In message , mouse
writes


Its a term wrongly used to describe all gypsies. My understanding is that
they are gypsies that have disgraced their clan in some way and have been
outcast from the clan, true gypsies loath them. At one time gypsies were
very well thought of in the southern counties. They were all skilled in some
craft, from rat catcher to carriage builders.. They were employed by local
farmers for there skills in such things as sharpening tools, vermin control
etc., and went back year after year. True gypsies were/are hardworking
generous people.

And, now, a species dead as a dodo
--
geoff