[678] _Ibid._, p. 48. Another description of the mode of child-carrying is given by Basedow, _Jour. and Proc. R.S.S.A._ (1907), xxxi. [679] Br. Smyth, i. p. 51. "As a general rule, both fathers and mothers are very kind to their children and very rarely indeed strike them; and I have been often amused at seeing a rebellious urchin, of perhaps eight or nine years of age, take up his mimic spears, run a few yards away and then hurl them with all his force at his mother." "They are very fond of their children, and will at any time venture their lives for them."[680] And the author tells of an occurrence in corroboration.[681] Here, again, we hear of kindness, leniency and real affection. The instance of a native losing his life in trying to save his child is very convincing. [680] J. Moore Davis in Br. Smyth, ii. p. 311. He speaks in this article indiscriminately of South Australians. [681] Referring to natives of Victoria. The children that escape infanticide enjoy great affection from their parents.[682] [682] Br. Smyth, ii. p. 290. Note on Australians, by A. Le Souëf. It refers, probably, to the Victorian blacks. Of the Lower Darling River tribes it is stated that the children are not only very leniently treated by their parents, but that they are not spoilt at all. "One word from the parent generally is sufficient to check a child when doing wrong, and the greatest respect is shown to parents by their children."[683] The loss of a child would be lamented by the whole camp; the mother and near relatives would especially mourn.[684] A description of the mode of carrying children by their mother is also given by the same author.[685] In this statement we may remark that the children are said not to be spoilt; this does not agree quite with some of our other statements. But this information agrees with all others in respect of the affection and lenient treatment the children enjoy. [683] Bonney, _J.A.I._, xiii. p. 126. [684] _Ibid._ [685] _Ibid._ According to Mitchell children are carried by the mother in skin bags on the shoulder. She carries also toys for her children.[686] As we have said above, the close connection in life between child and mother must have been of importance in making the tie between them especially close. The existence of toys, mentioned already in J. M. Davis' statement, characterizes the tender care bestowed on the young folk by their parents. [686] Vol. i. pp. 332, 333.