STARS. 27 



one end in the same manner as a rocket; and a pellet of paper is 

 driven into the aperture which has been left, in order to fill it up. 

 They are then charged with grained powder, above which is placed 

 a ball of paper gently pressed down, to prevent the powder from 

 being bruised; the second end of the saucisson being afterwards 

 choaked,. the edges are pared on both sides, and the whole is co. 

 vered with several turns of pack- thread, dipped in strong glue, and 

 then left to dry. 



When you are desirous of charging them, pierce a hole in one of 

 the ends ; and apply a match, in the same manner as to marroons. 



SECTION IV. 



Stars. 



STARS are small globes of a composition which emits a brilliant 

 light, that may be compared to the light of the stars in the heavens* 

 These balls are not larger than a nutmeg or musket bullet, and 

 when put into the rockets must be wrapped up i i tow, prepared 

 for that purpose. The composition of these stars is as follows. 



To a pound of fine gunpowder well pulverised, add four pounds 

 of saltpetre, and two pounds of sulphur. When tfiese ingredients 

 are thoroughly incorporated, take about the size of a nutmeg of 

 this mixture, and having wrapt it up in a piece of linen rag, or of 

 paper, form it into a ball ; then tie it closely round with a pack, 

 thread, and pierce a hole through the middle of it, sufficiently large 

 to receive a piece of prepared tow, which will serve as a iratehi 

 This star, when lighted, will exhibit a most beautiful appearance ; 

 besides the fire, as it issues from the two < mis of the hole in the 

 middle, will extend to a greater distance, and make it appear much 

 larger. 



If you are desirous to employ a moist composition in thp form 

 of a pa^te, instead of a dry one, it will not b> necessary to wrap 

 up the star in any thing but prepared tow ; because, \\ hi-n made of 

 such paste, if can retain its spherical figure, 'i here will b> no noed 

 also of piercing a hole in it, to receive the match ; because, W.IHMI 

 newly made, and consequently moist, it may be rolled in puhe- 

 rised gunpowder, which will adhere to it. This powder, when 

 kindled, will .erve as a match, and inflame the composition of U 

 star, which in falling will form itself into tears. 



