Chapter X (2)

II. With respect to the proportion of these mutations, with the method of conveying the fire from one to the other, and the distance they stand from each other on the spindle, the following general remarks will be sufficient.

The _first mutation_ must be a hexagon vertical wheel fourteen inches in diameter. On one side of the block, whose diameter is two and one-fourth inches, is fixed a tin barrel. This barrel must be a little less in diameter than the nave. Let the length of the barrel, and block be six inches. Having fixed the cases on the wheel, carry a leader, from the tail of the last case, into the tin barrel, through a hole, made on purpose, two inches from the block. At the end of this leader, let there be about one inch, or two, of loose match; but be careful to secure the hole, in which the pipe is put, to prevent any sparks falling in, which would light the second mutation before its time, and confuse the whole.

The _second mutation_ is thus made. Have a nave, turned two and a half inches in diameter, and three long; then let half an inch of that end, which faces the first wheel, be turned, so as to fit easy into the tin barrel of the first mutation, which must turn round it without touching. On the other end of the block, fix a tin barrel No. 2. This barrel must be six inches long, and only half an inch of it to fit on the block. Round the nave, fix five spokes, one inch and a half long each. The diameter of the spokes must be equal to a two-ounce former. On these spokes, put five seven-inch two-ounce cases of spur-fire, and carry leaders from the mouth of one to the other, that they may all light together. Then, from the mouth of one of these cases, carry a leader through a hole bored slantwise in the nave, from between the spokes to the front of the block, near the spindle hole. The end of this leader must project out of the hole into the barrel of the first mutation; so that, when the pipe, which comes from the end of the last case on the first wheel, flashes, it may take fire and light the second mutation. To communicate the fire to the third mutation, bore a hole near the bottom of one of the five cases to the composition; and from thence carry a leader into a hole, made in the middle of the barrel. This hole must be covered with pasted paper.

The _third mutation_ may be either an octagon or hexagon wheel, twenty inches in diameter. Let the nave be three and a quarter inches in diameter, and three and a half in length. One and a half inches of the front of the nave must be made to fit in the barrel No. 2. On the other end of the block, fix a tin barrel No. 3. This barrel must be six and a half inches in length, one inch of which must fit over the block. The cases of this wheel must burn two at a time, and, from the mouths of the two first cases, carry a leader through holes in the nave, into the barrel of the second mutation, after the usual manner. But besides these leaders, let a pipe go across the wheel from one of the first cases to the other. Then, from the tail of one of the last cases, carry a pipe into a hole in the middle of the barrel No. 3: at the end of this pipe, let there be some loose quick match.

_Fourth and Fifth Mutations._--Their naves are made of one piece, which, from the barrel of the fourth, to the commencement of the sixth, is fourteen inches. The block of the fourth is four inches in diameter, having ten or twelve short spokes, on which are fixed eleven inch eight-ounce cases. The front of this block must fit easy in the barrel of the third wheel. Clothe the cases, so that they may all light together; and let a pipe be carried through a hole in the block into the barrel No. 3, in order to receive the fire from the leader, brought from the last case on the wheel. The nave of the fifth mutation must be four and a half inches in diameter, and furnished with ten or twelve spokes, eighteen inches in length each. These spokes must stand seven inches distant from the spokes of the fourth mutation, and, at the end of each spoke, tie a four-ounce case as No. 5. All these cases are to be lighted together, by a leader brought from the end of one of the cases on No. 4.

_Sixth and Seventh Mutations._--The blocks of these two mutations are turned out of one piece of wood, whose length from the barrel of the fifth wheel, to the block of the eighth wheel, is fifteen inches. The block of the sixth wheel is five inches in diameter, having eight spokes, each two feet four inches long. At the end of each spoke, tie two four-ounce cases, as in No. 6. All these cases must be fired at the same time, by a pipe brought from the end of one of the cases on the fifth mutation. Let the distance between the spokes of the sixth, and those in the fifth mutation, be seven inches. The nave of the seventh mutation must be five and a half inches in diameter, and furnished with eight spokes. On the front of them, two circular fells, one of four feet eight inches in diameter, and the other, three feet eleven inches, are to be fixed. On these fells, tie sixteen eight-ounce cases, or pound cases, as in No. 7, and carry leaders from one to the other, so that they may be fired at the same time. This mutation must be fired by a leader, brought from the tail of one of the cases on the sixth mutation.

_Eighth and Ninth Mutations._--The blocks of these may be turned out of one piece, whose length from the barrel of the seventh mutation to the block of the ninth, must be twelve inches. The block of the eighth, six inches in diameter, must contain six spokes, each three feet in length, and strengthened by an hexagon fell, within three or four inches of the ends of the spokes. Close to the end of each spoke, in the front, fix a five-pointed brilliant star, and seven inches below each star, attach two ten-inch eight-ounce cases, so that the upper ends of the cases may rest on the fells, and their ends on the spokes. Each of these cases must be placed parallel to the opposite fell.

_Ninth Mutation._--The block of the ninth mutation is seven inches in diameter, and holds six spokes, six feet long each, with holes and grooves for leaders, as those in the dodecaedron. At the end of each spoke in the front, fix a spindle for a hexagon vertical wheel, ten inches in diameter, as in No. 9. When these wheels are on, carry a leader from each into the block, so that they may all meet. Then lead a pipe from the end of one of the cases of the eighth mutation, through a hole bored in the block of the ninth, to meet the leaders from the vertical wheels, in order that they may be fired together.

Having thus given a brief description of this complicated work, the performance of which depends so much on the accuracy of its parts, we will now add a few remarks respecting the formation of spindles.

For the larger pieces, the spindles should be made very strong and exact. The instructions on this head are, that for a piece of nine mutations, let the spindle be, at the large end, one inch in diameter, and continue that thickness as far as the seventh mutation, and from thence to the fifth, let its diameter be three-quarters of an inch. The other proportions, then, are, from the fourth to the second, half an inch; and from the second to the end, three-eighths of an inch. At the small end must be a nut, to keep on the first wheel, and at the thick end, a large nut; so that the screw part of the spindle being put through a post, and a nut screwed on tight, the spindle will be held fast and steady. The wheels, however, ought to run easy and without sticking. The fixed pieces are made on different blocks, and the leaders must be joined, after they are fixed on the spindle. The best method of preventing the fixed mutations from moving on the spindle, is to bore a hole a little larger than the diameter of the spindle; and, at each end of the block, over the hole, fasten a piece of brass, with a square hole in it to fit the spindle.

Similar to this piece of nine mutations is the _Pièce Pyrique_ of the French, which consists of a great variety of fixed and moving pieces, that are fired alternately, but in regular succession. This piece we purpose to describe in the following section.

_Sec. XIX. Of the Pyric or Fire-Piece._

This, we have remarked, is a combination of pieces, calculated, like the one we have described, to produce a variety of fires, variously arranged and distributed.

The pyric piece commonly commences with a turning sun. This sun consists of three cases, fixed to three arms proceeding from the centre. They are attached by means of a string, and have leaders which go from one to the other of the cases. See _Sun_. This sun communicates its fire to a fixed sun, formed of eight or nine strips of board, crossing each other, or as many spokes from a hub, to which are attached, lengthwise, as many cases, whose mouths are made to communicate fire by means of leaders; so that each case presents the appearance we have before described. Then follows a wheel consisting of two or more concentric circles, and round which are placed eight cases, with their mouths inclining a little upwards. These cases are generally charged with brilliant fire. They communicate with each other in the usual manner, and afterwards with a fixed star, placed on a stick, proceeding from the horizontal axis. This star is made of two cases, charged with Chinese fire, with their mouths upwards, and forming, with each other, an angle of forty-five degrees. This fire is then communicated to another wheel, and from that to one, on which, at certain distances, are fixed six smaller wheels, furnished with six cases each; so that the whole are put in motion at one time, the fire being communicated at the same period. The appearance of these smaller wheels, as the cases may be charged with the coloured fire-composition, is such as to exhibit the motion of a screw; which, however, depends on the structure of the wheel. The fire from this may then communicate to other wheels of the same kind, to cases of brilliant fire, to marrons and the like, differently arranged according to fancy. Cylinders of copper or tin, called _barrels_ by some, are used in the arrangement, in the manner already described. In fact, the remarks we have before made on the regulated piece of nine mutations, the manner of forming as well as of executing it, will apply to the Pyric-piece.

_Sec. XX. Of Sundry Illuminated Figures._

There are various illuminated pieces, some of which we purpose to notice in this section.

The illuminated pyramid, with Archimedean screws, a globe, and vertical sun, may be exhibited in the following manner: Let a pyramid be made twenty-one feet in height, and the height of the pedestal six feet, and breadth nine feet, having a space between the rails of six inches. They must be made as thin as possible, and in all put port-fires at intervals of four inches. The Archimedean screws are placed on the pedestal. They are nothing more than double spiral wheels, on which the cases are placed, but horizontally instead of obliquely. The vertical sun, placed four feet below the top of the pyramid, may consist of twelve rays. The globe on the top may be made in proportion to the pyramid. The leaders must be prepared and arranged in such a manner, that all the illuminating port-fires, or lances, screws, globe, and sun may take fire together.

Transparent stars with illuminated rays are formed, by making a strong circular block or body for the star, two feet in diameter, and attaching to it illuminated rays. In the centre of the front of the body, fix a spindle, on which put a double triangular wheel, six inches in diameter, clothed with two-ounce cases of brilliant charge. The cases on this wheel must burn only one at a time.

Round the edge of the body, nail a hoop made of thin wood or tin, which must project in front six or seven inches. In this hoop, cut three or four holes to let out the smoke from the wheel. The star may be cut out of strong pasteboard or tin in the following manner: Cut a round piece of pasteboard, two feet in diameter, on which draw a star, and cut it out. Over the vacancy, paste Persian silk, and paint the letters yellow; and also four of the rays yellow, and four red. This transparent star is to be fixed to the wooden hoop by a screw, to take off and on. The illuminated rays are made of thin wood, with tin sockets, fixed on their sides, within four inches of each other. In these rockets, put the illuminating port-fires, or lances; and behind the point of each ray, attach a half pound case of gray, black, or Chinese fire. The illuminated rays are to be lighted at the same time as the triangular wheel, or after it is burnt out. This may be done by a tin barrel, in the manner described in the regulated piece. Into this barrel, carry a leader from the illuminated rays, through the back of the star, which must be met by another leader, brought from the tail of the last case on the wheel.

The regulated illuminated spiral piece, with a projected star wheel, also illuminated, is made by procuring a block, eight inches in diameter, and putting in six iron spokes, which serve for spindles for the spiral wheels. These wheels are made one and a half feet in diameter, and three feet in height. The spindles must be of sufficient length to keep the wheels four or five inches from one another. At the end of each spindle, put a screw nut. On these spindles, the wheels, that hang downwards, are to run. On the spindles, which stand upwards, must be a shoulder, for the blocks of the wheels to run on. The projected star wheel turns on the same spindle on which the large block is fixed. This spindle must be long enough to admit the star-wheel to project a little before the spiral wheels. The exterior diameter of the star wheel is five feet five inches. On this wheel, three circles of iron wire are to be fixed, to which attach either port, or other illuminating fires. On the block, place a transparent star, or a large five-pointed brilliant star. The cases on this wheel may burn four at once. The cases on the spiral wheels must be placed parallel to their fells and burn two at a time.

In order to make a figure-piece, with five-pointed stars, illuminated, all that is necessary is to have a vertical wheel about one foot in diameter, and furnished with six four-ounce cases of different coloured charge, which must burn double. On the frame of the figure piece, fix five-pointed brilliant or blue stars, rammed four inches with composition. Let the space between each star be eight inches, and, at each point, fix a gerbe or case of Chinese fire. The gerbe, stars, and wheel are to be lighted at the same time.

The illuminated star wheel may be formed by procuring a fell about four feet in diameter, and placing, within this fell, three circles of iron wire, one smaller than the other, so that the diameter of the least may be about ten inches. Place the port, or other fires on these fells, with their mouths inclining outwards, and the port-fires on the points of the star, with their mouths projecting in front. The exterior fell must be clothed with four-ounce cases of gray charge. They must burn four at a time and be lighted at the same time with the illuminations.

The illuminated regulating piece as it is called, consists of flat wooden spokes, each five feet long, and at the end of each, a vertical wheel, ten inches diameter, and clothed with six four-ounce cases of brilliant fire. These cases burn one at a time. On two of the spokes of each wheel, two port-fires are attached, which must be lighted with the first case of the wheel. On each spoke, behind the wheels, place six cases of the same size with those on the wheels. These cases must be tied across the spokes with their mouths in one direction, and be made to take fire in succession.

The diameter of the large wheel must be two and a half feet, and its fell made of wood, which is to be fixed to the large spokes. Twenty-four cases of the same kind are fixed on this wheel, and burn four at a time. On the circles of iron-wire, already mentioned, illuminating port-fires are attached. The star-points on the large spokes may be made of thin ash-hoops. The diameter of these points, close to the centre wheel, is usually eleven inches. On these, port-fires are placed, three and a half inches distant from each other.

The illuminated double cone-wheel is nothing more than a double cone, formed of a number of hoops, and supported by three or four pieces of wood, in the manner of the spiral wheels. The wheel to which the cones are attached, base to base, is two feet six inches in diameter, and the height of each cone is three feet six inches. Port-fires, or lances, are tied to each of the hoops, in a horizontal direction, with their mouths outwards. The cases are eight-ounce, and play horizontally, two at a time. The spindle for this piece must rise three feet above the point of the cone at top; so that its length will be ten feet four inches from the top of the post, in which it is fixed, allowing four inches for the thickness of the block of the wheel. The whole weight of the wheel and cones must be made to bear on a shoulder in the spindle, on which the block of the wheel is to turn. On the top of the spindle, fix a sun, composed of sixteen four-ounce cases of brilliant fire. These cases must be stuck into a block, six inches in diameter. In the front of this sun, put a circular vertical wheel, sixteen inches in diameter. On the front of this wheel, form a spiral with wire, to which attach illuminations in the usual manner. This wheel is to be fired, when the cones are burnt out, which may be done as before described. The sun must not be fired, until the vertical wheel is burnt out. Three vertical wheels illuminated, which turn on their own naves upon a horizontal table, is a piece readily formed. It consists in having a table, three feet in diameter fixed horizontally on the top of a post, with three wheels that turn round on it. There are three spokes, joined to a triangular flat piece of wood, in the middle of which, a hole is made to fit easily over a spindle placed in the centre of the table. There are three pieces of wood four or five inches long, and two inches square, fixed on the under sides of the spokes. In these pieces, holes are made lengthwise, to receive the thin parts of the blocks of the wheels, which, when in, are prevented from coming out by a small iron pin that runs through the end of each. The three vertical octagon wheels, each eighteen inches in diameter, have blocks sufficiently long, for three or four inches to rest on the table. Round these a number of sharp points of wire are driven, (which must not project out of the blocks more than 1/16th of an inch), and the clothing is affixed in the usual manner. The use of the points is this, that, when the blocks turn round, they will stick in the table and assist in giving a uniform motion to the wheel. On the front of the wheels, make four or five circles of strong wire, or flat hoops, and tie, on these circles, as many illuminations, as they will hold, at two inches from each other. Spiral lines may be made instead of circles. When illuminations are fixed in a spiral line, in the front of a wheel, they ought to be placed on the slant. The cases for these wheels may be filled with any coloured charge, but must burn only one at a time. A globe, or spiral wheel may be put on the spindle, so that its fire may play over the vertical wheels. The wheels must be lighted at the same time, and the illuminations, after two cases of each wheel are consumed.

The vertical scroll wheel is formed by taking a block of a moderate size, and fixing in it four flat spokes, and, on them, a flat circular fell of wood. Round the front of this fell, port-fires are placed; and on the front of the spokes a scroll is formed either with a hoop or strong iron-wire. On this scroll, tie cases of brilliant fire in proportion to the wheel, head to tail. When the first case near the fell is lighted, the fire is communicated in succession. The grand volute, with a projected wheel in front, is made in the following manner: Two hoops are formed of strong iron wire, one of six feet in diameter, and the other of four feet two inches. These hoops must be joined to scrolls, formed according to fancy, of the same kind of wire. On these, tie, with iron wire, as many illuminating port-fires, as they will carry, at two inches distance. Prepare then a circular wheel of four spokes, three feet six inches in diameter, and, on its fell, tie as many four-ounce cases, head to tail, as will complete the circle, only allowing a sufficient distance between the cases, that the fire may pass free. On each spoke, fix a four-ounce case, about three inches from the fell of the wheel. These cases are to burn one at a time, and the first of them to begin with those on the fell, of which four are to burn at a time. On the front of the wheel, form a spiral line with strong wire, on which tie port-fires, with their mouths to face the same way as the cases on the wheel. All these port-fires must be fired with the second cases on the wheel.

The spokes of the wheel must be formed of wood, and made to screw into a block in the centre, and each spoke should be four feet six inches in length. In the top of each, fix a spindle, and, in each spindle, put a spiral wheel of eight spokes. The blocks of these wheels must have a hole at top for the centre cases, and the spindle must be furnished with nuts, screwed on their ends, which should fit in the holes at the top of the blocks. The cases of these wheels are to burn double; and the method of firing them, is by carrying a leader from each down the spokes into the block in the centre, as in the dodecaedron; but the centre cases of each wheel must begin with the two last cases as usual. The large circular wheel in front ought to have a tin barrel on its block; into which a pipe must be carried from one of the second cases on the wheel. This pipe, being met by another from the large block, in which the eight spokes are screwed, will fire all the spiral wheels, and the illuminating port-fires at the same time. The cases of the projected wheel may be filled with a white charge, and those of the spiral wheels with a gray.

_Sec. XXI. Of the Spiral or Endless Screw, and Waved Fire._

This piece is formed in the same manner as the single and double cones; and, in fact, is the same as the Archimedean screw, which we have already described. The serpentine form which characterizes the spiral piece, is given to it by the particular arrangement of the lances of illumination. The cone receives its motion from the cases of white-fire; the fire of which is communicated by leaders to the cases of port-fire, or lances of illumination. They must burn the same length of time.

The waved fire is produced by having two wheels of a similar size, turning in a contrary direction on the same axis, and furnished with cases, which are inclined about 45 degrees from the level of the table. These wheels carry four cases each, and burn at the same time. They have been made to carry forty-eight cases, and furnished, at their centres, with lances, bent in a particular manner, so as to represent the motion of serpents.

_Sec. XXII. Of the Decoration of Wheels._

Wheels, we have seen, may be made of different dimensions, according to the purpose to which they are applied. The most common are three or four feet in diameter, with a nave of hard wood, and spokes of light wood. They are sometimes surmounted with a fell, and frequently by several concentric hoops, placed at different distances from each other.

Wheels, in general, are furnished with cases, and various decorations. Some have two, three, four, and more fires; but, if they are _finished_ too much, the weight they thus acquire would retard the velocity of the wheel. Their centres may be finished in several ways; as, for instance, by attaching, to the inner fells or circles, cases filled with white lance-composition, placed at the distance of two inches from each other, or alternately, white, blue, and yellow, or Chinese gerbes, or cases of blue fire. We may also attach small turning suns, the axes of which being placed upon the spokes. They may also be made to resemble a mirror, by furnishing all the spokes with white lances; and for the last fire, we may attach four cases to the centre, or in its vicinity, placed in such a manner, that their fire may issue from the interior of the wheel. To this, we may add, two other cases, which may cross the former. Leaders are fixed, and they are lighted at the same time.

Automatons with all their joints, or articulations, have been added to exhibitions of this kind, and with particular effect. They are clothed with cases after the usual manner.

_Sec. XXIII. Of Globes, with their Various Decorations._

The first we purpose to treat of are the illuminated globes with horizontal wheels.

The hoops for these globes may be made of wood, tin, or iron wire, about two feet in diameter. For a single globe, take two hoops and tie them together, one within the other, at right angles; then have a horizontal wheel made, whose diameter must be a little wider than the globe, and its nave six inches long; on the top of which, the globe is fixed so as to stand three or four inches from the wheel. On this wheel may be put any number of cases, filled with any of the ordinary charges, as the white fire composition. Two of these cases must burn at a time. They may be placed horizontally, or inclining downwards. When the wheel is clothed, fix on the hoops as many illuminations as will stand, within two and a half inches of each other, which are fastened on the hoops with small iron wire. Attach the pipes of communication, and arrange them so as to carry the fire to all at the same time, with the exception of one or two, which are to receive their fire for the last. The spindle, on which the globe is to turn, must go through the block of the wheel up to the inside of the top of the globe; at this place must be fixed a bit of brass or iron, with a hole in it, to receive the point of the spindle, on which the whole weight of the wheel is to bear. When the globe is to be stationary and the wheel to run by itself, the block of the wheel must not be so long, or the spindle any longer than to raise the globe a little above the wheel.

We may remark, that, while the cases of white fire composition give to the piece a rotary motion, those of the lance or illuminating port-fire produce the effect, which characterizes in particular this fire-work.

With respect to fire globes, there are two kinds; namely, one with projected cases, and the other with concealed cases. If we have a globe made of wood, of any diameter, and divide its surface into twenty-four equal parts, and bore a perpendicular hole in each of these divisions to the centre, we may then represent this piece in the following manner: In every hole, except one, put a case filled with brilliant or any other charge, and let the mouths of the cases be even with the surface of the globe. Then cut in the globe a groove from the mouth of one case to that of another for leaders, which must be carried from case to case, so that they may all be fired together. The globe is then covered with a single paper and painted.

Fire globes with projected cases are made in the following way: Prepare a globe with fourteen holes, and fix in every hole except one, a case, and let each case project from the globe two-thirds of its length. Then clothe all the cases with leaders. It must be supported by a spindle made to fit the hole in which there is no case.

The _bursting-globe_ is nothing more than a globe prepared in a particular way. It turns on a pivot, and is made by uniting four segments. These segments or parts are fixed to hinges, which open on the inside, and, when brought together, are kept in their place by a match which goes round the globe. The globe, it is to be observed, is furnished in the inside with several steel springs, which, unless the globe itself were tied, would force it open. When the match is burnt, this effect follows and the globe separates into four parts. It is furnished with lances and cases in the same manner as those already described. The last effect is that we have noticed.

_Globes, which leap or roll on the ground_, may be formed by procuring a wooden globe, furnished with a cylinder; and, having loaded it with the composition hereafter mentioned, introduce into it four or more petards loaded with grain powder to their orifices, which must be well stopped with paper or tow. If a globe prepared in this manner be fired by means of a match at the mouth of the cylinder, it will leap about as it burns on a smooth horizontal plane, according as the petards are set on fire. The petards may be affixed to the exterior surface of the globes, which they will cause to roll and leap as they catch fire.

_Composition._

Grained powder, 1 lb.
Saltpetre, 32 --
Sulphur, 8 --
Scraped ivory, 1 oz.
Sawdust, (boiled in saltpetre and dried,) 8 lbs.

_Sec. XXIV. Of the Representation of the Moon and Stars._

The moon and stars are represented in the following manner: Make a wheel eighteen inches in diameter, by fixing eight or more spokes in the nave; and then adapt a fell to it. To the fell fasten eight cases of the black or gray composition, and let the fire communicate from one to the other. These cases give motion to the wheel. Furnish the spokes of this wheel with cases charged with the white lance composition. Make now a crescent of iron and attach it to the spokes, or a little before the spokes of the wheel. In order to fix stars to this piece, eight strips of wood, seven feet in length, are made to cross each other at equal distances, and nailed to each other in the middle; so that when this frame is put behind and secured to the moon-piece, its arms will extend some distance beyond the perimeter of the wheel. These projections are furnished with five-pointed stars, eight inches apart, and there is usually in all thirty-two. They are made to communicate with each other by means of the cotton match, as before described. The light of the lances renders the moon very apparent, and the fixed stars resemble those in the firmament. The representation of the moon and seven stars may be performed by procuring a smooth, circular board, six feet in diameter. Out of the middle of it cut a circular piece twelve or fourteen inches in diameter, and cover the hole formed with Persian silk, on which is to be painted a moon's face. Also cut out of the board stars of four or five inches in diameter. These stars are cut out with five points and covered with oiled silk. On the front of the large circular board draw a seven-pointed star, as large as the circle will admit, and on the lines which form this star, make several perforations, in which six-pointed stars are to be fixed. A wheel of brilliant fire is placed behind the moon, which renders the moon and stars transparent. They will disappear when the wheel is burnt out; but then in consequence of the communication of the fire to the large star in front, which is formed of pointed stars, the appearance of this star succeeds, and finishes the piece.

A large fixed star may be made thus. To each extremity of the pieces of wood, arranged so as to cross each other, attach two cases of the black charge. Their fire must communicate. Near these cases, on each arm, place a turning sun of three cases. These five suns are fixed at the same time, and when they cease, the cases commence. These cases form the star.

The representation of flaming stars, with brilliant wheels, is made in the following manner. After procuring a circular piece of wood, about one inch thick, and two feet in diameter, fix round it eight points, each two feet and a half long, four of which must be straight and four waved, or flaming. These points being joined on very strong, and even with the surface of the wood, nail tin or pasteboard on their edges, from the wood to the end of each, where they must be joined. This tin is to project in front eight inches, and be joined where they meet at the block. Round the front of the wood, fix four pieces of thick iron wire, eight inches long each, equally distant from each other. Cut a piece of pasteboard round, two feet in diameter, and draw on it a star; then cut out this star, and on the back of it, place oiled paper. Paint half red and half yellow, lengthwise. The body of the star must be left open in which must be seen a brilliant wheel. This wheel is formed by having a block turned nine inches long, and fixing in it six spokes. At the end of each spoke, put a two-ounce case of brilliant fire. The length of these cases is made in proportion to the wheel, and the diameter of the wheel, when the cases are on, must be less than the diameter of the body of the small star. The cases on the spokes in front must have their mouths inclined outwards, and those on the inside spokes, placed so as to form a vertical circle of fire.

Carry the first leader, from the tail of one of the cases in front, to the mouth of one of the inside cases, and from the tail of that to another in front, and in the same order to all of them. Put on a spindle in the centre of the star. This spindle must be furnished with a shoulder at bottom, to keep the wheel at a little distance from the block, which is kept on the spindle by a nut at the end. Having fixed on the wheel, fasten the transparent star to four pieces of wire. When fired, a common horizontal wheel will only be seen; but when the first case is burnt out, it will fire one of the vertical cases, which will show the transparent star and fill the large flames and points with fire. It will then appear like a common wheel, and represent the same appearance for twelve changes.

With respect to the formation of stars for regulated pieces, we may remark, that they are made of different sizes according to the work for which they are intended. They are prepared with cases from one ounce to one pound; but, in general, with four-ounce cases, four or five inches long. The cases should be rolled with paste, and twice as thick of paper as a rocket of the same caliber. Having rolled a case, let one end of it be pinched quite close; then drive in half a diameter of clay, and, when dry, fill it with composition to two or three inches of the length of the case. At the top of the charge, drive some clay; as the ends of these cases, being seldom pinched, would be likely to take fire. Divide the case, when filled, at the pinched end close to the clay, into five equal parts; then bore five holes with a gimblet, about the size of the neck of a common four-ounce case, into the composition. From one hole to another, carry a quick match, and secure it with paper, in the same manner as the ends of wheel cases; so that the hollow part, which projects from the end of the case, may serve to receive a leader from any other work, to give fire to the points of the stars. These stars may be made with any number of points.

_Sec. XXV. Of the Representation of Sundry Figures in Fire._

Animals and various figures may be represented in fire by the following method: Take sulphur, reduced to a very fine powder, and, having formed it into a paste with starch, cover the figure of the thing to be represented, with this mixture, having first coated it with clay to prevent it from being burnt. After the figure is covered with paste, it must be sprinkled, while moist, with gunpowder; and, when the whole is perfectly dry, arrange about it several small matches, that the fire may be speedily communicated to it on all sides. In this way, all sorts of garlands, festoons, and other ornaments may be imitated by fire of different colours.

A shower of fire may be connected with this representation, by using cases of one-third of an inch in diameter, charged with any of the following compositions. These cases should be two inches and a half in length. They must not be choaked, it being sufficient to twist the end of the cartridge. The effect of these cases is to fill the surrounding air with an undulating fire. The compositions are similar to those already noticed; viz. for _Chinese Fire_, take gunpowder one pound, sulphur two ounces, pulverized cast-iron of No. 1. five ounces; for _ancient fire_, meal-powder one pound, charcoal two ounces; and for _brilliant fire_, meal-powder one pound, and iron filings four ounces. Sparks are also sometimes employed. These are made in the usual manner.

Besides the common mode of forming sparks, as they differ from stars only in their size and duration, (being formed into small balls about the size of peas), they may be made by the following method: Take sawdust of fir, poplar, &c. and boil it in water, in which saltpetre has been dissolved. When the water has boiled some time, it is to be poured off, that the sawdust may remain in the vessel. When nearly dry, spread it out on a table, and sprinkle it with sulphur, sifted through a very fine sieve, to which may be added a little meal-powder.

If it be required to accompany the exhibition with bearded rockets, (_fusées chevelues_ of the French), so called from the circumstance, that, when they fall, they make small undulations in the air like frizzled hair, we may form them in the following manner: Fill the barrels of some goose-quills with the composition of sky-rockets, and place upon the mouth of each a little moist gunpowder, both to keep in the composition, and to serve as a match. If a flying-rocket be then loaded with these quills, they will produce, at the end, a beautiful shower of fire.

_Sec. XXVI. Of the Representation of Flat Stars, with a large Body of Fire._

A star of five points, about two feet from point to point, is to be made, and, in its centre, is placed a turning sun, composed of three cases, and altogether not more than six or eight inches in diameter. To this star five branches are fixed, each of which is three feet in length; and, to the extremity of each, are attached seven cases, with their mouths outwards, and inclining about thirty-five degrees. One case is then attached lengthwise, and forms the very extremity of each projection. On each leg or branch, nearer, however, the centre of the star, must be three cases, fixed in an hexangular form. The border of the large star is decorated with Italian or fixed stars. The fire is communicated to the star by means of a leader, then to the sun and the cases on the branches.

_Sec. XXVII. Of the Single, Double, and Triple Table Wheel._

We have spoken of an arrangement of fire-works, which moves a wheel on a circular board. That contrivance is similar to the one we now purpose to describe.

The table-wheel is a kind of girandole, which turns circularly on a round table, by having its axis connected with a perpendicular pin, fixed in the table; so that its motion is vertical, while it moves in a circular position round the table.

The table, as well as the wheel, may be of any size, according to fancy. Eight or nine cases are usually attached to the fell of the wheel, and in the direction of the fell. These cases turn it with great velocity. The centre of the wheel may be decorated with lances, or illuminating port-fires. When double or treble wheels are to be arranged on the same table, this is done by having the iron so lengthened, as to extend over the table, and receive another wheel of the same size; and by using a contrivance of iron, having three projections, at equal distances apart, and turning in the same manner on a pivot, or pin, fixed in the centre of the table, three wheels may be put in motion at the same time. When two wheels are employed, we may decorate one with blue lances, and the other with yellow. When three wheels form the same piece, it is usual to illuminate them, severally, with white, blue, and yellow lances. The wheels of coloured fire augment the beauty of the exhibition. In the centre of the table, may be placed a pyramid, decorated in the usual manner. Spiral wheels, globes, &c. may be attached, if so required.

_Sec. XXVIII. Of Decorations, Transparencies, and Illuminations._

Cut-work, as it is called, is often employed in decorations. Various figures, letters, garlands, &c. may be represented. This may also be accomplished in tambour-work. Several methods have been used to produce the same effect. Cut-work, made in pasteboard, and the pasteboard blackened and suspended in a frame, will, by the aid of lights placed behind it, exhibit the design very perfectly. A figure of a sun cut out of pasteboard, either fixed or made to revolve in the manner before described, and illuminated by fixed lights or revolving cases, is considered to be the best mode of forming such pieces. In all instances, the more brilliant the fire, the more perfect is the representation. Tambour decorations are variously arranged; and, frequently, in the termination of an exhibition, six or more are shown at once, and sometimes with cascades, and turning suns.

In the place of cut-work, painted transparencies, made with fine colours, and on Florence Taffeta, are usually employed. Transparent paintings however, are not preferred by some, as the effect, it is said, is not so perfect as when cut-work is employed. Morel gives a preference to the latter.

Transparencies may be formed with silk, or fine linen, and even with paper, if previously prepared, by means of the spirit of turpentine. The colours are painted in turpentine, and transparent varnish is then applied.

Transparent screens may be prepared, by spreading white wax, dissolved in spirits of turpentine, over thin muslin. A screen, thus prepared, will roll up without injury. A clearer screen may be produced, by having the muslin stretched upon a rectangular frame, and prepared with turpentine instead of wax.

In the _Œuvres de Diderot_, t. xv, p. 349, are observations respecting transparencies, and the manner of preparing them. The process described is nothing more than we have noticed. It consists in using the oil of turpentine, and sometimes a solution of wax in turpentine. The colours are prepared mostly with turpentine. Canada balsam, thinned by the addition of the spirit, is also employed. Moveable transparencies were exhibited with great effect in Paris. Transparent figures were made to move continually in every direction, which had a singular appearance. Artificial fire-works were very accurately imitated, by producing a variety of movements with different pieces of transparencies, variously coloured. The sun, moon, and stars, revolving wheels, &c. composed a part of this exhibition.

With respect to decorations in white and coloured lances, we may observe, that artificial fire-works are usually terminated by some decoration, which corresponds with the subject. For this purpose, triumphal arches, fronts of palaces, colonades, rocks, &c. are formed, and represented in wood-work. These are usually clothed, and painted in water-colours. From the rocks, water is made to issue, forming cascades, and a number of figures are put in motion. The jets of water are terminated by jets of Chinese fire, or brilliant fire-rain.

The furniture, or decorations, may be various, either with white or coloured lances of illumination, hung four inches apart, and attached to different parts of the figure, or building. If it is in front of a temple, the columns are ornamented with emblems, &c. the fire-work being thus arranged: _viz._ blue lances are attached to the columns, white lances to their entablature, and to the emblems, yellow lights. This however, depends on taste.

Decorations are also made with matches; but this mode is not preferred, because so much smoke is thereby produced.

Figures, cut in paper, are illuminated in the manner before described. But for this purpose, muslin is first stretched on a frame, and its sides are covered with two or three thicknesses of paper, which are pasted on. It is then blackened. After tracing the design, or the subject of the illumination, and cutting it out with exactness, the frame is put in a case, sufficiently deep to contain a number of lights.

Illuminations, as an expression, of public feeling for some event or memorable occasion, are by no means a recent thing. Various modes have been adopted to render such exhibitions more elegant, as well as more expressive. Hence, with the usual display of lights, arranged according to taste and fancy, transparencies, decorations, such as we have described, &c. have been more or less customary.

We mentioned, in the first part of our work, something in relation to the antiquity of illuminations; but, as this subject may be interesting, we deem the following brief remarks not irrelevant.

Beckman assures us, (_History of Inventions_), that the origin of illuminations is very ancient. The feasts, or holy-days were celebrated in the days of antiquity, in various ways, among which, that with lamps was very common in Egypt. It was called the feast of the lamps, (_Fête des Lampes_), and the inhabitants of some cities in Egypt were obliged to illuminate, with a great number of lamps, placed before their houses. Herodotus (_lib._ ii, _chap._ 62), remarks, that, at a particular festival of the Egyptians, lamps were placed before all the houses throughout the country, and kept burning the whole night. During the _festum encæniorum_, the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple, which, according to common opinion, was celebrated in December, and continued eight days, a number of lamps were lighted before each of their houses. Such illuminations were used, also, in Greece and Rome, and were called _Lampadaria_. An infinite number of lamps were burnt in honour of Minerva, Vulcan, Prometheus, Bacchus, &c. On the last occasion, the illumination was called _Lamptericæ_. It seems that the lighting of streets had not been adopted at that period.[25] At Rome, the forum was lighted, when games were exhibited in the night-time; and Caligula, on a like occasion, caused the whole city to be lighted. As Cicero was returning home late at night, after Cataline's conspiracy had been defeated, lamps and torches were lighted in all the streets, in honour of that great orator. The emperor Constantine caused the whole city of Constantinople to be illuminated with lamps and wax candles on Easter-eve. The first christians often illuminated their houses on idolatrous festivals, in a more elegant manner than the heathens. This was dictated by policy. The houses of the ancients were illuminated on birth-days, by suspending lamps from chains.

For illuminations at the present day, tallow is chiefly used. It is clarified, for the making of candles, by means of alum. M. Olaine in 1710 presented to the academy of sciences an apparatus for the manufacture of candles. The _bougie economique_ of the French is described in the _Journal de Paris_ for 1782. The outline of the process for preparing them is as follows: Take eight parts of suet, and melt it with one quart of water; and after straining it, and returning it to the same boiler, add the same quantity of water, in which was dissolved half an ounce of saltpetre, as much sal ammoniac, and one ounce of alum. The boiling is continued to evaporate the water. The wick is made of cotton or flax, and rolled in a solution of camphor in petroleum, and afterwards covered in the usual manner with the above composition.

In using tallow generally, quicklime is recommended to be added to it in fusion. When the quicklime subsides, it is poured off. Another mode recommended is to melt the tallow with vinegar, and to add to it a decoction of rosemary, sage, laurel, and a small quantity of turmeric; the whole being boiled until the water is evaporated. This communicates, it is said, an agreeable odour, and a yellow colour. Different modes of preparing tallow for candles have been used. See _sal ammoniac_. With respect to ancient lamps, some account of them has been published in the _Antiquities_, by Montfaucon and by Passeri; and the _Journal des Savants_ 1682 and 1685 mentions the two lamps of Boyle and Sturmius, and some account of the celebrated lamp of Callimacus in the temple of Minerva. On the formation of lamps, and the purification of oil, sundry patents have been granted both in France and England. The argand lamp for burning its own smoke, which it effects by a glass cylinder placed over the flame, is one of the best improvements of the kind. The principle of these lamps is the same, although variously modified in shape and structure. For chemical purposes, an iron cylinder is substituted for glass. A lamp, for the burning of tar and turpentine, with steam, has lately been invented by Mr. Morey, (_see Silliman's Journal Vol. II._) Mr. E. Clarke obtained a patent for a lamp calculated to burn tallow; the principle of which is, that by the heat of the flame, the caloric is conducted to the tallow by means of a piece of iron, which is heated by it, and the tallow melts as it is wanted. This lamp may be economically used, when common lamp oil is scarce and high in price. A lamp is described in the _Repository of Arts_, to burn tallow.