GYPSIES

The history of this strange nation of vagrants has been recently illustrated by the labours of several German writers, particularly Grellman (Historical Inquiry respecting the Gypsies, translated into English by 'RaTper,\7S7) andBischoff (German and Gypsy Dictionary), Their English name is a corruption of the word "■ Egyptian: " the French call them Bohemians; but the names by which they are most widely known throughout Europe are, the German Zigeuner,R\i iar\Tzigan,lta.liar\Zingaro, Spanish Gitano, Turkish Chinganeh, — all apparently varieties of the same distinctive appellation. Their origin has long been a subject of curious but unsucce ful antiquarian research. In western Europe, they made their first appearance early in the fifteenth century, under a leader who styled himself the Duke of Lower Egypt: fortunetelling and thieving were then, as now, their predominant occupations. They were at that time treated as heathens and sorcerers, and the most severe laws were repeatedly enacted against them, but without effect. At present they are found not in Europe only, but in Asia Minor, Egypt, Turkey, ., forming everywhere a distinct race. In Germany, as well as England, they profe various trades, as itinerant horse dealers, smiths, farriers, .; but have never been reclaimed in any number to settled occupations. In England their most ordinary haunts are in the midland and southern counties chiefly, whither they are invited by the abundance of green lanes, downs, forests, or chases. They po e a language of their own; and are apparently destitute of religion, although in most countries profe ing that of the people among whom they dwell. (See Marsden on the Language of the Gypsies; Hoyland's Hist. Survey, \%\&\ Quart. Rev. vol.lv. Mr. George Borrow's Account of the Gypsies of Spain, 2 vols. 12mo. 1841, may also be consulted with great advantage.) [s. 550]