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.

It is gratifying to observe the success of the efforts which have been made in this country, during the last few years, to promote and encourage the Game. It is now becoming, and must become, a favorite in Canada. It is admirably adapted to this climate, where the winter is generally cold enough to ensure good ice, and seldom so severe as to render the exercise unpleasant. Being played in the open air, during a season when few out-of-door recreations can be enjoyed, it is well calculated to counteract the enfeebling influence of confinement to our close and heated winter houses. Many objections which may be brought against other sports, are not applicable to this. It calls up none of the low and degrading passions of our nature. Notwithstanding the intense interest which Curlers may feel in a well contested match, no betting ever takes place among them; the excitement arising from gambling, therefore, is altogether removed from the rink. Intoxication on the ice is also unknown among good players. The nice equilibrium of body and the firmness of nerve, essential to scientific Curling, would disappear on the first symptom of such a state. But the Game is sufficiently interesting without any extraneous stimulant. While it imparts vigour to every limb, and every muscle, it engages the attention and awakens the judgment; and thus brings into healthful excitement those powers of the body and of the mind, the due exercise of which the Creator has allied with pleasure.