Many different plans of landholding have been tried since 1865, and traces of all of them may be found throughout the length and breadth of the South.

One was a modified serfdom, in which the tenant worked for the landlord four or five days in every week for a small wage.

In addition he had a house, firewood, and several acres of land which he might cultivate on his own account.

According to another plan, the landlord promised to pay a fixed sum of money to the laborer when the crop was gathered.

Both plans had their origin primarily in the landlord's poverty, but were reenforced by the tenant's unreliability.
These plans, as well as combinations of these with some others to be mentioned, have now practically died out.