46 



Table 13. — Nutrients and energy in food eaten and tvasted in dietary study No. 373. 



[Quantities per man per day.] 



The average quantities of protein, 94 grams, and energy, 2,680 calo- 

 ries, per man per day in tlie food eaten by this group were almost iden- 

 tical with those noted in the preceding study and practically conform 

 to the commonly accepted standard for the ordinary man in health 

 with little muscular activity. It is interesting to note that in this 

 study the proportion of total protein furnished by cereal foods is larger 

 than has been commonl}^ found in dietary studies of American families. 



The quantity of nutrients and energy rejected was nearly 40 per 

 cent less than that in the preceding study. Considering the propor- 

 tions of the individual articles rejected (Table 35 of the Appendix), it 

 will be observed that the largest waste was with the cereal breakfast 

 foods and similar articles. This may have been due to an excessive 

 supply. In the case of most of the other materials the amount rejected 

 was perhaps hardly more than might be expected under the circum- 

 stances, though 1 8 per cent for the bread is large for bread of such 

 good quality. 



During this study the observer was informed that the quantities of 

 rejected material were very small as compared with what had previously 

 been brought away. Doubtless more care was observed in serving than 

 was formerly the case, yet no complaints were heard that the quanti- 

 ties provided were not sufficient. The moral influence of an investi- 

 gation like this is by no means inconsiderable, and it happens very 

 naturally that more care is taken by persons who feel that their work 

 is under observation. It was the opinion of the superintendent that 

 this fact alone had been responsible for much improvement in this 

 respect in this and other departments of the institution. 



