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] The father’s place in the family being that of a supporter and protector, a man is often not permitted to marry until he has given some proof of his ability to fulfil these duties.