Post #199897 by Traderpup on Thu, Nov 24, 2005 10:03 AM

Here's what I found with a little research:

These were also known as carboys and were used to hold a variety of liquids... rum, water, etc. A glass jug enclosed in a wooden crate shares the same term. The ones that look like glass floats were hung in ships, freeing up valuable floor/deck space. The rope netting was to protect from breakage as they swayed in rough sea.