COMPOSITION OF ROCKETS. 



for a rocket of two pounds. 



To one pound four ounces of gunpowder, add two ounces of 

 saltpetre, one onnce of sulphur, three ounces of charcoal, and two 

 ounces of iron filings. 



For a rocket of three poundt. 



To thirty ounces of saltpetre, add seven ounces and a half of 

 sulphur, and eleven ounces of charcoal. 



For rockets of four , five, six, or seven pounds. 



To thirty. one pounds of saltpetre, add four pounds and a half of 

 sulphur, and ten pounds of charcoal. 



For rockets of eight, nine, or ten pounds. 



To eight pounds of saltpetre, add one pound four ounces of sal. 

 phur, and two pounds twelve ounces of charcoal. 



We shall here observe, that these ingredients must be each pound- 

 ed separately, and sifted ; they are then to be weighed and mixed 

 together for the purpose of loading the cartridges, which ought to 

 be kept ready in the moulds. The cartridges must be made of strong 

 paper, doubled, and cemented by means of strong paste, made of 

 fine flour and very pure water. 



Of Matches. 



Before we proceed farther, it will be proper to describe the compo. 

 sition of the matches necessary for letting the rockets off. Take linen, 

 hemp, or cotton thread, and double it eight or ten times, if intend, 

 ed for large rockets ; or only four or five times, if to be employed 

 for stars. When the match has been thus made as large as neces- 

 sary, dip it in pure water, and press it between your hands, to free 

 it from the moisture. Mix some gunpowder with a little water, to 

 reduce it to a sort of paste, and immerse the match in it ; turning 

 and twisting it, rill it has imbibed a sufficient quantity of the pow- 

 der ; then sprinkle over it a little dry powder, or strew some pul. 

 rerised dry powder upon a smooth board, and roll the match over 

 it. By these means you will have an excellent match ; which if 

 dried in the sun, or ou a rope in the shade, will be fit for use. 



