118 BULLETIN 414, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



been observed where a change of superintendents resulted in an 

 immediate decrease of 50 per cent in the daily number of men sick. 



ARRANGEMENTS WITH PHYSICIANS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CONVICTS IN ROAD 



CAMPS. 



All convict camps have arrangements whereby the services of 

 physicians may be secured when necessary. The methods of securing 

 medical and surgical aid vary in different camps and under different 

 conditions and are as follows: 



Treatment by Prison Physicians. 



When camps are located within a reasonable distance of the State 

 penitentiary, medical and surgical treatment always is furnished by 

 the prison physicians so that the camp is under no extra expense for 

 medical care. The prison physicians make visits to the camp at 

 regular intervals, and, in addition to prescribing treatment, give advice 

 regarding the sanitary upkeep of the camps. This is an excellent 

 arrangement and the results are very satisfactory. 



Treatment by State Medical Officers. 



In the State of Florida two physicians are employed at salaries of 

 $1,800 per year, who devote their entire time to visiting all camps in 

 which State convicts are employed. They examine prisoners who 

 report themselves sick and prescribe treatment at the camp or order 

 them to be sent to the hospital at the State farm if their illnesses are 

 such as to incapacitate them for work. They also inspect the camps 

 to see that they are kept in proper sanitary condition and supervise 

 the feeding of the men. Each camp is visited by one of these physi- 

 cians about once in every three weeks. In the meantime a local 

 physician is employed to see that orders are carried out and to take 

 charge in emergencies. 



Treatment by County Physicians. 



County convict camps usually are under the supervision of the 

 county physicians. The camp duties of these officers are a usual 

 part of their regular work and extra salaries are seldom paid therefor. 

 County physicians sometimes visit camps at regular intervals and 

 also advise as to the methods of sanitation to be employed, but more 

 often they do not visit the camp unless they receive special calls. 



Treatment by Contract With Local Physicians. 



Many camps in which State prisoners are employed, enter into 

 monthly contracts with local physicians by which the latter agree to 

 furnish whatever medical and surgical treatment may be necessary. 

 The contract prices range from $25 to $50 per month and in some 



