Part 9

A great variety of forms may be given to this kind of fire-works. They are so called because they are generally made in the shape of wheels, with a nave and spokes radiating from the centre; on the extremities of the latter are adjusted charged cases, of the rocket kind, without heads; in such manner that the tail of one is connected with the head of another, by which method they will take fire successively, and keep up a continued revolution of the apparatus to which they are fixed.

These wheels are either vertical or horizontal, single or double. A single vertical or horizontal, may be made after the manner described in Art. 6, Rockets.

8. A SINGLE HORIZONTAL

May be rendered more pleasing by the following arrangement of the rocket. Provide a wheel, with nave, spindle, and spokes as before; and for the fells a broad cooper’s hoop of proper dimensions, nailed on to the end of the spokes, will answer very well. The wheel being thus prepared, the cases must be attached firmly to it, by means of strong pack-thread, loops passing through the circumference; and in such manner that their heads and tails, as they succeed each other, may alternately incline upwards and downwards, and likewise when fixed, come very near together.

This being done you must, from the tail of one case to the mouth of the next following, carry a leader, and well secure it by pasting paper round both the joinings:--within this pasted paper should be put a little mealed-powder, which will serve to blow off the paper, and leave no obstruction to the fire from the cases. To the spindle on which the wheel revolves, fix a case of the same kind as those on the wheel; which must be fired by a leader from the mouth of the last case on the wheel, which case should play downwards. The wheel will be much improved, if instead of a common case in the middle, you fix a case of Chinese-fire, in length sufficient to burn as long as three cases on the wheel. In all the cases, (except the first one,) on each wheel should be driven a ladle-full or two of slow-fire, in any part of the case: in the end of one or two alternate cases you may also ram a ladle-full of dead-fire composition, which must be very lightly rammed; many other changes in the appearance may be produced by alternately ramming in composition of different orders.

Horizontal Wheels are frequently fired two or three at a time; and being prepared after the same manner, will keep time with each other: when thus arranged, the slow or dead-fire is omitted. These wheels may be made from ten to twenty inches diameter.

A Horizontal Wheel, with the cases fixed, is represented in fig. 26.

9. PLURAL WHEELS.

So called from there being several of them fixed on the same axis; they are generally horizontal, and in number three. The diameter of the middle wheel may be a little less than the other two.

The cases must be fixed to the ends of the spokes in notches cut on purpose, or there may be half cylinders of tin nailed to the ends of the spokes, and the cases tied in them. The bottom cases should play obliquely upwards; the middle set horizontally; and the upper cases obliquely downwards. The leaders must be arranged so that the cases may burn first up, then down, then horizontal, through the whole sets. By driving in the end of the last case two or three ladles full of slow-fire, it will cause it to burn till the wheel has stopped its course; and if the other cases are fixed in the contrary way, the wheel will then revolve in a contrary direction, and have a pleasing appearance. For the case at top of the axis, a gerbe may be well employed; the case on the spokes should be filled with a strong brilliant charge.

10. SPIRAL WHEELS.

These in their principal construction differ but little from the foregoing: the following are the principal differences. The nave should be about seven inches long; instead of a spindle at top, make a hole for the case to be fixed in; in the nave must be fixed two sets of spokes near the top and bottom; the spokes should not be more than about three inches long; the cases must be placed in such a manner, that those at top play downwards, and those at bottom play upwards, but the third or fourth case must play horizontally. The case in the middle may begin with any of the others; six spokes will be sufficient for each set, by which the wheel may contain twelve cases, besides the top one: the cases should be about seven inches in length.

11. ILLUMINATED SPIRAL WHEELS.

Provide a horizontal wheel with circular fells complete, which should be about two feet six inches diameter; on its circumference, and at equal distances from each other, fix three pieces of light deal about four feet long, and at top connect them to a cylindrical block about three inches diameter; this block must be perpendicular to that of the wheel below. The wheel being thus far advanced, have a thin flexible lath or hoop, and having nailed one end to the bottom of one of the upright pieces, proceed to wind it round the three uprights in a spiral line from the wheel to the top block, to which the other end must be made fast; on the top of the block fix a case of Chinese-fire; on the wheel you may place any number of cases, which should incline downwards, and burn two at a time. If the wheel has ten cases, the illuminations and Chinese-fire may begin with the second case.

The axis for this wheel must pass through the bottom nave, and into the block at top.

This wheel may be easily wrought into a double spiral wheel, by winding round it another lath in an opposite direction, and clothing it in a similar manner. At the top of either may be placed a case of spur-fire, or amber-light, or any other article the pyrotechnist may think proper.

12. BALLOON WHEELS.

These are horizontal wheels, generally made of solid one-inch elm board, about two feet six inches diameter. On the top arrange and fix in pots, three inches diameter, and about six inches high, in number equal to the cases on the wheel: near the bottom of each pot make a small vent, into each of which carry a leader from the tail of each case; the pots may be loaded with Stars, Crackers, Serpents, &c. As the wheels turn, the pots will be successively fired, and caused to throw into the air a great variety of fires, which taking numerous and various directions, will present a pleasing exhibition.

13. GROUND WHEELS.

These are of very simple contrivance. Provide two light wheels, in diameter from two to three or four feet: they must be fixed firmly to a square axle-tree, or in such manner that they cannot revolve on it; the axle may be about three feet in length. Then on the middle of this axle is to be firmly fixed a fire-wheel, which must be so much less in diameter, that when the cases are attached to it, it may be quite clear of the ground; care must be taken that this middle wheel be fixed at right-angles from the axle, or it will not keep in a straight direction when set in motion. Now the first case being fired, it is evident that motion will be given to the fire-wheel, which being fixed firmly to the axle of the others, the consequence which follows is, that absolute[16] motion will be given to the whole apparatus; which, if placed on level ground, will proceed to a distance proportionate to the number and strength of the cases employed.

By attaching a second set of cases, so arranged as to take fire when the first set are consumed, the wheel (running upon level ground) will return to the same place from which it received its primary impulse.

This kind of wheels, when constructed with care, affords a very pleasing recreation. It may be readily seen, that many other ornamental pieces of less magnitude may be attached to the same axle:--a good level school ground is favourable for the exhibition of this article.

14. HORIZONTAL CHANGED TO A VERTICAL WHEEL.

The Wheel for this should be about three feet six inches diameter. On its circumference fix sixteen half-pound cases filled with brilliant charge, two of which should burn at a time. On each end of the nave, must be a tube or barrel of tin or brass, in diameter something less than that of the nave, and in height about six inches; this is the construction of the wheel. The stand to which it is to be fixed is as follows: set a post of any kind of wood, about four inches square, firmly into the ground, standing up about five feet; then from the top saw off about two feet, which piece must be joined again at the place where it was cut, with a strong hinge on one side, in such a manner that it may lift up and down in front of the stand; on the top of the bottom part, the side on which the moveable part falls, fix a very strong bracket projecting about a foot from the post; and at the extremity of which form a tenon, corresponding to a mortice made in the moveable part, so that when it falls it may be firmly fixed to it; this particular must be attended to, or the force with which the wheel revolves when vertical, will be liable to pull off the hinge. On the side of the short post opposite the hinge, nail a piece of wood, extending about eighteen inches down the bottom part of the post, to which it must be tied with a piece of string only, which will be sufficient to keep the short part perpendicular; in the top of the latter, fix a spindle, ten or twelve inches long; on this spindle put the wheel; then fix on a brilliant sun with a single glory, the diameter of which must be about six inches less than that of the wheel. The wheel being ready to fire, light the wheel part first, and let it run horizontally till four cases are consumed, then from the end of the fourth case carry a leader into the tin barrel that turns over the end of the stand; this leader must be met by another brought through the top of the post, from a case filled with a strong port-fire charge, and tied to the bottom post, with its mouth directed towards the string which holds up the upper part of the post, so that when this case is lighted, it will burn the string and let the wheel fall downward, by which means it will become vertical; then from the last case of the wheel carry a leader into the barrel next the sun, which will exhibit its beauties immediately the wheel has ceased.

The sudden change of this piece renders it very surprising and pleasing to the observers of it, and entitles it to great attention.

15. VERTICAL SCROLL WHEEL.

A wheel of this kind may be made of any diameter. The nave may be of moderate size, and to it fix four spokes at right angles to each other, and united to the fell or circumference; round the latter you are to fix any number of port-fires: on the front of the spokes form, with some strong iron wire, a scroll or volute, in dimensions proportionate to the wheel, beginning at the centre; on this scroll tie cases of brilliant fire, which should not be too large, and placed head to tail, as in other similar arrangements. The case nearest the circumference must be fired first, which being farthest from the centre has most power to set the wheel in motion. The port-fires may be before, at the same time, or after the scroll.

This wheel may be wrought into one far more ornamented and complex. A double scroll might be formed on the spokes, as well as a double set of port-fires on the circumference; a pot of some kind at the centre would readily suggest itself.

REMARKS ON WHEELS.

In all articles of the wheel kind, the Tyro must observe to increase the strength of his composition for cases, as his wheels increase in diameter; for a rocket proper for a twenty-four inch wheel will not do well for one that is much larger.

The following rule as to this particular may serve in many cases: divide the diameter of your wheels, taken in inches, into three parts, and it will give the length of your cases, and generally within one, the number it will require to go round it. Thus suppose your wheel is twenty-four inches diameter, divide by 3; 24/3 equals 8, which is about the length of your cases: and 7 : 22 :: 24 : 528 which divided 528/7 = 75,3 and 75/8 = 10 equal 10, the number of eight-inch cases it will take to go round the circumference.

This is not given as a particular, but as a general rule; or one that will assist a little in the arrangement of these articles.

16. TO REPRESENT THE FIR TREE.

Provide a post six or seven feet long, and three inches square; then on the far side at nine inches from the top, fix in four short pegs to fit the inside of the cases; nine inches from these fix similar pegs; nine inches lower fix others similar to the last; and from these, the same distance, fix other pegs; all these four sets must incline upwards; below them, at the same distance, must be fixed another set inclining downwards, the angles of inclination in all may be about forty-five degrees from the upright post. At the top of the post place a four-inch mortar loaded with stars, rains, crackers, &c. In the middle of this mortar place a case with any sort of charge fired with the others, which should be filled with a brilliant charge. The tree may be made of any size, and other ornaments made use of, as suits the operator.

17. YEW TREE OF BRILLIANT FIRE.

Provide a piece of wood about four feet long, two inches wide, and one thick; at top on the flat side, fix a hoop about fourteen inches diameter; and round its edge and front place illuminations, and in the centre a five-pointed star; then on each side at about eighteen inches from the edge of the hoop place two twelve-inch cases of brilliant fire; below which place two more cases of the same size, and at such a distance that their mouths may almost meet them at top; then close to the ends of these fix two more of the same cases, which must stand parallel to the others. The cases being thus fixed, the leaders must be applied in such a manner that the illuminations and stars at top may all take fire at the same time. Fig. 27 represents the arrangement of the article.

18. FIXED FIRE GLOBES.

These articles are divided into two kinds, one with projected cases, the other when the cases are concealed.

For a globe with concealed cases, provide a spherical globe of any diameter; divide the surface in fourteen equal parts, and at each division bore a hole perpendicular to the centre; in every hole except one (which must be reserved for the spindle, on which it must be fixed) insert a case filled with brilliant or any other charge; the mouths of the cases must be even with the surface of the globe; from the mouths of the several cases must be cut a groove, and in it laid a leader, for the purpose of firing them altogether. The globe must be covered over with paper, and painted in what manner the Tyro thinks proper. When dry it is to be fixed upon the spindle, and it is ready for exhibition.

_For projected Cases._--The preparation is nearly the same; the difference being only to let each case project from the globe about half or two thirds of its length; their mouths are to be connected by leaders, for the same purpose as before, and exhibited in the same manner.

19. GLOBES WHICH LEAP OR ROLL ON THE GROUND.

Construct a hollow wooden globe of any dimensions at pleasure; it must be very round, both internal and external; its thickness must be equal to about the ninth part of its diameter. In this globe insert a small wooden cylinder, (A fig. 28.) in breadth equal about one-fifth diameter of the globe, its thickness about half that of ditto: of the same size and opposite to this cylinder must be another aperture. It is through this latter aperture that fire is communicated to the globe, when it has been filled with the proper composition through the lower end of it; and by which you have the convenience of filling, and of putting, as is generally done, a petard or report of metal, filled with good grained powder over the inside of the aperture; besides this petard four or five others of a similar nature, only they need not be in metallic cases, are to be inserted; they must be loaded with good grained powder filled to their orifices. The composition for filling the remaining cavity of the globe is--one pound of bruised gunpowder, six pounds of salt-petre, three pounds of sulphur, two pounds of iron-filings, and half a pound of Greek pitch. This composition will not require much grinding or sifting; it will be sufficient if the different ingredients be well incorporated. It should not be made up quite dry, but with a little of one of the liquids we have before mentioned.

A globe prepared as above, on being fired by means of a match attached to the orifice A, will leap and bound about as it burns, or according to the accidental explosion of the petards, which are set on fire by the composition.

Instead of placing these petards in the inside, they may be affixed to the exterior surface of the globe, which they will make to roll and leap about as they successively take fire. They may be arranged in any manner on the surface of the globe, providing a connection is formed between them by means of leaders.

Many differences in the arrangement and form of these globes may be made, and which will readily suggest themselves to the ingenious practitioner; such as an arrangement of rockets on the inside, laid head and tail together; but in case the globe should be of paper or pasteboard, made in two equal hemispheres, and joined together by paper, the match must be applied through a hole in the globe made opposite the mouth of the first rocket; these rockets should have no petards at their tops. It must here be observed that the globes must be perforated in various parts, otherwise they will burst by the combustion of the composition.

When used as water globes, care must be taken to seal and plug up the lower aperture I, K, first with a tompion, or plug of wood, and afterwards with some melted pitch; which latter may be put all over the globe in order to preserve it from the water. Over the plug at bottom, and previous to the application of the pitch, must be melted such a quantity of lead, as will cause the globe to sink in water, till nothing but the part A, will remain above its surface; this will be the case when the weight of the globe and its contents, with the lead attached, becomes equal to the weight of an equal volume of water. If the globe be then placed in the water, the lead by its superior gravity, will make the aperture I, K, tend directly downwards, and keep in a perpendicular position the cylinder A, to which fire must have been previously applied.

Trial should be made respecting the quantity of lead previous to its being exhibited, which may be easily done. The figures referred to represent a globe under various modes of arrangement.

20. MOON AND SEVEN STARS.

Provide a circular board about five feet diameter; and out of the middle cut a piece about fourteen inches diameter; then over the opening put a piece of white Persian silk, on which paint a moon’s face; over the whole of the large board draw a seven-pointed star, terminating in the circumference; then on the lines forming the star bore a number of holes at small distances from each other, wherein fix pointed stars. In each of the spaces between the points of this large star, cut out a five-pointed star, and cover each with oiled silk.

When this is to be exhibited, fix it on a spindle in front of a post, with a wheel of brilliant fire behind the face of it; so that while the wheel burns, the moon and stars will appear transparent; and when the wheel has ceased burning, they will disappear, and the large star in front, formed of the pointed stars, will begin, being lighted by a pipe of communication from the last case of the vertical wheel behind the moon, which must be effected as taught in a foregoing article.

21. SUNS FIXED AND MOVEABLE.

Among the various amusing articles of pyrotechnic produce, none are more beautiful or afford greater remuneration of pleasure, than those under the denomination of Suns. They are of several kinds, as fixed, moveable, and transparent; they are all of simple construction.

Fixed suns after the following manner:--Provide a nave of wood, and in it fix fourteen or sixteen pieces in the form of radii; and to these radii attach jets of fire, the mouths of the jets being towards the circumference. A match must be applied in such a manner, that the fire communicated at the centre, may be conveyed at the same time, to the mouths of each of the jets; by which means each throwing its fire, the appearance will be that of a radiating sun; the wheel must be fixed in a vertical position.

The jets may be so arranged as to cross each other in an angular manner; in which case, instead of a sun you will have a star, or a sort of cross resembling that of Malta. Some of these suns are made also with several rows of jets; when they are so arranged they are called _glories_.

The wheel, or sun, may be caused to revolve by attaching jets to it in the direction of the circumference, with their heads and tails together. When the wheel is heavy four of the rockets must be fired together, and this in the following manner: supposing there are twenty cases employed, fire must be communicated at the same time to the first, the sixth, the eleventh, and the sixteenth; from which it will proceed to the second, the seventh, the twelfth, the seventeenth, and so on. These four rockets will make the wheel turn round with rapidity.

If two similar suns, with horizontal axes, are placed one behind the other, and made to turn in opposite directions, they will produce a very pleasing effect of cross-fire.

Three or four suns arranged on a similar axis, might be implanted in a vertical one, moveable in the middle of a table; which revolving around it would seem to pursue each other. They must be fixed firm on their axis and this axis must turn in the upright one in the middle of the table; and at the place where they rest on the table, should be furnished with a very moveable roller.

For a transparent sun, a prepared face of oiled paper, or Persian silk, painted in a proper manner, must be provided, and strained tight upon a hoop, which must be supported by pieces of strong wire, six or seven inches from the wheel, so that the light of it may illuminate the face. After the same manner may be represented in the front of a sun, the words _Farewell_, _Vivat Rex_, or _Apollo_, or any other figure may be painted on the silk.

Sometimes a small hexagonal wheel is fixed to the nave of the large wheel, whose cases must be filled with the same charge as the other; two of which must burn at a time, and begin with the others.

For a sun five feet in diameter, the cases should be those of eight ounces, filled with composition about ten inches. If the wheels are larger the cases must be proportionate to them.

22. COMPOSITION FOR REPRESENTING ANIMALS AND OTHER DEVICES IN FIRE.

Reduce some sulphur to an impalpable powder, and having with starch formed it into a paste, cover with it the figure you intend to represent on fire; the figure must be first coated over with clay, to prevent it from being burnt.

When the figure has been covered with this paste, sprinkle it a little, while still moist, with pulverised gunpowder; and when the whole is perfectly dry, arrange some small matches on the principal parts of it, that the fire may be speedily communicated to it on all sides.

By the same method may be formed festoons, garlands, and other ornaments, the flowers of which might be imitated by fire of different colours, and arranged on any plastered architecture.

AQUATIC FIRE-WORKS.