ng been
informed that by this time, it was probable, the able-bodied persons of
both sexes would be drawn off to a feast and a fair, in different
situations, not very distant. It proved so; there were only two women,
three children, and an infant remaining in the tents; which were the
residence of several branches of the numerous families of Smith, and
Loversedge, names well known in the county of Northampton.

The head of the former, has been many years a dealer in asses, or
donkies; and is reputed to be possessed of some property. His wife, more
than eighty years of age, was seated at the entrance of one of the tents,
weaving a cabbage net. The other woman, who was middle aged, was nursing
an infant; and the eldest of the children, about twelve years of age, was
making preparation for washing; a pan was suspended from three poles,
under which she had kindled a fire, to boil water. The very tattered and
squalid appearance of this poor girl was truly affecting.

On conversing with the old woman, she said she had forty grand-children;
some gone to the feast, others to the fair; and she signified, that both
men and women were musical performers.

On being asked whether any of them had learned to read, she shook her
head, and, with apparent regret, acknowledged they had not. This
indication of concern excited an idea, that some impression had been made
on the minds even of Gypsies, of the disadvantages their children were
under.

Considering how generally education had been extended, to the lowest
description of every other class of British subjects; how many schools
had been opened in villages, as well as in the different towns of the
kingdom, it was not improbable, that information of movements so
extraordinary, might have reached the ears, if not impressed the minds of
these neglected fellow-creatures. The activity which had been
subsequently displayed in the distribution of the Scriptures, and the
zeal excited among the most ignorant to receive them, might also come to
their knowledge.

Resuming conversation with the female head of the Smith family, she said
they endured great hardships in winter, having no shelter but their
tents, in the worst of weather.

She was then asked, if they did not experience great difficulty in
obtaining the means of subsistence, during the inclement seasons; and
whether they were not, at times, reduced to the necessity of taking up
with any kind of sustenance, even if it consi