e himself indebted to various other intelligent authors, whose
writings will be noticed in the course of the work.

Another source of information, and which relates especially to the
_present state_ of the Gypsies in Great Britain, has been opened through
inquiries instituted in most parts of the nation, by the author, aided by
several obliging and able coadjutors. The results of these inquiries, it
scarcely need be added, will be presented to the reader in their proper
places.

The author has much regretted, that scarcely any of the splendid
histories of Counties in England, and even those in which the Gypsies
abound, have in the least noticed that part of the population which so
strongly claims our attention. By bringing their situation into view,
the historian might not merely have served the cause of humanity; he
would have advanced the interest of the state, by promoting an object of
so much public utility, as the improvement of the whole Gypsey race
cannot fail to prove.

A comparative view of their customs and habits, and how far they appear
coincident in different countries, may afford a criterion by which to
judge if they have all had one origin. By thus tracing them to that
source, we may possibly discover the occasion of their peculiarities; and
if the means hitherto employed to counteract them, have proved
unsuccessful, we may be prepared to consider of others, better adapted to
correct the errors of their education.

Conceiving that any scheme for ameliorating the condition of the Gypsies,
would not only be premature, but might prove highly injudicious, before
obtaining a knowledge of their history, the author has endeavoured to
collect, from the most authentic European authorities to which he could
have access, a general view of this people, in the different parts of the
world to which they have resorted; and from these and the other sources
of information, he has subjoined accounts of their state in Great
Britain, and of the suggestions offered by other individuals for their
improvement; concluding the subject with a review of the whole, and
proposing a plan to be set on foot for accomplishing this desirable
object.

CONTENTS.

SECTION I.

_Various Appellations of them--Their arrival in Europe_ _page_ 9

SECTION II.

_Accounts of the Gypsies in various Countries_ _page_ 17

SECT