66. The next design that I shall give is known by the name of the Saxon
square. The sketch at fig. 99 shows the form of it. It consists of a
square wooden frame, used _diamond-wise_—that is with one of its
_angles_ downwards, and not one of its sides downwards. The pieces
required to mount it are as follows:—
8 brilliant fixed cases.
4 Saxons illuminated with colours.
1 illuminated triangle wheel for centre.
The framework may be about 30 inches square. In the centre place a
brilliant illuminated triangle wheel. A _double_ triangle will be the
best for this purpose, and will make the piece last longer. If the
Saxons burn at both ends at once, they must be fired with the brilliant
fixed cases; but if one end only burns at a time, the fixed cases may
burn with the second halves of the Saxons. The fixed cases should all be
reported.
Let two of the cases on the triangle wheel burn first; then let the
colour in the centre of the triangle take fire, and burn with the
remaining four cases; then let the first halves of the Saxons take fire
when the fourth wheel-case begins, and let the brilliant cases come on
with the sixth of the wheel-cases, and with the second halves of the
Saxons. In this and in all other cases where a triangle, or any wheel is
employed, as a centre, it must be brought well forward so that its fire
will not injure any other part of the piece.
If it be thought advisable to increase slightly the size and beauty of
this piece, place three brilliant fixed cases in the intervals between
the Saxons instead of two, and let them be fixed so as to form a kind of
Prince of Wales’s feather in each place.
[Illustration: [Fleuron]]
I now come to a design which I have used, and can, therefore, speak from
experience of the beauty of its effect. I employed it at the close of an
exhibition, and I can assure you that it makes no inconsiderable finale.