The imperfections to which a barrel is liable in forging, are of three kinds, viz., the _chink_, the _crack_, and the _flaw_. The _chink_ is a solution of continuity running lengthwise of the barrel. The _crack_ is a solution of continuity more irregular in its form than the chink, and running in a transverse direction, or across the barrel. The _flaw_ differs from both; it is a small plate or scale, which adheres to the barrel by a narrow base, from which it spreads out as the head of a nail does from its shank, and, when separated, leaves a pit or hollow in the metal. With regard to the soundness of the barrel, the chink and flaw are of much greater importance than the crack, as the effort of the powder is exerted upon the circumference, and not upon the length of the barrel. In a sword or bow, the very reverse of this takes place, for if a crack, though but of a slight depth, occurs in either, it will break at that place, when bent but very little, because the effort is made upon the fibres disposed longitudinally, whereas, if the fault be a chink, or even a slight flaw, the sword or bow will not give way. The flaw is much more frequent than the chink, the latter scarcely ever occurring but in barrels forged as above, in which the fibres of the metal run longitudinally. When external and superficial, they are all defects in point of neatness only, but when situated within the barrel, they are of material disadvantage, by affording a lodgment to moisture and foulness that corrode the iron, and thus continually enlarge the excavation, until the barrel bursts, or becomes dangerous to use. * * * * * Colonel Hawker says, “that a barrel may be pretty good, and perfectly safe, and yet not able to bear the scientific inspection of a first-rate maker or judge. That is, to hold the barrel up to the window, and gradually raise it, till the shade from above the window runs along its surface, by which inspection you will easily discover the most trifling want of finish.”—_Essay on Shooting._ BASILICON, _s._ An ointment; called also tetrapharmacon. It is now called ointment of yellow resin; it is a digestive. BASIN, _s._ A small pond; a part of the sea enclosed in rocks; a dock for repairing and building ships. BASKET-HILT, _s._ A hilt of a weapon, so made as to contain the whole hand. BASSET, _s._ A game at cards. BASTARD, _s._ Any thing spurious. BASTARD, _a._ Spurious, supposititious, adulterate. BAT, _s._ A heavy stick; an implement used in playing cricket; an animal having the body of a mouse, and the wings of a bird; not with feathers, but with a sort of skin which is extended. It brings forth its young as mice do, and suckles them.