The ceremonies of initiation of girls in Central Australia, and sexual promiscuity connected with them, are also mentioned by W. H. Willshire. Women after initiation are sexually "at the mercy of all who may get hold of them."[271] The same author mentions also the sexual "immorality" of the natives in question.[272] This raw statement, although inadequately formulated, corroborates Spencer and Gillen's exact data. [271] _Loc. cit._, p. 30. [272] _Loc. cit._, p. 36. Analogously in the Northern tribes there are several exceptions from the individuality of sexual relations. The man may lend his wife to his friends or to people whose favour he wishes to gain. There are customs at the initiation of girls, when several men, standing to the girl in a certain group (tribal) relationship, have access to her. In the third place there is the sexual licence connected with certain ceremonies, when men are obliged to cede their wives to some of their tribesmen.[273] And we read the description of the most horrid atrocities which men inflict as punishments upon their unfaithful wives.[274] We read in the same place that the charming away of women by magic was one of the chief sources of fights and quarrels. About sexual jealousy in the Central and Northern tribes, we read: "Now and again if a husband thinks that his wife has been unfaithful to him, she will certainly meet with exceedingly cruel treatment."[275] [273] Spencer and Gillen, _Nor. Tr._, chap. iv. pp. 133 _sqq._ [274] _Idem_, _Nor. Tr._, p. 474. [275] _Ibid._, p. 33. We are informed about the existence of the practice of exchange of wives among the Northern tribes (Port Darwin, Powell's Creek) in the answers to Prof. Frazer's "Questions."[276] [276] _J.A.I._, xxiv. p. 178. J. D. Lang says about the aborigines of Queensland, that the "conjugal relations are maintained with great decency." But he mentions the custom of wife-lending.[277] [277] _Loc. cit._, p. 237. Amongst the Maryborough tribes, sexual licence is allowed before marriage and there is a camp of unmarried girls.[278] Many, however, "remain perfectly virtuous until their promised husband fetches them."[279] Women who were wanton after their marriage "are looked down upon as the prostitutes of the tribe, and are lent to visitors as temporary wives."[280] Here chastity seems to be not so strongly required. But the statement is somewhat odd as regards the camp of unmarried girls. [278] Howitt, _Nat. Tr._, p. 232. [279] _Ibid._, p. 233. [280] _Ibid._