Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus is provided for increasing the efficiency of gathering cut tobacco stalks, particularly burley tobacco stalks. The apparatus includes a metal tobacco stick being of a length sufficient so that the stick can be pushed into the ground with a portion thereof remaining above ground for supporting a plurality of cut tobacco stalks which are to be impaled thereon. A spear tip is provided and adapted to be fitted to the end of the tobacco stick above the ground. The spear tip also provides a worker with a means for grasping and pushing the tobacco stick into the ground. The spear tip has a cross-sectional area which is greater than that of the tobacco stick but generally less than that of the cut tobacco stalks so that the stalks can be threaded onto the stick by forcing the stalk onto the spear tip and subsequently sliding the stalk down onto the tobacco stick. The apparatus further calls for a cradle for supporting at least the butt ends of the cut tobacco stalks off the ground at a sufficient height so that a worker in a relatively fluid and continuous motion can pick a stalk from the cradle and impale the stalk onto the tobacco stick without repeatedly bending over. A method is also provided for utilizing the apparatus according to the present invention for gathering cut tobacco stalks, particularly burley tobacco stalks.

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First Claim