264 



EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



contained 19.33 gin. urea. The feces were separated by means of char- 

 coal and contained 10.270 gm. cholesterin, biliary matter, and extrac- 

 tives, and 12.395 gm. fat. During the second period the urine contained 

 24.78 gm. urea and the feces 29.509 gm. cholesterin, biliary matter, and 

 extractives, and 19.736 gm. fat. The coefficient of digestibility of 

 cocoanut butter was 98 per cent and of the cream butter 95.8 per cent. 

 The amount of neutral fat, free fatty acid, fatty acid yielding soap 

 soluble in water and the amount yielding soap insoluble in water in the 

 ether extract of the feces was also determined in each case. 



Dietary studies in New Mexico in 1895, A. (loss ( IT. 8. Dept. 

 Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 40, pp. 23). — A considerable part 

 of the population of New Mexico and the Southwest is made up of 

 Mexicans. Many of the people are in moderate circumstances and 

 many are very poor. Three dietary studies were made ; one of a family 

 in moderate circumstances living in town and two of poor people living 

 on a ranch. Customary methods were followed. 1 A number of Mexi- 

 can foods were analyzed in connection with the studies and the com- 

 position of the others was taken from standard tables. The food of the 

 poorer classes is almost entirely of vegetable origin. Flour and corn 

 are used, the relative amount depending upon the resources of the fam- 

 ily, corn being less expensive than flour. The native bean or "frijole," 

 with peas and lentils, supplies the greater part of the protein. Cakes 

 called " tortillas," made of flour or ground corn, are largely eaten. The 

 "frijoles" are almost invariably cooked with a liberal addition of chili, 

 or red pepper, and considerable lard. Chili is cooked alone and also 

 eaten with other articles of food. This and "frijoles" are the most 

 characteristic articles of diet. Tables are given showing the amount 

 of food purchased, wasted, and eaten; its cost, composition, and fuel 

 value. The results of the studies are briefly summarized in the follow- 

 ing table: 



Result 'ft of dietary studies — cost and composition of food per man per day. 



These studies are compared with the results of similar investigations 

 in other localities in the United States and with the generally accepted 

 standards. The author points out that much less food was eaten by 

 families in New Mexico than in other localities. On the other hand, the 



1 U. S. Dept. Agr., Office of Experiment Stations Bui. 21 (E. S. R., 7, p. 148). 



