Sentence:  Log after log is hauled to the bank of the river, and in a short time their first raft is made on the shore and loaded with cordwood. When the next <WSD>freshet</WSD> sets it afloat, it is secured by long grapevines or cables until, the proper time being arrived, the husband and sons embark on it and float down the mighty stream. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A flood resulting from heavy rain or a spring thaw.