BUKOREST. 271 
of merchandize, are extremely large and good: chap. 
the shops, too, are of such considerable size, * ■ >■■ * 
and so well supplied, that it is probable a 
greater variety of commodities would be 
found upon sale here than in Constantinople. 
The inhabitants have no public amusements ; 
and the dullness of their winter season is pro- 
verbial. The three Consuls of England, Austria, 
and Russia, transact the affairs not only of their 
respective nations, but also of other countries. 
The establishment of an agent for England was 
quite recent : it took place with a view to 
facilitate the communications between England 
and the Porte ; but being attended with great 
expense, and with very little utility, it was 
thought that it would not long continue: per- 
haps, before this time, it is abolished. During 
winter, the season is sufficiently rigorous to 
admit of trainage, or the use of sledges, for all 
sorts of conveyance. The Gipsies, who are here cipMe-. 
very numerous, are distinguished into several 
classes : the first, as slaves, are employed for 
service in the principal houses ; the others 
work as gold-Anders and ivashers, or as itinerant 
smiths ; or stroll about as musicians : some of 
the Gipsies are dealers in cattle. It is singular 
enough, that in whatever country we have 
found this people, their character for thieving 
