_The Legal Position of the Illegitimate Child._--The legal position of the illegitimate child is regulated by civil law only in respect of certain relationships; and the brief and restricted enactments on this subject are in sharp contrast with the great importance of the matter. Even in those countries in which the position of illegitimate children is relatively favourable, it is only in relation to the mother and to the blood-relatives of the mother that the legal position of the illegitimate child corresponds with that of the legitimate child; no further duty is imposed upon the father of any illegitimate child than to provide for the child until it is sixteen years of age an allowance for maintenance corresponding to the social position of the mother. Even in these countries the proof of paternity is apt to be a matter of considerable difficulty. The father of a natural child can raise various objections; for instance, he may allege loose conduct on the part of the mother (_exceptio plurium concumbentium_), and the proof of this will discharge him of his duty of maintenance. In civil law there are various institutions by which the position of the illegitimate child may be improved; for example, recognition, adoption of the child, and, above all, legitimisation. But of course these will redound to the advantage of those children only towards whom the natural father has no feeling of hostility. By legitimisation, the illegitimate child acquires the position of the legitimate child. There are two chief methods of legitimisation, viz., _legitimatio per subsequens matrimonium_, and _legitimatio per rescriptum principis_. About 25 to 30 per cent. of all illegitimate children are legitimised. Of children legitimised during the first year of life, the process is effected in the great majority during the second and third months after birth. The older the child, the less likelihood is there of its legitimisation; and legitimisation is less probable in towns than in the country.