PORTFIRES FOR ILLUMINATIONS.
The cases are made of three or four rounds of thin paper, the last round being pasted; they are from two to five-eighths of an inch in diameter, and from two to six inches long; they are pinched close at one end, and left open at the other. In filling them, a small quantity of the composition must be put in at a time, ramming it lightly, so as not to break the case.
Compositions.
1. Saltpetre, 1 lb.; sulphur, 8 oz.; mealed powder, 6 oz.
2. Amber lights: Mealed powder, 9 oz.; amber, 3 oz.
3. Saltpetre, 2 lb.; sulphur, 3 lb.; antimony, 1 lb.
4. Saltpetre, 3½ lb.; sulphur, 2½ lb.; mealed powder, 1 lb.; antimony, ½ lb.; glass dust, 4 oz.; brass dust, 1 oz.
Note.—Compositions No. 3, and 4, driven 1¼ inch in a one ounce case, will burn one minute.
RAIN, GOLD, AND SILVER.
Fill small paper cases, or goose quills, with the composition, and place upon the mouth of each some moist powder, both to keep in the composition, and to serve as a match. If the head of a rocket be loaded with these cases or quills, a shower of fiery rain will be produced at the extreme range of the rocket.