Nitre 8 ounces.
Sulphur 3 ounces.
Charcoal 1/2 ounce.
Antimony 1 ounce.
These fires when used should be spread either upon a tin pan, or an
ordinary fire shovel, and ignited by means of a piece of cotton cord
soaked in oil, and forming a quick match. When lit, it should be raised
above the head, and will cast a brilliant tinge upon every object. A
pail of water should, however, be handy, so that immediately after
using it can be plunged into it, as the stench from the cinders is
by no means pleasant. The above recipes will furnish enough fire for
several performances, and if the trouble of making must be disposed of,
they can be bought in tins at all first-class drug-stores, or places
where fireworks are sold.
To represent breaking glass, rattle broken crockery in a closed basket;
breaking wood, place a few laths over a couple of bricks, lay a heavy
book upon them, and strike the volume with force enough to smash the
laths.
To imitate the sighing of the wind, draw a piece of silk--an old dress,
for instance--over the rough edge of a pine board, or make a wheel,
after the manner in which boys make water-wheels, and turn this, with
the silk hanging over it--the effect will be found good.