[AT] Tobacco transplanting time

[David Bruce]

I took my pup for a walk "up the road" and some of the locals were transplanting 
tobacco sets.  I had noticed earlier they had "laid by" (listed) the rows. 
There transplant operation consists of a four row transplanted that carries 
eight men (two for each row) carried by a big JD tractor (sorry I didn't get the 
model).  The tractor also has strapped to it three water tanks (one in front and 
one on each side).  They transplant four rows, skip one "blank balk" and then 
repeat.  The "blank balk" is to drive a tractor through at harvest time pulling 
a trailer where the leaves are piled.  Around here tobacco is still manually 
harvested, fields are too small and the terrain is too hilly for mechanical 
harvesters like I'm sure Charlie Hill is used to seeing.
The operation is fascinating to watch, and very similar to what my grandparents 
did 50 years ago.  Wonder how long they can survive in the new days of tobacco 
without the price supports.

David