The success of such attempts varies.

The negro tenant generally resents close supervision; but on the other hand he enjoys the community life of a large plantation.

In the end, in the majority of cases the personal equation determines whether the negro stays or moves.
At the other extreme is the landowner who turns over his land to the negro and hopes for some return.

If the tenant is industrious and ambitious, the landowner gets something and is relieved of the trouble of supervision.

Often, however, he finds at the end of the year that the mules have deteriorated from being worked through the day and driven or ridden over the country at night; the tools and implements are broken or damaged; and the fences have been used for firewood, though an abundant supply could have been obtained by a few hours' labor.