Plenary power is conferred upon the county levying court at its regular or specially called meeting, to authorize the county court or the county judge thereof in vacation to purchase in the name and for the benefit of the county, a tract of land not to exceed two thousand (2,000) acres, or the levying court shall have the power, if it deem best, to direct the court or the county judge thereof in vacation, to lease in the name and for the benefit of the county, a farm upon which the county prisoners shall be worked under the provisions of this section or §§ 12-42-108, 12-42-114, 12-42-115, 16-90-405, and 16-96-504 [repealed].