L 



120 BULLETIISI" 414, TJ, S, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



bandages at their own expense so that they ma}^ be able to give some 

 rehef before the arrival of a doctor. 



While serious accidents occur only rarely, it would appear never- 

 theless that every camp outfit ought to be prepared to meet any 

 emergency. At one of the camps visited it was recorded that a con- 

 vict had received a compound fracture of the thigh from being struck 

 with a piece of flying rock and at another, one of the prisoners received 

 an injury which resulted in the loss of one hand. Both of these cases 

 were cared for successfully at the camps until the services of a phy- 

 sician could be secured. Practically all of the camps were pro- 

 vided with telephones and were so located that medical aid could be 

 procured within a reasonable time. 



discussion and recommendations. 



Benefits Derived from Outdoor Work. 



Camp life and out-of-door work without doubt are far more health- 

 ful and beneficial than life behind prison walls and are sought eagerly 

 by prisoners. The best results are being accomphshed at those 

 camps where the men are not selected for the sole purpose of con- 

 structing a road, but where the first consideration is the good which 

 may be derived by the men themselves. Prisoners who have proved 

 themselves worthy of trust are among those upon whom it would 

 appear especially fitting to bestow the benefits and advantages of out- 

 door hfe and exercise. 



While it is a fact that diseased men should not be sent to the 

 camp, it is true also that certain of the less robust individuals can 

 be developed and benefited greatly by the opportunities which the 

 camps afford. It is very possible that mental and physical break- 

 downs often could be avoided in such a way as this, and it would 

 appear a small matter, indeed, if the number of days lost on account 

 of minor ailments should remain somewhat above the average for 

 the first few weeks if the men themselves eventually were benefited 

 and strengthened. At camps where the welfare of the men is borne 

 in mind, there is no disposition on the part of the officers to require 

 more than they can reasonably do, and the attitude of both keepers 

 and men is that of a "square deal" aU around. 



Physical Examinations. 



The importance of thorough physical examinations by competent 

 physicians scarcely can be overestimated. It is only in this way 

 that men suffering from infectious diseases can be prevented from 

 entering the camp and becoming a menace to the health of the entire 

 force. Those suffering from heart disease, Bright's disease, hernia, 

 and similar afflictions may also be detected, thereby protecting the 

 individuals from possible serious injury and saving the camp much 



