Two wooden hemispheres (with a fuze hole) are joined firmly together, enclosing stars, squibs, rain, &c. A small quantity of powder is inserted to explode the shell, by means of a fuze.
SHOWERS OF FIRE.
To form a shower of fire, mould small paper cases on an iron rod, two-tenths of an inch in diameter, and 2½ inches in length. They must not be choked, as it will be sufficient to twist the end of the case, and having put the rod into it, beat it to make it assume its form. When the cases are filled (which is done by immersing them in the composition) fold down the other end, and then apply a match. They must be fixed on a frame with leaders, to be fired simultaneously.
Compositions.
Chinese fire. Mealed powder, 1 lb.; sulphur, 2 oz.; iron filings, 5 oz.
Ancient fire. Mealed powder, 1 lb.; charcoal, 2 oz.
Brilliant fire. Mealed powder, 1 lb.; iron filings, 4 oz.
The Chinese fire is the best of the above compositions.
SPECKIE.