Frank:

There are tree-lines in all mountains above a certain height, above which conditions are not good for trees and they are sparse; but below that line, they can grow thickly. Bear in mind that any "mountains" east of the Mississippi are likely to be foothills. And they are often rich with trees, often used for lumbering.

A "jack: is a man skilled in work, regardless of the trade-sailing, lumbering, wheelwrighting or whathave you. "If I could holler like a mountain jack, I'd climb a mountain and call my baby back" is a sentiment that does not (to me) bring the yowl of painters to mind. Maybe your woman would respond to such a call, but none of mine would!!!


A