ally tend to increase those
characteristics of complexion and feature by which they are at present
distinguishable.

It is not often that a Gipsy is seen well-dressed, even when they possess
costly apparel; but their women are fond of finery. They are much
delighted with broad lace, large ear-drops, a variety of rings, and
glaring colours; and, when they possess the means, shew how great a share
they have of that foolish vanity, which is said to be inherent in
females, and which leads many, destitute of the faith, and hope, and
love, and humility of the gospel, into utter ruin.

A remarkable instance of the love of costly attire in a female Gipsy, is
well known to the writer. The woman alluded to, obtained _a very large
sum of money_ from three maiden ladies, pledging that it should be
doubled by her art in conjuration. She then decamped to another
district, where she bought a blood-horse, a black beaver hat, a new
side-saddle and bridle, a silver-mounted whip, and figured away in her
ill-obtained finery at the fairs. It is not easy to imagine the
disappointment and resentment of the covetous and credulous ladies, whom
she had so easily duped.

Nor indeed are the males of this people less addicted to the love of gay
clothing, if it suited their interests to exhibit it. An orphan, only
ten years of age, taken from actual starvation last winter, and who was
fed and clothed, and had every care taken of him, would not remain with
those who wished him well, and who had been his friends; but returned to
the camp from which he had been taken, saying, that he _would be a
Gipsy_, _and would wear silver buttons on his coat_, _and have topped
boots_; and when asked how he would get them, he replied--_by catching
rats_.

Some Gipsies try to excel others in the possession of silver buttons.
They will sometimes give as much as fifteen pounds for a set. The
females too spend many pounds on weighty gold rings for their fingers.
The Author has by him, belonging to a Gipsy, three massy rings soldered
together, and with a half sovereign on the top, which serves instead of a
brilliant stone. We pity a vain Gipsy whose eyes are taken, and whose
heart delights in such vulgar pomp. Are not those equally pitiable, who
estimate themselves only by the gaiety, singularity, or costliness of
their apparel? The Saviour has given us a rule by which we may judge
persons in reference to their dress, as well as in other ostensibilities
of