Calling the Shot

That first description of a game of curling is in a poem by James Graeme in 1773. Sweeping played a part in the game even then!

The goals are marked out; the centre each
Of a large random circle; distance scores
Are drawn between, the dread of weakly arms
Firm on his cramp-bits stands the steady youth
Who leads the game: low o'er the weighty stone
He bends incumbent, and with nicest eye
Surveys the further goal, and in his mind
Measures the distance; careful to bestow
Just force enough; then, balanc'd in his hand
he flings it on direct; it glides along
Hoarse murmuring, while, plying hard before,
Full many a besom sweeps away the snow
Or icicle, that might obstruct its course ....