We propose a class of variational wave functions with slow variation in spin
and charge density and simple vortex structure at infinity, which properly
generalize both the Laughlin quasiparticles and baby Skyrmions. We argue that
the spin of the corresponding quasiparticle has a fractional part related in a
universal fashion to the properties of the bulk state, and propose a direct
experimental test of this claim. We show that certain spin-singlet quantum Hall
states can be understood as arising from primary polarized states by Skyrmion
condensation.Comment: 13 pages, no figures, Phyzz