HOW TO SELECT A GUN. 25 



sociation was subsequently incorporated by an act 

 of Parliament, in 18 13. But the law being dis- 

 regarded in the sale of large quantities of inferior 

 and unsafe barrels, the government, in 18 15, passed a 

 more stringent law, making it a fine of twenty pounds 

 sterling for any gunmaker to make or to receive, any 

 gun-barrels not duly proved under the prescribed act. 

 The same penalty was imposed upon a forger of the 

 proof-marks of either the London or Birmingham 

 proof-house. 



