Serpent mine

Laurent, R. H. (1975). Petrology of Alpine type serpentization of asbestos, Thetford Mines, Quebec. Schwerz. Min. Pet. Mitt. 55 431-455. 

Obviously, with no lifting charge and fewer compartments, the mine is a little simpler in construction than the shell, but the range of effects is equally varied and interesting and includes comets, stars, whistlers, hummers, fountains and serpents. 

Figure 4.11 Mine launched serpents bore their way into the night sky. (Courtesy of Pains Fireworks Ltd.)...

Figure 24. Details of Construction of Rocket and of Other Pieces, Audot, 1818. The rocket case, already crimped or constricted, is placed upon the spindle (broche) the first portion of the propelling charge is introduced and pounded firmly into place by means of a mallet and the longest of the drifts pictured in the upper right-hand corner another portion of the charge is introduced, a shorter drift is used for tamping it, and so on until the case is charged as shown at the extreme left. A tourbillion (table rocket or artichoke) and a mine charged with serpents of fire are also shown.

Mines are paper mortars—commonly strong paper tubes each standing vertically on a wooden base into which it is countersunk and glued—arranged to throw into the air a display of stars, serpents, etc. They are often equipped with fountains, Roman candles, etc., which make a display on the ground before the final explosion occurs. 

Saucissons are constructed in the same way as serpents, but are larger, and have, next to the closed end, a small charge of gunpowder which makes them end with a bang. They are used in mines and in rockets. 

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