The Gipsies Advocate | Page 5

acknowledge themselves as Gipsies? I
think not.
We will conclude our remarks on the origin of these erratic sons of
Adam, by adding the testimony of Col. Herriot, read before the Royal
Asiatic Society, Sir George Staunton in the chair. That gentleman,
giving an account of the Zingaree of India, says, that this class of
people are frequently met with in that part of Hindostan which is
watered by the Ganges, as well as the Malwa, Guzerat, and the Decan:
they are called Nath, or Benia; the first term signifying a rogue--and the
second a dancer, or tumbler. And the same gentleman cites various
authorities in demonstration of the resemblance between these Gipsies
and their neglected brethren in Europe. Nor does he think that the
English Gipsies are so degraded as is generally supposed; in support of
which he mentions some instances of good feeling displayed by them
under his own observation, while in Hampshire.

CHAP. II. Observations on the Character, Manners, and Habits of the
English Gipsies.
The origin of this people is by no means of so much importance as the
knowledge of their present character, manners and habits, with the view
to the devising of proper plans for the improvement of their condition,
and their conversion to christianity: for to any one who desires to love

his neigbour as himself, their origin will be but a secondary
consideration.
Fifty years ago the Gipsies had their regular journeys, and often
remained one or two months in a place, when they worked at their
trades. And as access to different towns was more difficult than at the
present day, partly from the badness of the roads and partly from the
paucity of carriers, they were considered by the peasantry, and by small
farmers, of whom there were great numbers in those days, as very
useful branches of the human family; I mean the industrious and better
part of them. At that period they usually encamped in the farmers'
fields, or slept in their barns; and not being subject to the driving
system, as they now are, they seldom robbed hedges; for their fires
were replenished with dead-wood procured, without any risk of fines or
imprisonments, from decayed trees and wooded banks. And it is proper
to suppose, that, at such a time, their outrages and depredations were
very few.
It has already been stated that the Gipsies are very numerous,
amounting to about 700,000. It is supposed that there are about 18,000
in this kingdom. But be they less or more, we ought never to
forget--that they are branches of the same family with ourselves--that
they are capable of being fitted for all the duties and enjoyments of
life--and, what is better than all, that they are redeemed by the same
Saviour, may partake of the same salvation, and be prepared for the
same state of immortal bliss, from whence flows to the universal
church of Christ, that peace which the world cannot take from her.
Their condition, therefore, at once commands our sympathies, energies,
prayers, and benevolence.
Gipsies in general are of a tawny or brown colour; but this is not
wholly hereditary. The chief cause is probably the lowness of their
habits; for they very seldom wash their persons, or the clothes they
wear, their linen excepted. Their alternate exposures to cold and heat,
and the smoke surrounding their small camps, perpetually tend to
increase those characteristics of complexion and feature by which they
are at present distinguishable.

It is not often that a Gipsy is seen well-dressed, even when they possess
costly apparel; but their women are fond of finery. They are much
delighted with broad lace, large ear-drops, a variety of rings, and
glaring colours; and, when they possess the means, shew how great a
share they have of that foolish vanity, which is said to be inherent in
females, and which leads many, destitute of the faith, and hope, and
love, and humility of the gospel, into utter ruin.
A remarkable instance of the love of costly attire in a female Gipsy, is
well known to the writer. The woman alluded to, obtained a very large
sum of money from three maiden ladies, pledging that it should be
doubled by her art in conjuration. She then decamped to another district,
where she bought a blood-horse, a black beaver hat, a new side-saddle
and bridle, a silver-mounted whip, and figured away in her ill-obtained
finery at the fairs. It is not easy to imagine the disappointment and
resentment of the covetous and credulous ladies, whom she had so
easily duped.
Nor indeed are the males of this people less addicted to the love of gay
clothing, if it suited their interests to exhibit it. An orphan, only ten
years of age, taken from actual starvation last