When this arrangement becomes more extensive, it forms what is called a sun. To construct this, twelve or twenty, or more cases, are fixed like rays out wards, so as to occupy the circumference of a large wheel. (Fig. IT.) On an inner circle, and in the inter vals of the first, are fixed the same number of cases of a smaller size ; and if the artist thinks proper, a third circle may be arranged in the same manner, either of the same fires or of some other kind. If all these are fired at once, an immense blaze of circular fire is pro duced. But as in all such fireworks, it is 'letter to begin gently and to end with more brilliancy, the lead ers may be so managed that the three circles shall light only in succession ; the cases being so timed as to duration, that they may at any rate end together, however they may begin.
Such is a simple brilliant sun ; but it admits of being -varied in many ways, by the introduction of white and blue lights. Supposing a sun of large diameter, con structed of one circle of brilliant fire, concentric circles of small lights, to the amount of two or three, may be placed upon the inner hoops of the frame, and the centre may at the same time be occupied by a large light, or by a pointed star, or by a small wheel.
Otherwise the small lights may be disposed upon the spokes of the frame, in radiating lines, the centre being occupied in a similar manner.
A very beautiful figure of this kind is made in a dif ferent way. For this purpose, twelve or more spokes of the frame must be prolonged to the distance of two or three, or more feet from the centre, in which a sin gle light or a wheel, or a pointed star, may also be placed. (Fig. 18.) These are to be covered at three or four inches apart, with small blue lights, so as to form long radii diverging from the centre. Intermediate ly between these are to be placed cases of brilliant fire, with their mouths so situated as to form a circle considerably within the extremity of the rays of light, so that on firing, a ray of spots, and one of brilliant fire, may be placed alternately. It is easy to sec that this kind of complicated sun may be varied in many other ways, but it is unnecessary to describe any more of them, as any artist may vary them without end, since there is no limit to this kind of fireworks but the expense.
Suns of this kind are sometimes used with trans parencies, representing the face of the sun. But the effect of these is vulgar and bad, as the paintings must necessarily be in a barbarous taste ; so that they are far better avoided.
ea9cades.
These are commonly used to terminate other fire works in complicated arrangements, as, from the im mense quantity of fire which they display, it is not easy to introduce any thing after them with effect. The frame for this purpose, (Fig. 19,) may be made of a pyra midal form, with cross bars for the attachment of the fireworks, and with as ninny tiers of these as the artist may choose. They are then to be disposed in succes sive rows, and in alternating order, with their mouths downwards.
But the effect of a cascade is much better represent ed by a somewhat more complicated construction. The frame for this purpose, (Fig. 20,) must be so formed, that every tier for the attachment of the cases may form a curve outwards, so that the whole becomes part of a cone. In this case the rockets arc also fastened upon the tiers, in such a manner as to be parallel to the sides of the cone, so as even to be further projected outwards towards the spectators. Thus the whole mass of fire assumes a more round and solid form ; and as the sparks descend they also form curves, so as to pro duce a much richer effect. It is also not unusual to terminate such a cascade by the addition of a gerbe, or an ostrich feather at the top. If any lights are intro duced into it, its character as a cascade is destroyed, as it is indeed in a great measure by the addition last named.
Fountains.
The common gerbe makes a fountain on the small scale, but when a greater display is wanted, it must be produced by compounding many cases together. For this purpose a frame of wood must be provided, (Fig. 2 I ,) in the form of a hollow cone, with hoops for the attach ment of the cases. The angle of this cone may vary from 60 degrees upwards, according as it is wished that the fire should spread more or less. The cases may then be disposed either inside or outside of it with their mouths at equal distances, so as to throw, when fired, an equal shower of fire all round. A finish should be given to this fountain in the centre, by means of a large blue or white light.
If such a cone were caused to fire downwards, in stead of upwards, it would form a cascade somewhat different from that first described ; or else two cones may be placed together in opposite directions. Such a fire as this requires, however, to be elevated very high, that its full effect may be displayed ; so that it is only adapted to the centres of great displays, where it may succeed in a piece of architecture, to other fires of a more moderate effect.