124 BULLETIN" 414, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



When tubs or pails are used for bathing purposes it is absolutely- 

 necessary that they be scalded out with boUiiig hot water after every 

 individual bath, in order to avoid the danger of transmitting disease 

 from one person to another. 



At one camp a novel method of washing the convicts was in use. 

 Immediately after returning from work the men removed their cloth- 

 ing, formed in line, and the superintendent sprayed them with a hose 

 placed in a tub of water and worked by a hand pump. After the jfirst 

 wetting they were given time to soap themselves, following which the 

 superintendent rinsed them. 



Prisoners often are permitted and encouraged to bathe in near-by 

 rivers and ponds in the summer, and this is a privilege which is 

 thoroughly enjoyed. Camp officials should inform themselves as to 

 the condition of the water, however, and men should not be per- 

 mitted to bathe in dirty water polluted with filth. The best time 

 for bathing is about two hours after a meal. Prisoners should not 

 be permitted to enter the water too soon after eating, when perspiring 

 very much, or when chilled. 



Facilities foe Washing Face and Hands. 



Prisoners at all camps are compelled to wash their faces and hands 

 before meals. Tin washbasins usually are provided, and roughly- 

 constructed washstands are placed at convenient points about the 

 camp. Water for washing purposes is stored near by in barrels or 

 buckets, and soap and individual towels are fiunished. At some 

 camps an ejffort is made to provide individual washbasins, but it is 

 doubtful if this is ever strictly carried out. When cases of syphilis 

 and skin diseases are present in camp, the danger of infection is con- 

 siderable. Each man should be required to cleanse the basin thor- 

 oughly before and after using it. 



The washing of the hands after visiting the toilet is one of the most 

 important duties to be performed. It has been absolutely proved 

 that many persons who show no signs of sickness carry the germs of 

 various infectious diseases in their intestinal canals, and the con- 

 tamination of fingers with those germs is always possible while visiting 

 the toilet, especially by men of unclean habits. Infection then may 

 be carried to the bunk house, mess room, or kitchen. Washing the 

 hands therefore should be insisted upon, and the necessary conven- 

 iences should be provided. 



Cake op the Clothing. 



At practically all camps personal clothing is washed either once or 

 twice a week. It is a common custom to detail one or two men to do 

 the laundry work and to give them no other task until the week's 

 wash is completed. As a rule, one or two days are sufficient for this 



