Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/195

 the introduction of lampblack into Roman candle star composition should be credited to Italy.

It seems more probable that the name Italian streamer was attached to that firework in this country to distinguish it from the Roman candle with tailless stars, and under the mistaken idea that the "Roman" was a foreign importation, or that it would be more acceptable if labelled with a foreign name.

As we have said, the modern Roman candle is made with stars of very many varieties, but whatever kind of star may be used, the method of filling is the same.

The principle on which the Roman candle is constructed is as follows: The case is charged with a series of repetitions of the following—Roman candle fuse, "dark fire," star, blowing charge. These are repeated as many times as the case will hold, and function thus—the fuse burns with a fountain effect, and upon being exhausted lights the "dark fire," which lights the star, flashes round it and fires the blowing charge which propels the star from the case. The blowing charge also ignites the next layer of fuse, and the effect is repeated.

In filling the case different sized scoops are used for the blowing charge, which is of fine-grain powder, the smaller scoops being used at the lower portion of the case. This is done so that the stars may rise to approximately the same height; the charge at the bottom acting through a greater distance, naturally acts more effectively and less is required.

Earlier pyrotechnists, in addition, as a means of regulating the height of the stars' flight, made the stars of differing sizes; this under modern manufacturing conditions would be impossible, and has been abandoned.

Roman candle fuse is composed of sulphur, charcoal, saltpetre in the proportion of 4, 8, 15. The "dark fire" is of mealed powder, with a small admixture of charcoal.