GYPSIES

name given to a nomadic race found all over Europe, great part of Asia, in N. and S. America, Africa, and Australia. They have also been known in England as ‘Egyptians (of which Gypsy is a diminutive), ‘Greeks, ‘Heathens,’ ‘Bohemians,’ etc. The g. calls himself Romany or ‘ROdmano’; and his language, which is practically the same in all countries, is Romani chiv. Where the g. first came from is unknown, They are generally described by themselves as of Little Egypt, which some students have identified with Epirus, They probably first appeared in Kurope in the early part of the XIV. cent., and seem to have reached England at about its close. It is recorded that certain g’s danced before James V. of Scots at Holyrood; and, in 1540, the same king granted permi ion to ‘oure lou it Johnne Faw, lord and erle of Litill Egipt,’ to punish any offenders against the Romany laws. At first they seem to have been well received in Hurope, and were known for ied metalworkers, but subsequently charges of kidnapping and other crimes were brought against then, and in England and other places they were mercile ly hunted down and imprisoned or put to death. In past times these nomads used to be famed for their skill in music and dancing, besides metal-working. Now the chief male occupation is horse dealing; the female, fortune-telling and names are Smith, Boswell, Stanley, Lee, and Lovell. The Eng, g’s conform to no religion; and their moral code is far from strict. Amongst physical characteristics may be noted lithe figures, olive skin, dark, lustrous eyes, exceedingly fine teeth, and black or dark hair. composed of hydrated sulphate of lime; occurs abundantly in the more recent sedimentary rocks, although it may occur in any geological age. Varieties: alabaster, which is white and resembles marble; selenite, transparent and crystalline; satin spar, has pearl-like lustre. G. contains a large amount of water, and when this is evaporated off in Idlns plaster of Paris is left. This, when; mixed with water again, quickly sets, and is used for moulds, casts, etc. G. is also used in a powdered form as agricultural manure, and in the manufacture of porcelain.; Gypsy MOTH