Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-09-06

ing as far as the famed Pisgah, the
highest point in these grounds and
ranges which intersect this country,
are preserves, with a shooting box
situated on this high pinnacle. When
you are told that to reach this point
requires drive of some 20 miles, you
have some conception of the enormous
extent of this property. 1t is there
fore an estate of not only magnificent
beauty but also of magnificent pro-
portions. Our first introduction to
this beautiful spot was naturally
through Biltmore station. There were
evidences wherever the eye roamed of
culture and refinement. What a pity
these big corporations, the railroads,
do not think it worth their while to
make their depots more attractive.
Often and often the aesthetic tempera-
ment is blunted with the unsightly,
ramshackle buildings, with grounds
rough and unkempt, which 60 under
the names of station. Just little
ljudicious expenditure, and little en-
couragement on the part of the officials
and their places of embarkation and
debarkation would not be the horribly
ugly and homely places they, too Of
ten, are.
The driveway leading past the lodge
gates into the grounds was here, as
elsewhere, splendid. An object lesson
in good roads. 1t followed the banks of
the French Broad, which runs through
Biltmore. Art, science and taste had
materially assisted nature in beautify.
ing what was undoubtedly originally
exquisite, with the result that every
inch of this magnificent driveway was
a dream, a poem. We could have lin
gered indefinitely hereabouts, drink
ing in, in rapturous, beatifc moods,
this fairy prospect. Landscape gar
dens are not always discriminating,
nor are they always possessed of the
true artistic spirit; but here, there
were evidences Of the master hand.
Nature had not been subordinated,
but improved upon. Everything had
been touched with innate artistic hand,
so that the embroideries of the arras
folds of earth's curtains
Proved what amplitude in store
Lies just beyond the entrance door.
And this observation was every whit
true of all the spendid driveways run
ming through the whole estate.
We first inspected the fine herd of
Jersey cows. The buildings, while ad-
mirably adapted for their purpose,
were very unpretentious and looked,
by comparison, rather dilapidated.
There are soon to be built, more sub
stantial, commodious and modern ones.
When these are completed, they will
be, no doubt, second to none. This
herd of COWS is the finest we have ever
seen. One hundred and fifty in num-
ber, and everyone as perfect speci.
man as human skill and science could
obtain. This afternoon everyone was
in her stall, and wonderful picture
of contentment they presented. Every
thing was spotlessly clean-no dirt,
nor filth anywhere apparent. Here,
too, everything is conducted upon the
latest scientific principles. The feed
is scientifically compounded and
weighed, and so is the milk as regards
weighing. Thus the producing quail
ty of each individual animal can be
accurately known. The dairy was a
model of cleanliness and simplicity.
1t was scrupulously clean and inviting.
There were separators, condensers,
sterilizers, etc., of all of the latest
styles and most approved patterns.
The milk was sold, and such demand
existed that the supply was INSULT
cient. And no wonder. No one could
possibly have the least compunction.
As regards the calves, the Egyptian
role was meted out to the male ones
unless they were of exceptional merit.
This rule was observed with the Sc
verify of that law of the ancient Medes
and Persians, which changeth not.
The ride to the mansion was along
driveway, nearly three miles in length,
and perfectly exquisite in its sur
roundings. The vegetation recon-
mended itself in beauteous style. The
gentle undulations were covered with
rich shrubbage, varigated in form and
color. The general public have heard
and read of this costly pile, so that
its attractions are widely known.
Photographs from all standpoints can
readily be secured at the stores in
Asheville and these will convey a more
accurate idea, and a more adequate
conception than pen description. The
views from the balcony are grandilo-
quent. Three distinct ranges of noun
tain ranges are visible, the horizon
being irregularly broken upon by their
Jagged peaks, and all are covered with
a blueish haze, which give them the
name of Blue mountains.
The stables are we'll worthy visit
and fortunate is the individual who
finds entrance therein. There were
not many animals in at this particular
time; but such attention did each re-
ceive, that he stood out as a model OF
care aud finish. The brasses and fit
tings shone with a lustre, and the
pressed, glazed brick exhibited not the
least particle of dirt anywhere. The
harness room and carriage house con-
tained a varied assortment of harness
and carriages that was perfectly be-
wildering. This stable was complete
in every respect and must have cost,
in itself, with its contents, very
handsome sum. Love of horseflesh
has been inherent in the Vanderbilt
blood for generations anG the carriage