To judge from the recent account of Herr Lumholtz, the paternal duties seemed to be scarcely recognized by the natives of Queensland.[58] But with reference to the Kurnai in South Australia, Mr. Howitt states that “the man has to provide for his family with the assistance of his wife. His share is to hunt for their support, and to fight for their protection.” As a Kurnai once said to him, “A man hunts, spears fish, fights, and sits about.”[59] And in the Encounter Bay tribe the paternal care is considered so indispensable, that, if the father dies before a child is born, the child is put to death by the mother, as there is no longer any one to provide for it.[60]
Among the cannibals of New Britain, the chiefs have to see that the families of the warriors are properly maintained.[61] As regards the Tonga Islanders, Martin remarks, “A married woman is one who cohabits with a man, and lives under his roof and protection;”[62] and in Samoa, according to Mr. Pritchard, “whatever intercourse may take place between the sexes, a woman does not become a man’s wife unless the latter take her to his own house.”[63] Among the Maoris, says Mr. Johnston, “the mission of woman was to increase and multiply; that of man to defend his home.”[64] In Radack, even natural children are received by the father into his house, as soon as they are able to walk.[65]
The Rev. D. Macdonald states that, in some African tribes, “a father has to fast after the birth of his child, or take some such method of showing that he recognizes that he as well as the mother should take care of the young stranger.”[66] Certain Africans will not even go on any warlike expedition when they have a young child;[67] and the South American Guaranies, while their wives are pregnant do not risk their lives in hunting wild beasts.[68] In Lado the bridegroom has to assure his father-in-law three times that he will protect his wife, calling the people present to witness.[69] And among the Touaregs, according to Dr. Chavanne, a man who deserts his wife is blamed, as he has taken upon himself the obligation of maintaining her.[70]
The wretched Rock Veddahs in Ceylon, according to Sir J. Emerson Tennent, “acknowledge the marital obligation and the duty of supporting their own families.”[71] Among the Maldivians, “although a man is allowed four wives at one time, it is only on condition of his being able to support them.”[72] The Nagas are not permitted to marry until they are able to set up house on their own account.[73] The Nairs, we are told, consider it a husband’s duty to provide his wife with food, clothing, and ornaments;[74] and almost the same is said by Dr. Schwaner with reference to the tribes of the Barito district, in the south-east part of Borneo.[75] A Burmese woman can demand a divorce, if her husband is not able to maintain her properly.[76] Among the Mohammedans, the maintenance of the children devolves so exclusively on the father, that the mother is even entitled to claim wages for nursing them.[77] And among the Romans, _manus_ implied not only the wife’s subordination to the husband, but also the husband’s obligation to protect the wife.[78]