hometans. They live
under tents, and sometimes in grots under ground.

"They make a coarse sort of tapestry, or carpet work, for hangings of
saddles and other uses; and when they are not far from towns, deal much
in cattle, and have a much better character than their relations in
Hungary, and the Gypsies in England; who are thought by some to have been
originally of the same tribe.

"These and the Turcomen, with regard to offence, are under the Pasha and
Cadi; though they have a sheik to every encampment, and several great
ones over them: but with regard to taxes, they are immediately under the
Grand Seignior; whose tribute is collected yearly, by an officer over
each of these people; one being called the Turcoman-Agasi, an officer of
great credit, and the other the Chingani-Agasi, who go round the Turkish
dominions to collect the taxes from these people." Travels, Vol. 2, Part
1, p. 207, 208.

Grellmann says: "Independently of the number of Gypsies in Egypt, and
some parts of Asia, could we obtain an exact estimate of them in the
countries of Europe, the immense number would probably greatly exceed
what we have any idea of. At a moderate calculation, without being
extravagant, they might be reckoned at between seven and eight hundred
thousand.

"What a serious matter of consideration, when we reflect that the
greatest part of these people, are idlers, cheats, and thieves!

"What a field does this open for the contemplation of Governments!"

SECTION III.

The Habits, Occupations, and Polity of Continental Gypsies.

* * * * *

The first of them that came to Europe, appeared ragged and miserable,
unless we allow their leaders to have been an exception. In like manner
their descendants have continued for hundreds of years, and still remain.
This is particularly remarkable in the countries about the mouth of the
Danube, which abound with Gypsies; namely Transylvania, Hungary, and
Turkey, in Europe; where they dress even more negligently than in other
parts.

It is a fact that these people enjoy a good state of health more
uninterruptedly, and perfectly, than persons of the most regular habits,
and who pay the greatest attention to themselves. Neither wet nor dry
weather, heat nor cold, let the extremes follow each other ever so
quickly, seem to have any effect upon them. Any prevailing sickness, or
epidemical disorder, sooner penetrates into ten habitations of civili