THE CANADIAN CURLER'S MANUAL; OR AN ACCOUNT OF CURLING, AS PRACTISED IN CANADA: WITH REMARKS ON THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. "When winter muffles up his cloak, And binds the mire like a rock, THEN to the loch the Curlers flock Wi' gleesome speed." BURNS. BY JAMES BICKET, SECRETARY TO THE TORONTO CURLING CLUB. TORONTO: PUBLISHED AT THE OFFICE OF THE BRITISH COLONIST, FOR THE TORONTO CURLING CLUB; SOLD ALSO BY HENRY ROWBELL. HUGH SCOBIE, PRINTER. 1840. This reprint has been made possible through the kindness of Mr. Thomas Rennie, who loaned the original for the purpose. CONTENTS. PART I. Page Description of Curling 9 Stones 10 The Rink 12 Playing 13 Sweeping 14 The Game 15 Toronto Rules of Curling 20 Glossary, or Explanation of Curling Terms 23 PART II. Early History of Curling 29 Curling in Scotland 31 Curling in Canada 34 Constitution of the Toronto Club 38 TO THE PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENTS, MANAGERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE TORONTO CURLING CLUB, THIS MANUAL IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY THEIR DEVOTED HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. PREFACE This little pamphlet has been produced at the request of the TORONTO CURLING CLUB. The original object in its publication was simply to furnish the Members with a copy of the Constitution of the Club, and of the laws which they observe in playing. The design is now extended, so as to embrace a general description of Curling, with a brief history of the Game; and by thus making it to be understood, by those who have never seen it played, or who may have been only occasional spectators, to induce a more general participation in this most healthful and exhilarating amusement.