To cause a Rocket to ascend in a spiral form.
1. TO CAUSE A ROCKET TO ASCEND IN A SPIRAL FORM.
The rod of a Rocket has been compared to the rudder of a ship, or tail of a bird; the purpose of which is to make the ship or bird turn towards that side to which it is inclined; a straight rod, as experience proves, causes a Rocket to ascend in a straight line, because the centre of gravity lays in, or is parallel to the centre line of the rod; but if we apply a crooked rod, or one that forms part of a circle, this will not be the case, for the first effect will be to make the Rocket incline towards that side to which it is bent; but the centre of gravity bringing it afterwards into a vertical position the result will be, that the Rocket will ascend in a spiral form.
Rockets exhibited in this way, evidently displace a greater volume of air, therefore as a consequence they cannot ascend so high as those that are impelled in a straight direction; but, nevertheless, their peculiar flight will produce a very pleasing effect.