Stars.
4. Stars.—These are small paper globes filled with a composition that emits a most beautiful radiating light, which has been compared to the light of “those endless beauties which adorn our celestial hemisphere;” as the purposes for which they are used are chiefly as ornaments to other articles, such as rockets, roman candles, &c. their dimensions must of consequence be limited or adapted to those articles, therefore their diameters must seldom exceed three-quarters of an inch, unless the articles to which they are attached are of more than ordinary dimensions, and for small articles their diameter must be less in proportion. At the beginning of this article we called them “paper globes,” but we must observe that they are only put in paper, when their composition is prepared dry; and instead of paper they are frequently wrapped in a small piece of linen rag, tied closely round with small twine, and when either of these wrappers are used, a hole must be pierced through its middle, to receive a piece of match left projecting a little on each side.
Though the above mode of making Stars is frequently practised, yet I have always found it best to use the composition moist, in the form of stiff paste, when it will not be necessary to inclose the Star in any thing, because when prepared of such paste it can retain its roundness; there will be no need also of piercing a hole in it for the match, because when newly made and consequently moist, it may be rolled in pulverized gunpowder, which will adhere to it; this powder when kindled will serve as a match, and inflame the composition of the Star, which in falling will form itself into stars, and exhibit a most beautiful appearance. For the composition for stars consult the table Sect. 7, No. 3, and No. 4.