Fireworks arc still further capable of complication, by admixtures of illuminations with wheels and with fixed cases, in all the different modes in which these may be disposed : and the forms that may hence be produced are almost endless, by attending to the general directions already given respecting picturesque forms, contrast of fires, and independence of display for the respective kinds. The moveable and immoveable here also admit of being united in many ways, and the effect of these intermixtures is generally very good. We might extend this part of our subject also to an unlimited length, but shall content ourselves with placing before our readers a few of those which combine, at the same time, as far as that can be done, beauty with enonomy and effect In doing this we shall present them chiefly with new forms , rejecting without hesitation the bar barous and complicated contrivances described in the books on this subject ; the greater number of them be ing as expensive as troublesome to make, and as diffi cult to manage as they are confined and bad in their effects.
In all these works, besides the kinds of fires which we have just mentioned, there may be introduced dis charges of stars, of serpents, and of sky rockets, toge ther with crackers or maroons, as. well as occasional discharges ol single stars. But the method of manag ing fires and effects ol this nature, and the periods at which they may be introduced with advantage, have been mentioned already on other occasions so often, that we shall take no farther notice of them than by making this general suggestion, as it would lead us into long and useless details to mention them wherever they are applicable. Transparencies may also be combined many of these. But, in general, the effect of these is sufficiently dull, unless where it is necessary to fill up intervals in a large building, where allegorical devices are wanted for some particu lar object. We shall therclore leave all these matters to the discretion of the painter ; noticing only one out of many, as a specimen of one of the most agreeable modes in which contrivances of this nature may be introduced.
As it would be impossible to give names to all the pieces which we are about to describe, and as they could not be rendered at all intelligible without the figures, we shall here refer to the numbers on the plates. Very little description will in fact be necessary, as these are matters which speak chiefly to the eye. We shall only add, that instead of giving solid draw ings of the fireworks themselves, we have preferred what may rather be considered as plans or diagrams, both of them and of their effects. By these means they will be more intelligible than if the plates had been overloaded with work. In selecting the respec tive sizes, the artist must also be regnlated by the mag nitude and nature of his operations ; as he may further be in multiplying the cases of fire ; since we have avoided every thing that might crowd the drawings so as to render them unintelligible. The leaders are also
omitted for the same reason. The methods of disposing these must already be very clear; and to have intro duced them into the drawings would have caused inex tricable confusion.
Plate CCCCLXXIV. Fig. 16. The construction of this is very apparent from the drawing. The illumina tion lights may be varied, by being made alternately blue and white.
Fig. 17. The object of this is also plain. The wheels may be simple, or else they may enclose a pointed star, as shown on one of them. A star may also be placed at the intersection of the central cases. In this and similar fireworks it is best to introduce•the central fires after the wheels have burnt one or two cases.
Figs. 18, 19. This is intended as a specimen of what may be effected by means of transparencies. We have, however, chosen a very simple and common-place dis position of the star, which may be varied in numerous ways ; as, fir example, by using circular intersections, or by imitating any stars of orders of knighthood, or in many other ways. Whichever mode of drawing is adopted, there must be one star within another, painted in different colours and designs, and as transparent as possible. Behind this is placed the double alternating wheel formerly described, and the diameter of the two most be so regulated that one may cover with its fire the outer star, and the other the inner. Thus when these burn alternately, the star will appear to diminish and to enlarge at intervals. Its beauty may be much improved by adding to it an outer star of lights, as indi cated in the figure.
Figs. 20, 21. The nature of this firework is also intel ligible; and it may be varied in many other ways besides the two which are here given.
Fig. 22. This is a pointed star of fixed lights which may be modified in many ways, by altering the pro portions and the number of the rays. The same figure shows three modes of doing this, out of many others that might be suggested. Inside it may carry one wheel or two; and bvaides this, a pointed star may also be placed in the Gent•e• 23. Not to multiply figures, this one repre sents thee or four modes, or more, of combining all of which produce very brilliant effects. 9tx small wheels may be placed on arms, at a con siderable distance from a larger central one. These arms may also be ornamented with single or with double rows of lights. One or two small wheels may also be carried round with the larger, so as to produce the flourishing curve either inside or outside of it. Or, lastly, it is represented as carrying a star in the middle. More varieties might easily be introduced, but the artist may select enough among these. If the whole should be adopted, the effect will be extremely splendid ; but in this case it will be necessary to adopt a large scale, to prevent the different fires from being too much crowded.