Introductory remarks (p. [207]).—Belief in totemic conception existing among the Central tribes (pp. [208], [209]).—Absence of knowledge concerning physiological procreation (pp. [209], [210]).—Some important points discussed (pp. [210] sqq.)—(1) The ignorance in question complete (pp. [210], [211]).—(2) In particular no idea of individual paternal consanguinity (pp. [211], [212]).—(3) Analysis of the aboriginal ideas about reincarnation (pp. [212-217]).—Conclusion: absence of "consanguinity" (in the social sense) among the Central tribes (pp. [217], [218]).—Beliefs in which some kinship ideas are expressed (pp. [218] sqq.).—Among the Northern tribes special close tie between spirit-child and father (Gnanji, Umbaia and other Northern-Central tribes) (pp. [218-220]).—Pre-established kinship involved in the belief concerning reincarnation and return of dead people (pp. [220-225]).—Customs of the couvade type (pp. [225], [226]).—Geographical extension of the nescience of physiological fatherhood (pp. [226], [227]).—Two North Queensland beliefs involving a clear idea of spiritual tie between a father and his child (pp. [227-229]).—Other examples (pp. [229], [230]).—Survey of the beliefs of the South-Eastern tribes possessing the idea of paternal consanguinity (in the social sense) (pp. [230-232]).—Summary (pp. [232], [233]).
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]).