1. To determine if the distance between Firework Sheds, as at present laid down by law, viz. 20 yards, is amply sufficient to prevent an explosion in one shed communicating to other sheds situated at the statutory distance. 2. To determine the liability of Fireworks to ignite by concussion or friction. 3. To determine the liability of Fireworks to explode en masse if from any cause they should be accidentally ignited. 4. In the event of Fireworks exhibiting a liability to explode, to determine the area of destructive effect of such explosion. 5. To determine, with reference to the conclusions which may be arrived at as to points 3 and 4, the degree of danger which attends the transport of Fireworks by rail, barge or other public conveyance. 6. To determine at what distance from dwelling houses stores of Fireworks may be safely established. PROGRAMME OF EXPERIMENTS. 1. Explode 30 lbs. of loose Firework Composition in a Shed, another Shed being 10 yards distant. Screen between. 2. Explode 30 lbs. _of Composition in Fireworks_ in a Shed, another Shed being 10 yards distant. Screen between. 3. Ignite a Box of ¼ cwt. of mixed Ordinary Fireworks in open air. 4. Ditto ditto ditto in contact with another Box of ditto. 5. Place a Box of ¼ cwt. of ditto in a bonfire. 6. No. 3 repeated, with mixed Fireworks bought over the Counter. 7. No. 4 ditto ditto. 8. No. 5 ditto ditto. 9. Hammer various sorts of Fireworks—Wood on Wood. 10. Ditto ditto Wood on Iron. 11. Ditto ditto Iron on Iron. 12. Run a Railway Truck over some of the different sorts. 13. Repeat such of above as may seem necessary with “Parlour Fireworks.” V. D. MAJENDIE, Captain R. A., _H.M.’s Inspector of Gunpowder Works, &c._ CHAPTER VIII MODERN FIREWORK MANUFACTURE Fireworks are now manufactured under the Explosives Act of 1875 and Orders in Council No. 2 and No. 4 under that Act. Order in Council No. 4 deals with small Firework Factories, the total contents of which, either finished or in course of construction, do not exceed 500 lbs. This class of factory presents little of interest for consideration; and is governed by practically the same rules as are the larger establishments of the kind, with such modifications as are justified by the small quantity of explosive material involved. Order in Council No. 2 sets out the general rules to be observed in factories licensed under the Act, the leading points of which are as follows: