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 boiling 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 first 
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 for 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 furnished. At some 
camps an effort 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. 
Care of 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 
