Such were their ostensible means of livelihood.
Each tribe had usually some fixed place of rendezvous, which they occasionally occupied and considered as their standing camp, and in the vicinity of which they generally abstained from depredation.

They had even talents and accomplishments, which made them occasionally useful and entertaining.

Many cultivated music with success; and the favourite fiddler or piper of a district was often to be found in a gipsy town.
They understood all out-of-door sports, especially otter-hunting, fishing, or finding game.

They bred the best and boldest terriers, and sometimes had good pointers for sale.

In winter the women told fortunes, the men showed tricks of legerdemain; and these accomplishments often helped to while away a weary or stormy evening in the circle of the 'farmer's ha'.' The wildness of their character, and the indomitable pride with which they despised all regular labour, commanded a certain awe, which was not diminished by the consideration that these strollers were a vindictive race, and were restrained by no check, either of fear or conscience, from taking desperate vengeance upon those who had offended them.