energy and perseverance by which North Britons are distinguished,
will be evinced throughout the pages of this section. A friend of the
author, having been requested to make application at the Advocates' and
the University Libraries, in the city of Edinburgh, for extracts from
some foreign publications, was also desired to transmit with them what
information could be obtained respecting the Gypsies in Scotland.

With a promptitude and zeal which characterises genuine philanthropy, a
circular, containing four queries, was dispatched to the Sheriff of every
county in that nation; soliciting through the medium of an official
organ, all the intelligence which could be obtained on the subject. In
consequence, returns have been made from nearly the whole of the shires,
either by the Sheriff, or his substitute; generally addressed to George
Miller, jun. Edinburgh; who has been a most effective coadjutor on this
occasion.

From thirteen counties, the reports are, "No Gypsies resident in them;"
some others give account of their only passing through at times.

William Frazer Tytler, Sheriff of Invernessshire, writes as follows: "The
undertaking in which you are engaged, for the civilization of so lost a
portion of mankind, merits every support. Its effects may be more
generally and extensively useful in England, where those unfortunate
people are extremely numerous. In Scotland, their number is
comparatively small, and particularly in the county of Inverness."

Alexander Moor, Sheriff Depute, of Aberdeenshire, states: "There are not
any Gypsies who have a permanent residence in that Sheriffalty.
Occasionally vagrants, both single and in bands, appear in this part of
the country; resorting to fairs, where they commit depredations on the
unwary. Some of them are supposed to be connected with Gypsies in the
southern part of the island."

John Blair, Sheriff Substitute for the County of Bute, writes: "I have to
inform that the people generally known by the description of Gypsies, are
not in use to come hither, unless abject, itinerant tinkers and braziers,
generally from Ireland, may be accounted such. A few of them often visit
us, and take up their abode for a time in different parts of the country,
where people can be prevailed upon to give them the accommodation of an
out-house or hut."

They are understood to be illiterate, neither they, nor their children,
who are often numerous, being able to read.

The distinguish