Gents: I have 2 questions for you.

I am reading through a copy of U.S. "Ordnance Memorandum No. 21" (1878) available through Buffalo Arms -- see below. Specifications for wood packing boxes for .45-70- 405 (rifle) & 45-55-405 (carbine) service ammunition, state:

"Boxes are made from red-knot white-pine boards, planed both sides 15/16 inch thick, corners halved together and secured with glue."

What are "red-knot white pine" & corners "halved together"??

"Ordnance Memo No. 21, Indian War Ammunition 1878 

"The official, illustrated army ordnance manual on all army small arms ammunition, fuses, etc. 128 pages of text and 25 full page line drawings of the government ammunition of the Indian War: pistol, rifle and carbine rounds; ammunition boxes, ammunition crates and markings; ammunition gauge sets; operations of production; types of priming; fuses and much more. Handsome red cover with gold embossed seal, like the original. 8 1/4" x 11", 147 pages. Softbound."  US $15.00

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Corners halved together refers to the joint used to make the boxes.  Not dovetails or butt joints but half laps. Of Rabbit joints like Podufa said.

Goverment being what it is sombody would have overspent for clear pine and more complicated joint if not specified.  You can see these boxes at some of the big collector shows.

Boats