The formers for these leaders should be about one fourth of an inch diameter; this size I have found to answer most purposes, though they are sometime, made of less, as well as larger diameters, but from one-eighth to three-eighths must be the extreme; smooth brass wire of proper dimensions make the best formers we can use, which when you use observe to dip them in oil or grease to prevent their sticking to the paper, which must be pasted all over; in rolling them, make use of a rolling board, but press it very lightly upon them; when you draw out the former, which must be done with one hand while you retain the tube with the other, great care must be taken in doing this, or the former will stick and tear the paper.
Application of Leaders.
In the joining and placing these leaders you must be as particular and careful as in their manufacture for on the well securing and adjustment of them depends much of the performance of all complex pieces, on which account we shall give in detail the best method, and that in as plain a manner as possible:—your works being ready to be clothed (as this operation is termed) cut your pipes in lengths sufficient to reach from one case to the other, then put in the Quick-match (prepared as taught in the last article,) which must always be made to go in very easy; when the match is in the tube, cut it off about an inch beyond the end of the pipe, and let it project as much at the other end, then fasten the pipe to the mouth of each case with a pin, and put the loose ends of the match into the mouths of the cases of the works, with a little mealed powder; this done, paste over the mouth of each two or three bits of paper, and the joint will be pretty well secured.
For Illuminations and small cases, the following method is generally employed.
First thread a long pipe, then lay it on the tops of the cases and cut a piece off the under side over the mouth of each case, so that the match may appear; then pin the pipe to every other case, but before you put on the pipes put a little mealed powder into the mouth of each case. If the cases thus clothed are Port-fires or illuminated works, cover the mouth of each case with a single paper; but if they are choaked cases so situated that a number of sparks from other works may fall on them before they are fired, secure them with three or four papers, which must be pasted on very smooth that there be no creases for the sparks to lodge in, which often set fire to the works before their time.
Avoid as much as possible placing the leaders too near or one across the other, so as to touch, as it may happen that the flash of one will fire the other, and thereby destroy the beauty of your arrangements.
If your works should be so formed that the leaders must cross or touch each other, be very careful to make them strong and secure at the joints, and likewise at every opening.
When a great length of pipe is required, it must be made by joining several pipes together, after the following manner. Having put on one length of match as many pipes as it will hold, paste paper over every joint, but if a still greater length is required more pipes must be joined by cutting about an inch off one side each pipe near the end, and laying the quick-match together and tying them with small twine, after which cover the joining with pasted paper.