piece contains
twelve figures, ten of which have hold of the engine rope. They are in
the position of persons running, and are led on by their captain, who
is giving out an order through his trumpet. His position is, facing
the men at the ropes; one hand is pointed towards the fire, the light
of which is seen in the distance. Near the door of the engine house
stands the lantern bearer with his lantern, which is attached to a
long pole, and is carried on the right shoulder. The front of the
engine house can be formed of wood, covered with cloth, and painted in
showy colors. This frame is to be placed at the right hand corner of
the background; the name and number of the machine painted over the
door. The front wheels and rope will be sufficient to represent the
engine. The remaining part is presumed to be within the house. By
placing the front of the house in the corner, more room will be had
for the line of firemen. All should appear animated, while a few are
pointing to the light in the distance. The alarm bells must be sounded
while the curtain is raised, and a red fire burned at the left side of
the stage, so as to throw a very little light on the extreme edge of
the background, which should extend farther in on the scene while the
tableau is exhibited.
AT THE FIRE.
"Fire was raging, above and below."
One Female and Thirteen Male Figures.
This tableau is a representation of a dwelling house on fire, with the
heroic firemen engaged in their various duties in their attempts to
extinguish the flames. A front view of the building is exhibited, from
which smoke and flames are seen issuing. At the window of the second
story, a fireman stands, with an infant in his arms. A ladder is
placed against the outside of the window, and a fireman is ascending
it. The engineer stands on the steps of the mansion, giving his
orders. A fireman is breaking in one of the lower windows with an axe.
At the left of the tableau is seen part of the engine. Space will not
allow the showing of more than one third of the machine; but by
manufacturing a temporary frame, on which the front wheels, brakes,
bell, and buckets can be attached, and placing it at the edge of the
stage, with the firemen at the brakes, the effect will be quite
sufficient. The men on the front brakes should be in a stooping
position, those behind standing erect. Two pipe-men are seen in the
foreground, with pipes, which they point to the burning buildi
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