In this place I wish to express my deep gratitude to Mr. J. Martin White, whose munificence has made the publication of this book possible. As a student of sociology at the University of London I am indebted to Mr. Martin White, who, as it is well known, has founded the chairs of Sociology at this university, and furthers these studies in various ways--not the least by his personal contact with and interest shown in the students and their work. I had, while working on the present book, the privilege of personal intercourse with Prof. Westermarck, a privilege I value more than I can express. I owe much to Dr. Rivers for the constant aid and counsel generously given me during my studies. Much assistance was given to me by Mr. Wheeler, who freely put at my disposal his extensive knowledge of the subject. I have to thank Dr. Tallqvist for several important remarks upon some pages of my proofs. But my debt is the greatest to Miss Helena Hadley, without whose kind help I could not have overcome the difficulties of writing in what is for me an acquired tongue. Her advice and criticism, both as regards style and thought, were quite invaluable for me, and this is only a feeble acknowledgment of my indebtedness and feelings of gratitude. B. M. CONTENTS CHAPTER I EXPOSITION OF THE PROBLEM AND METHOD I. _Exposition of the problem and justification of the task_ (pp. 1 _sqq._). Some contradictions and obscurities concerning family and kinship in Australia (pp. 1-6).--Necessity of a careful and detailed description of all the features of the _individual family_ among the Australian aborigines (pp. 6-9).--The sense in which the conception of _law_ and _legal_ should be applied to the Australian native society indicated (pp. 9-17). II. _Method of dealing with the evidence_ (pp. 17 _sqq._).