A Manual of Pyrotechny; or, A Familiar System of Recreative Fire-works

by G. W. Mortimer

1. Girandole[15] Chests of Serpents.

The first combination which would naturally suggest itself to the uninformed is that of a number of Serpents so arranged as to take fire all at the same time, and in the end to burst and make a loud report.

This combination is a nest of Serpents; the case or box containing them must be made of strong paste-board, in dimensions equal to the number to be inserted. The piece which forms the top must be perforated in as many places, answering to the number of Serpents intended to be fired; they need not be far from each other. At the bottom of the box must be put a little mealed-powder for the mouths of the Serpents to rest upon, which latter must be rubbed with a little wet mealed-powder, in order that they may take fire immediately. To communicate fire to the powder at the bottom of the box, one of the Serpent cases must be filled with a slow composition, left open at the top, and inserted about the middle of the box: this case being lighted, it will burn for a short time, or till it reaches the bottom, when a sudden noise will be heard, and all the Serpents thrown in various directions into the air.

This mode of firing Serpents, though puerile in its contrivance, and simple in its production, generally affords much amusement to the spectators, which proceeds principally from the variety of directions given to the Serpents; which latter is a consequence of their being placed somewhat carelessly in the box, and being trajected at different angles from the same plane.

Girandole chests of Rockets.

2. Girandole Chests of Rockets.

These chests should be made of some thin boards, in dimensions proportionate to the number of Rockets. The Rockets best adapted are those of from two, to six ounces. The depth of the box should be somewhat more than the length of the Rockets with their sticks. The top (being perforated properly to receive the sticks,) must be fixed at right angles in the chest, and as far from the top of it as the length of the Rocket cases, including the cap, if such are used. The distance between each Rocket must be such that they may stand without touching each other. From one hole to another must be cut a groove, in depth sufficient to receive a piece of quick-match, which must be laid from hole to hole in like manner. Below the top, at about two thirds the length of the rods, must be fixed the bottom, perforated in the same manner, save in the size of the holes, which will be somewhat less owing to the dimensions of the rods. The match being laid as above, take some sky-rockets, and having put a piece of the same match up the cavity of each, left extending a little below the mouth of the Rocket, which latter should be rubbed a little with mealed-powder, wetted with some liquid, before given. The Rockets and chest being thus ready, put the rod through the holes in the top and bottom of the chest, in such manner that their mouths may just rest on the quick-match in the grooves, by which all the Rockets will be fired at the same time; for by lighting any part of the match, it will communicate to the whole of them in an instant. For convenience in placing the rod through the lower holes, a small door should be made in one side of the chest, without this it will be difficult to get the rods in their right places.

Previous to the exhibition of these flights of Rockets, they should be covered over, or set in some safe place, or they will be in danger of being set on fire by sparks from other works.

Pots des Brins.

3. Pots des Brins.