Sec. XXX. Of Meteors.
Artificial fire-works, to resemble meteors in the atmosphere, have, if properly prepared and exhibited, a brilliant appearance. The composition must be projected to a great height, which is either done by rockets, or from mortars. Meteors are made in the same manner as shining marrons, which we have already described, except, however, that they are of a very large size and usually weigh ten pounds. The larger they are made the better, and the more grand is their effect. See [Shining Marrons.]
[CHAPTER VII.]
OF ROCKETS AND THEIR APPENDAGES.
A rocket is a flying fusée, (Fusées Volantes of the French), formed with paper, of a cylindrical shape, and filled with a composition of certain inflammable substances, being pierced in the diameter of its length. It is furnished with a stick, serving as a counter-weight, or balance, to guide it vertically in its ascension. It carries generally different garnishes, or furniture; as stars, serpents, fire-rains, marrons, meteors &c. which are thrown off, and produce an elegant appearance, when it terminates its flight.
Rockets have been applied to several uses. Thus, the war-rocket, as an incendiary, improved by Congreve, and the signal rocket, are some of its applications. These, however, are modified for the purpose, and will be spoken of hereafter. The Indian rockets, called Fougette (Baguette à feu of the French) will also be noticed.
Although as a fire-work for exhibition, the rocket may be considered the most grand, and, especially when furnished with various decorations, the most brilliant, yet its utility for Military and Naval purposes is acknowledged by all.
When treating of sundry preliminary operations in the second part of this work, we had occasion to introduce the subject of rockets, as respects the formation of their cases, the manner of charging and driving them, with the tools required, and the boring of rockets, when they have been driven solid. These subjects may be found in sections iv, v, and viii. We purpose, however, to make such observations as may, with the remarks heretofore offered, furnish the reader with a general knowledge of the making, decorating, and discharging of rockets. On the theory of the ascension of rockets, motion of fire-wheels, &c. and observations on the rocket principle, consult the chapter in the first part of the work, concerning the theory of particular fire-works. For the manner of uniting sheets of paper of several thicknesses, for cases, see [Pasteboard.]