bly inhabitants of forests, and
penetrated deeper into deserts; as, in consequence of the search which
was made after them, or, at least, threatened to be made, they judged
themselves more secure in seclusion and concealment, than they would have
been, in frequenting places of established abode, and having free
intercourse with the neighbouring, inhabitants. Thus they became, in a
greater degree, outcasts from civilized society; and divested of the
most, and perhaps the only, probable means, of inducing a change in their
manner.

Being always either persecuted, or left to themselves, no other could be
expected, than that they must ever remain in all places the same. The
character of people being formed by the instruction they receive in their
early years, can it be thought surprising, that Gypsies who are idlers,
should be also abandoned and thievish? Is it to be expected that men
should become diligent, who have been educated in laziness? Who can have
a general idea of fair dealing, that has never been taught the
distinction between good and evil, virtue and vice? Perhaps it is
reserved for _our age_, in which so much has been attempted for the
benefit of mankind, to humanize a people, who, for centuries, have
wandered in error and neglect; and it may be hoped, that while we are
endeavouring to ameliorate the condition of our African brethren, the
civilization of Gypsies, who form so large a portion of humanity, will
not be overlooked.

It cannot be denied, that considering the multitude of them, their reform
must be a subject of very serious consideration to many states. The
period in which banishments were generally pronounced on this people,
were too unphilosophical for any preferable mode of punishment to be
suggested; but it may be expected from a better informed age, that better
maxims will be adopted. We send apostles to the east and west, to the
most distant parts of the whole earth; and even into the very country
whence the Gypsies emigrated, to instruct the people who know not God.
Is it not inconsistent for men to be solicitous for the welfare of their
fellow-creatures in distant regions, and to throw off, and leave to
chance, those who, equally wretched, have brought their errors home to
us? If it be a good work to teach religion and virtue to such as are
ignorant of their Creator, why not begin with those nearest to
us?--Especially as neglect in this particular, is attended with detriment
to the