burnt timber The reference is to the forest fire that destroyed vast acres of woodland, as well as the town of Seney, Michigan.
convex having a surface that bulges outward.
cinders burned remains.
jack pines North American evergreens with soft wood and short, twisted needles.
swale a slightly lower tract of land either created or caused by running water.
cheesecloth coarsely, loosely woven gauze.
