ii6 Management of Light in Illumination. 



nearly to touch the top of the crown or ornamented 

 ring where the six chains unite ; and the weight of the 

 counterpoise is such that the friction of the cord and 

 pulleys is sufficient to prevent the illuminator from 

 either ascending or descending, except when force is 

 employed to raise it or to lower it. 



The crown (baldaquin) to which the chains are at- 

 tached above is of an elegant form, and it is commonly 

 ornamented more or less with cut glass. The chains 

 are likewise very richly ornamented, by fixing in each 

 of their oblong links of gilt brass an oblong diamond 

 of cut glass, of about 2 inches in length and i inch in 

 width in the middle, cut into facets. These are called 

 olives in France; and they cost at Paris six sous 

 apiece. To hide the cords, they are loosely wrapped 

 round with thin silk stuff, of the same kind and colour 

 with that used for the curtains of the windows. This 

 is placed loose about them, and in such a manner as 

 not to prevent the free action of the pulleys. 



The large horizontal hoop and the arrows that pro- 

 ject from it, which together weigh about 5I lbs. avoir- 

 dupois, are sometimes gilt; and they are sometimes 

 painted white or of a dark bronze colour. 



This hoop has a rim about half an inch wide, even 

 with the level of its under side, and projecting inwards, 

 which serves two important pui*poses : it strengthens 

 the hoop and prevents its shape from being altered ; 

 and it forms a convenient support for the circular 

 reservoir of the illuminator, which reposes on it. 



The diameter of the hoop should be about a quarter 

 of an inch greater than the diameter of the circular 

 reservoir which it is destined to receive, in order that 

 the reservoir may be removed and replaced without 



