arrangements for caring for
stock and the crops. In the matter OF
shelter, Mr.. McClain has not stinted him :
self about anything. First, there is the
big barn and stable, with stall acconmo-
dations for about 20 head of horses and
mules. 1t is so arranged that two wagons
may pass between the rows Of stalls on
either side, and the loft overhead is pack
ed with tons and tons of fodder, corntops,
peavine and meadow hay. A short dis
tance away is stout and substantial new
corncrib, capable of holding not less
than $500 bushels of corn, and uear by,
in the same lot with The barn, big wagon
shed with stalls for the accommodation
of six wagons. Some 30 or 4O yards away,
a reasonable fire limit from the big barn,
is another very much like it, but some
what smaller, for cattle; and further up
the hill is windmill tower upon which
there is tank that holds some $4,000 gal
Ions of water. From this tank to the
stable, there is system Of pipes which,
with convenient hydrants and hose, gives
all the buildings reasonable protection
against fire.
While it was hardly considered neces-
sary to take an inventory Of everything
about, the writer did not fail to take note
of nine head Of Jersey cattle, several tine
looking colts from IS months old down
several pigs, and conveniently -arran-
ged poultry yard full of chickens, along
with few ducks. These, however, MIR.
McClain explained were side issnes, and
were kept lust for fun" But this is not
nearly all. Also, within the past few
years, there has been set out at different
places on the farm, orchards of various
kinds numbering $50 trees, and vine
yard of fine grapes, including $50 vines.
There are also growing finely quite a
large number of pecan trees.
In answer to questions as to manage
ment, etc., Mr.. McClain informed the
writer that he was pursuing the wage
system exclusively-did not have crop
per or rent all acre. He has some II or Is
hands employed by the year, and pays
them weekly, or monthly, as they pre-
fer. Sometimes the number Of labor
ers employed run up as high as 80. 1t
is seldom less than 25; but easily aver
age the latter figure for the whole year.
The mum ber of plows employed this year
has been 10, with occasionally II, and the
crops consist principally of It's acres in
cotton and 100 acres in corn. Numerous
other crops have been raised, and there
is also being gathered, and to be gathered,
a very large quantity of peas.
AS already suggested, there is about
the whole thing great deal that IS be-
yond the comprehension of the average
individual. It is common idea in this
section of the county that while almost
anybody can manage two-horse farm
successfully, to manage four-horse farm
requires twice as much ability, and the
man who can successfully manage ten
horses, has more ability than is required
for the dec ent administration OF the gov
erumeut of state. There may be "me-