172 BULLETIlSr 414, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTURE. 



On the basis of 45 men to each camp the county ,which paid directly 

 for the food would save $73.50 per month and $882 per year, and 

 could if it desired expend this sum in improving the camp. 



In all of the foregoing diet tables there is a striking similarity in 

 the character of the food, but except in a few instances quantities are 

 not given, because accurate detailed information could not be ob- 

 tained. An intensive dietary study to determine the fuel value of 

 the food actually consumed and the amounts of the food constituents, 

 while of great interest, was beyond the scope of this investigation. 



Most of the diets would be improved by the addition of a few inex- 

 pensive food materials, such as vinegar, pickles, stewed dried fruits 

 and uncooked green vegetables from time to time as opportunity 

 affords. 



Vinegar, for beans and certain vegetables, and pickles are actually 

 craved by many of the negro convicts. While these materials add 

 httle, if any, fuel value to the food, they contain certain acid sub- 

 stances of which the body may be in need. In cases where they 

 would add greatly to the satisfaction of the men there can be no reason 

 for not providing them. 



Stewed dried fruits, cooked unripe green fruits stewed with sugar, 

 and fresh fruits are a valuable part of any diet. They are pleasing 

 to the taste, add variety, and contain important mineral salts. They 

 may be used in the place of desserts, and should be served daily in 

 some form. 



Fresh uncooked green vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, radishes, 

 tomatoes, and the hke, form healthful additions to the diet and should 

 be served whenever practicable. It is very essential, however, that 

 they should be washed thoroughly in clean water and not come into 

 contact with dirty hands or filth before being served. 



DIET TABLES FOR CONVICT CAMPS. 



The following diet tables (18 to 25) have been designed for the pur- 

 pose of meeting the pecuhar requirements of convict camps so far 

 as it is possible to do so. It is beheved that these tables are composed 

 of the cheapest food materials that can properly be used in the feeding 

 of convicts, and that the amounts and proportions are such as to 

 insure a well-balanced diet of sufficient food value to maintain a man 

 at hard muscular labor. The food requirements of individuals differ 

 considerably and are also influenced markedly by the amount of hard 

 labor actually performed. It is not to be expected that men on yard 

 work about the camp will require the same amount of food as those 

 engaged in pick and shovel work on the road. Actual experience 

 alone can determine the exact requirements of the camp as a whole. 



