We prepare cases for these works, in the same manner as described in the article respecting fixed stars. Half a spoonful of clay is put into them, which is rammed tightly, with twelve blows of a mallet of a moderate size. The height of the clay is then marked upon the case, which is then charged with four spoonfuls of the composition, ramming each spoonful with twelve blows of the mallet. These four charges should occupy about two fingers in height. After this we add another spoonful of earth; and divide, on the outside of the case, from the point we marked, five equal parts. We then apply the quick-match and paste. One end of the match is of a sufficient length, in order that it may turn round, and come out above the other choke. We afterwards roll the case in white paper, which must go twice round, and extend beyond each extremity about one and a half inches. This is called the covering. The lower end is twisted. The other end, the side of which is twisted, resembles a goblet, and serves to inflame the rose.
The composition of the rose is given in the table for those of revolving and fixed pieces. Their effect is, that they will produce as many streams of flames as there are holes, and consequently form the roses or stars. The composition is six parts of powder, eight saltpetre, five sulphur, and half a part of antimony; or two powder, four saltpetre, and one sulphur.
Sec. XVIII. Of Lances of Illumination, white, blue, and yellow.
We have already given the caliber, and the manner of forming the lances. They are charged by using the funnel and rammer, in the same manner as serpents, but without any grain-powder. They are filled within two-twelfths of their end, and primed with the paste without the match. The blue and yellow lances are loaded in the same manner. The yellow are made one-third of an inch in diameter, and one inch and a third in length; so as not to be of a longer duration in burning than the others.
Composition of lances.
| White lances. | Blue lances. | Yellow lances. | ||||||
| Saltpetre | 16 | oz. | Saltpetre | 16 | oz. | Saltpetre | 16 | oz. |
| Sulphur | 8 | oz. | Antimony | 8 | oz. | Sulphur | 16 | oz. |
| Powder | 4 | oz. | Powder | 8 | oz. | |||
| Antimony | 1 | oz. | Amber | 8 | oz. | |||
Lances, or port-fires of illumination, may be made also without antimony, as follows:
Port-fire composition for Illuminations.
| Saltpetre, | 1 | lb. |
| Sulphur, | 6 | oz. |
| Meal-powder, | 6 | oz. |