CONVICT LABOE FOE EOAD WORK. 157 



2 splints, No. 1 each. . $0. 50 



8 ounces sulphui" ointment per pound. . . 75 



1 smooth-dressing forceps 50 



1 dozen siu-gical needles 50 



1 ounce toothache drops 25 



RATIONS FOR CONVICTS AT ROAD CAMPS, i 



INTRODUCTION. 



To maintam tlie body in the highest state of health and efficiency 

 it must be suppHed with those foods best adapted to build up the 

 wasted tissues, furnish energy for the production of muscular activity, 

 and yield heat for the upkeep of the temperature. 



When a good variety of animal and vegetable foods is at hand in 

 sufficient quantities, the mstinct and taste of the individual gener- 

 ally may be reUed upon to guide hun in the selection of those foods 

 best adapted to his needs, but when, through lack of means or depri- 

 vation of freedom, he is compelled to submit to certain limitations 

 of his food necessity, rather than natural desire, may determine how 

 his body shall be nourished. It is highly unportant, therefore, that 

 those who are to restrict or supervise the feeding of any group of 

 individuals should have some knowledge of foods and their relations 

 to the human body. 



Among the most important constituents of food are the substances 

 known as protein, fats, carbohydrates, and mineral salts. 



PROTEIN. 



Protein is usually considered of first importance in food values, 

 because it is the only constituent of food which contams nitrogen, the 

 element essential for the building and repair of the nitrogenous tissues 

 composing the body itself. Protein is contained in largest quantities 

 and in forms most available to the body in lean meat, fish, cheese, 

 eggs, milk, peas, beans, oatmeal, and wheat flour. It is noticeable 

 that protein is in the greatest amounts and the most useful forms in 

 the more expensive articles of food, and that fat meat, syrup, green 

 vegetables, and molasses are not included. These latter foods, while 

 by no means without great value in other ways, do not alone, with 

 the possible exception of some green vegetables, supply the body with 

 sufficient protein for its needs. 



The results obtained from much careful study of different races and 

 groups of individuals have led an investigator of wide experience in 

 India to conclude that all successful people have habitually consumed 

 protein in large amounts, whereas those who have adhered to a low 

 protein standard have not progressed correspondingly physically, 

 mentally, or morally. The foUowingsaying concerning the Brahmans, 



' ('rcA'ii m Ki'vcn to the Office of Ilomn ICf;on)mir;.s of tlio State Relations Servieo of tliis department for 

 ai'J in the prcpiiration of this part of the Imlletin. 



