288 WILD SPAIN. 



for sale. Of antique lace, elaborately wrought, and of 

 painted fans and such-like relics, the supply in Spain 

 seems inexhaustible : and eventually the glib tongue of the 

 gitana may probably obtain about half the price originally 

 asked. 



Despite certain changes — hereafter described — the 

 Spanish gypsy remains exotic to Hispania, distinct in type 

 both of form and feature ; the restless, suspicious eye of the 

 hunted animal, the lithe build, and straight supple limbs, 

 even among the svelte and graceful Andalucians, still 

 distinguish these swarthy sons of the wilderness.* The 

 true-bred gypsy remains a distinct species. Though amen- 

 able to the same laws, and recognized as a Spanish subject, 

 he is distinguishable at a glance. The youths undergo 

 their allotted period of army service, but remain not an 

 hour beyond the stipulated time with the colours. 



Their normal occupations to-day are chiefly those of 

 butchers — all the shambles of Spain are in their hands — 

 tinkers, horse-breakers, mule and donkey-dealers, and 

 basket-makers. But, at a pinch, the gitano now conde- 

 scends to engage on the lighter work of the land — hoeing, 

 weeding, &c. Like the Jew, the gypsy has ever hitherto 

 been conspicuous by his absence from every field of manual 

 labour : both prefer the lighter barters of life ; and that 

 the gitano should now — even casually — take to such honest 

 work, is perhaps a sign of the times. 



One great change has, however, been wrought by the 

 century of equal laws — a change perhaps of vital import 

 to the villain crew. The once sacred errate is contami- 

 nated. Marriages between the two races — with or without 

 the sanction of the church — are now frequent, though the 

 Spaniard who contracts such ill-savoured union loses 

 caste among his or her own people, and the children of 

 these mixed marriages never lose the taint. 



By this means there has sprung into existence, during 

 late years, an intermediate class, neither pure Gitano nor 



* In speed of foot, the gitano lads carry off the palm, leaving all 

 competitors behind in the rare athletic contests which have taken 

 place in Southern Spain. 



