(_Diablotins_.)
Exploding crackers are used for awaking a sleeper by the detonation when
any one attempts to enter the room without permission. They are fastened
across the crack of the door, as if to seal it.
These explosive papers are made by taking strips of half an inch to an
inch wide, and of a convenient length. By means of a little gum-water or
paste a small quantity of coarsely pounded glass is attached to one end,
on one side of each strip about one-fourth of an inch. A little
fulminating powder is spread over the glass and the moistened end of the
paper, and it is dried in the air: two of these strips are then laid
with their covered surfaces nearly in contact, and so that their
uncovered ends may project different ways. A narrow strip of paper or
parchment is then wrapped round the coated ends and fastened to one of
them, but not binding them so tightly as to prevent their being drawn,
by taking hold of the projecting ends, one over the other. The friction
occasions their detonation.
The quantity of fulminating powder must be proportioned to the effect
intended.