“Each of these was managed by a child, who kept it properly fed with
small sticks of box, which the machine converted into plugs at the
rate of 15,000 in nine hours, or nearly 300,000 per day for them all.”
Rockets, as used for projectiles, are similar to those in ordinary
use, but that they have iron cases and are made to start from an iron
tube, down which the stick passes, and which directs the course of
their flight. They are made of various weights, the largest being
thirty-two pounds. These enormous rockets pass to a very great
distance and are made either to explode like shells, or burn fiercely
for several minutes, like what are called “carcases,” thus setting
fire to houses, &c., against which they may be directed; but hitherto
their course has been but little under control, and therefore not
much to be depended on. They cause great confusion in masses of
troops, when directed against them.