Page:Pyrotechnics the history and art of firework making (1922).djvu/216

 The drawing is then transferred to the floor with the assistance of the squared lines, and the design followed by nailing on light wood strips or thin rattan cane.

The lines thus indicated are then "pegged," that is, pegs or small wire nails pointed at either end, are driven in at intervals of about four inches. The lances, whose construction has already been described in Chapter IV, have their ends glued and are pushed on to the pegs so that they stand vertically from the framework. The frames are then led up with quickmatch, secured by pins driven into the priming. The match is then pierced with a small awl above the priming, and secured and protected by a strip of paper pasted over it and round the case of the lance. The piece is then ready for hoisting into position and firing.

Formerly, and sometimes now on the Continent, the match was secured by a wire passing through the case near the top, which was twisted over the match.

Ruggieri, under this head, describes a method of illuminating by impregnating wick similar to that used for matchmaking, with a mixture of sulphur, antimony, and saltpetre. This was wired on to a metal framework. He says it is better than lancework for outlining curves, volutes, etc., as the line is continuous. This difficulty is disposed of in modern English lancework by the closer spacing of lances on curves rendered possible by the smaller lances now used.

He also remarks that this method was rarely used in his time and it is now quite discontinued.

Another device of which he seems proud was a palm tree, the leaves of which were of thin metal from which project spikes upon which was hung cotton impregnated with a composition composed of "vert-de-gris, vitriol blue and sel ammoniac" (copper acetate, copper sulphate and ammonium chloride).