much interested in any plan that promises to improve their enndition, I take the liberty of writing you; not so much for the purpose of answering the numerous queries subjoined to the report, as of requesting your advice and opinion, with regard to what plan might be adopted for the improvement of the colony, placed, in some degree, under my care and superintendence. I have but lately been called to the ministerial office, and appointed to the pastoral care of this parish; and previous to the period of my appointment, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with the character and habits of the Gipsies. Your longer acquaintance with this people, and experience, may suggest to me some useful hints on the subject, should you take the trouble to notice this letter. The number of Gipsies in the parish of Yetholm is about 100. You are no doubt already in some degree acquainted with the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, from the interesting notices furnished by Mr Smith, of Kelso, and published in HOYLAND'S SURVEY, and in one of the earliest numbers of Blackwood's Magazine. And his account of them is substantially correct to this day. It would appear that the Gipsy population of this place is fluctuating. In 1798, there were only 59. In 1818, when Mr Smith wrote, there were 109. In 1830, there are 100. And in a few years more, this number may be considerably diminished or increased. The greater part of them are

muggers," or "potters," who carry earthen-ware about the country for sale. There are two horn-spoon

akers; all the others are abroad from their head

quarters, of Kirk Yetholm, from eight to nine months in the year. The history of some of the individuals and families of the clan, would furnish something very interesting. One of the family of the Taa's is still denominated the "King." The number of children belonging to each family is generally large. There may be thirty children under twelve years of age. The parents express themselves very anxious that their children should be educated, and are willing, for this purpose, to leave them at home all the summer; and farther, that they should be trained to some occupation different from their own. Many of the parents declare, that they would willingly remain at home, could they be supplied with constant employment. Of late, the greater number of them have occasionally attended church, and some of them continue to attend most regularly when at home. A considerable number of the younger children also, when at home, attend our Sabbath School. I have likewise assisted the parents to send most of their children to the Day School: still, however, these children are at home scarcely three months in the depth of winter. Several families have not returned yet. Their education, therefore, even were they sent regularly to school, during this time, would be very limited. And besides, by attending the parents to the country, they contract an attachment to their loose, wandering life, which must tend to perpetuate the peculiarities of the tribe. A few weeks ago I was requested by Dr Baird, the Principal of the University, and one of the ministers of Edinburgh, to write

K

out a pretty full account of these my parishioners. This I have done. The account, however, was written so hastily, that I had not time even to correspond with you on the subject, before doing so, as my object in writing to you was chiefly to propose some plan which might be adopted for their improvement, on which you might give me some useful information. In this account, I have proposed that a fund or subscription should be raised for the purpose of keeping the children at home during those months their parents are traversing the country, for paying their school wages, and, if possible, for giving a salary to a teacher to superintend their education, and that a small additional sum be occasionally in readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys. This account may probably be published. I am in hopes, also, that the Principal will interest himself in the cause. Should the account be published, the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case I should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan proposed, from your kind communication. The sum which I conceived would be required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per annum. Mr Bof: Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the pleasure of being acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a correspondence with you on this subject. He also is interested in the cause, and promises to use his influence with others. I think he told me that some more detailed account of your plan was

published, or preparing for the press, in which various alterations and improvements had been made. This was an additional reason for my wishing to hear from you, before submitting to the people of Scotland any plan on the subject. I should wish to know how the cause prospers with you, and what number you have at present under your care. I am extremely interested for this unfortunate people, and any information therefore with regard to what is doing elsewhere, would be acceptable. May He prosper the cause, whose blessing alone can render our labours effectual !

"I remain, my dear Sir,

"With much respect and esteem "Yours truly,

"JOHN BAIRD.

"P. S.-I have just received a letter from Principal Baird, informing me that my account of the Gipsies of Kirk Yetholm, will be published, and a proof for correction be sent to me shortly. It will be published in a new statistical account of Scotland, which will ensure for it a very extensive circulation, especially among the ministers of the established church of Scotland."

Another letter relating to the Gipsies of Yetholm, has been received from the same clergyman, extracts of which may be seen in the Appendix.

CHAP. XII.

Plans suggested to the pious and benevolent, for promoting a Reformation among the Gipsies, continued.

It is usual, in Southampton, for a few pence to be given to a child who informs any of the members of the Committee when a family of Gipsies begin to erect their tents on the common, that they may immediately be visited by our Reader. This may be done elsewhere. It may be well, too, to buy a basket, or any other article they may honestly have to dispose of, when opportunity offers; but it is not well to bestow money on them, unless in sickness or want. their wives are confined, a favourable opportunity offers to bring into action the sympathies of compassion in other females; and what gratitude would such an instance of tenderness beget! These poor women have frequently been heard to exclaim, while tears filled their eyes, How kind, how good to us! for favours very

much less!

When

The author has seldom met with instances of ingratitude, though he is obliged to record one. He was interested in the reformation of a Gipsy family that encamped, a short time since, about five miles from Southampton, whom he visited early on a Monday morning. Reaching the camp, accompanied by the