In the travels, written by Bell, of Antermony, Vol. 2, p. 157, he states: “During my stay at Tobolski, I was informed that a large troop of Gypsies had been lately at that place, to the number of sixty or upwards. The Russians call these vagabonds, Tziggany. Their sorry baggage was carried upon horses and asses. The Vice-Governor sent for the
chief of this gang, and demanded whither they were going. They answered to China. He stopped their progress and sent them back.”
“Bishop Pococke met with these people, still further to the Eastward. He says, the Chingani, who are spread all over the world, are in great abundance in the North of Syria, and pass for Mahometans. 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!”