channel n See South Shore Phr Bk makin' channel, tending channel. In the log drive, the unimpeded flow of water carrying the logs downstream. In combs channel tender, ~ tending.
   1985 Terminology of Loggers 5 Channel tender-- the man stationed on the riverbank to keep the logs moving during a drive. P 13-83 Channel tending, a preventive measure: several drivers are stationed at known trouble spots along the shore--a narrow channel, a particular rock, etc--to keep the logs moving and thus prevent a 'plug.' 1987 QUINLAN 32 The fellow channel tending had it easy as long as the timber kept coming.

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