CHAPTER VII

PARENTS AND CHILDREN

I. _The first maternal cares and suckling of the infant_ (pp. 234 _sqq._).

Statements (pp. 235, 236).--Close ties between mother and her offspring during infancy and early childhood (pp. 236, 237).

II. _The relation between parents and children during childhood_ (pp. 238 _sqq._).

Statements (pp. 238-249).--Affirmation of a close tie of affection and devotion between parents and children (pp. 249, 250).--Illustrations drawn from concrete facts (pp. 250, 251).--Applicable to both the father and mother; to female as well as to male children (p. 251).--Great leniency of treatment (pp. 252, 253).--Bearing of the affection of both parents to their children upon the relation between husband and wife (pp. 253, 254).--No data for assuming the existence in Australia of _patria potestas_ as a legal form (p. 254).--Lack of information as to the actual character of the paternal authority in Australia (pp. 254-256).--Rudiments of education (pp. 256, 257).

III. _Children at puberty removed from their parents' camp, and consequent weakening of the relationship_ (pp. 257 _sqq._).

Marriage of females at puberty (pp. 257-259).--Great disparity of age between husband and wife (pp. 259, 260).--Statements (pp. 260-262).--Boys at puberty and afterwards (pp. 262 _sqq._).--Statements (pp. 262-267).--Boys undergoing initiation; their life in a special camp ("bachelors' camp") (pp. 267-269).

IV. _The life-long permanence, nevertheless, of the tie between parents and children_ (pp. 269 _sqq._).

Statements (pp. 269-272).--Lack of information as to the relationship between sisters and brothers (pp. 272, 273).