Of fixed Phi 722 inations.
These are all performed by means of small speckies or lights and stars, and their forms are endless. We have given figures of a few of the simplest and most beautiful, which will render any description almost un necessary. Plate CCCCLXXIV. Figs. 1-8.
Rays of spots, or concentric circles, have always a very beautiful effect; but they are much improved by combination with sonic other fires, or by being united to some other forms in an architectural arrangement The imitation of a branched candlestick, (Fig. 9,) forms a firework that may be burnt by itself, as its shape is very ornamental. The stem or foot should be a double row of lights, with one or two additional ones trans versely where wanted, to mark the places of the mould ings. Each branch requires a single row only, and they should terminate by a small gerbe on each, taking care that it is not too powerful. Or else, in place of the gerhe, a large light may be used, of a different colour. Thus the chandelier may be drawn in blue lights, and a white one may be placed for the lamp upon each branch. This firework may sometimes be particularly in request, from its allusion to free-masonry.
An angular star, resembling those worn in orders of knighthood, is also easily made, merely by placing lights un a frame, constructed from an appropriate draw ing; and such stars may also be useful on particular occasions, from their allusions to dignities of various kinds. Their forms may easily be varied, so as to re present the stars of any particular order.
A very elegant firework may be made in imitation of a palm-tree, by means of illumination lights combin ed with small cases of brilliant fire. From the top of the trunk, which is lighted by a double row of cases, the branches must spread out on each side in curves, as represented in the plate; and en each of these must be placed a single row of lights, each branch terminat ing by a single case of brilliant sparks. A small wheel may also be placed at the point where the branches spring ; and it will be better if these, and the cases at the end, are not lighted till the illumination has burnt for some time.
Very beautiful combinations may be made by means of single lights and pointed stars. A few of these must here suffice. A single star may be placed in the mid dle, and surrounded by one or more circles of spots, and such a firework as this may be executed on a very small scale. Or else numerous pointed stars may he disposed in a circle on the outside of rays of spots, or on the outside of circles; or, lastly, a circle of stars may surround a wheel.
Architectural forms are also made in this manner. These are applicable on a small scale ; but on the large they are absolutely necessary, as it is only in this man ner that the design of a large building can effectually be given. A few examples will be sufficient to show how much more complicated specimens may be managed. But it is important that correct drawings should first he made and transferred to the frames, and that fastenings, should be previously placed on every point where a light is to be fixed. In cases like this, correctness of general design is most important ; while it is no less so that all the lights should be correctly placed as to their posi tions and relative distances. The least error, in these respects, is very offensive to the eye.
If an arch is to be represented, which Is a very com mon case in exhibitions, the whole line should be strongly defined by numerous lights, (Fig. 10,) and, generally, this should be done by a double row. If it is a Gothic arch, three or four rows may be required, for the purpose of representing the numerous parallel lines of this class of architecture. Wherever basements, or horizontal mouldings, or entablatures are required, these must be defined by horizontal rows. In Doric architec ture, it is also easy to represent the triglyphs in the same manner; but such things as this are never wanted, except on a very large scale.