ffinity with that of the Gypsies; but he does not rest this solely on
the specimen he has introduced, a sketch of which will be presented in
the next section; he adduces many facts in confirmation of his opinion,
which it would be an injustice to him not to exhibit.

He infers from the following considerations, that Gypsies are of the
lowest class of Indians, namely Pariars, or as they are called in
Hindostan, _Suders_.

The whole great nation of Indians is known to be divided into four ranks,
or stocks, which are called by a portuguese name, _castes_; each of which
has its own particular subdivisions. Of these castes, the Bramin is the
first; the second contains the _Tschechteries_ or Setreas; the third,
consists of the _Beis_, or Wazziers; the fourth is the caste of the above
mentioned Suders; who upon the peninsula of Malabar, where their
condition is the same as in Hindostan, are called Parias, and Pariers.

The first were appointed by Brama to seek after knowledge, to give
instructions, and to take care of religion. The second were to serve in
war; the third were as the Bramins, to cultivate science; but
particularly to attend to the breeding of cattle. The caste of Suders
was to be subservient to the Bramins, the Tschecteries, and the Beis.
These Suders are held in disdain, they are considered infamous, and
unclean, from their occupation, and they are abhorred because they eat
flesh; the three other castes living entirely on vegetables.

Of this very caste it will appear, by the following comparison, our
Gypsies are composed. We have seen that the Gypsies are in the highest
degree filthy and disgusting; and with regard to character, depraved and
fraudulent to excess, and these are the qualities of the Suders.

Baldeus says, the Parias are a filthy people, and wicked crew, who in
winter steal much cattle, &c.

It is related in the Danish Mission Intelligence:--Nobody can deny that
the Pariers are the dregs and refuse of all the Indians; they are
thievish, and have wicked dispositions, &c.

Moreover Neuhof assures us: "The Parruas are full of every kind of
dishonesty; they do not consider lying and cheating to be sinful, as they
have no other custom or maxims among them. The Gypsey's solicitude to
conceal his language is, also, a striking Indian trait."

"Professor Pallas says of the Indians round Astracan: custom has rendered
them to the greatest degree suspicious about their language, insomuch
that I