def METHOD_NAME(self, n=-1, sparse=False):
    """Read in a ``.gal`` file.
    Parameters
    ----------
    n : int
        Read at most ``n`` objects. Default is ``-1``.
    sparse: bool
        If ``True`` return a ``scipy`` sparse object. If ``False``
        return PySAL `W` object. Default is ``False``.
    Returns
    -------
    w : {libpysal.weights.W, libpysal.weights.WSP}
        A PySAL `W` object or a thin PySAL `WSP`.
    """
    self._sparse = sparse
    self._complain_ifclosed(self.closed)
    w = self._read()
    return w