Rolled Stars.
Rolled Stars.—These are so called chiefly from the operation employed in their manufacture. Their dimensions are from half an inch to one inch diameter. In the composition care must be taken that the ingredients are well mixed, and previous to its being made up, it must be wetted with the following liquid sufficient to convert it into paste; spirit of wine one quart, in which dissolve one fourth of an ounce of Isinglass. Too much of the composition must not be prepared at once, one pound will be sufficient for an ordinary number of Stars, for if a greater quantity is wetted the spirit will be liable to evaporate, and leave the composition dry and unfit for the purpose, before it can be all rolled up. To make the stars of uniform dimensions, I have found the following method most eligible, and of least trouble; when the composition is properly moistened, roll it with a smooth round stick on any flat even surface, as stone or wood, till its thickness is about half an inch, then divide it accurately into squares, of dimensions suitable to the desired magnitude of the Stars; there are other methods for regulating the size of the Stars, but this I have found most practicable which will justify me in recommending it. Having rolled up the portion of prepared composition as directed, shake them in some meal powder while they are damp, and set them in some warm place to dry, which will be effected in two or three days; but if wanted immediately they may be quickly dried, in an earthen pan over a slow fire, or in an oven of moderate temperature; when the Stars are perfectly prepared they must be preserved in some small box for use, for if exposed to the air they will grow weak, and produce but few of those effects which at other times render them so beautiful.